Microsoft donations are only available to charities and, in some countries, public libraries. However, charities with certain mission types are not eligible.
Eligible Organizations
- An organization must be a nonprofit and nongovernmental organization that is recognized locally and operates for the benefit of the public.
- Public libraries may qualify as eligible nonprofit organizations without charitable status only where such software is made available to the general public for use on the library's premises. Please visit the Microsoft Volume Licensing website for more information about licensing programs for public library operations.
Eligible Missions
In addition to the criteria above, eligible organizations must also operate on a not-for-profit basis and have a mission that benefits the local community. These missions could include, but are not limited to, the mission types that follow.
- Providing relief to the poor
- Advancing education
- Improving social welfare
- Preserving culture
- Preserving or restoring the environment
- Promoting human rights
- Establishing civil society
Ineligible Missions
Any organization that does not meet the criteria that are outlined above for eligible nonprofit missions is ineligible for Microsoft nonprofit programs. Ineligible organizations include, without limitation, the types that follow.
- Nonprofit organizations that have not obtained charitable status that is recognized in their respective country.
- Governmental organizations or agencies. These agencies include international governmental organizations and United Nations entities. Visit the Microsoft Volume Licensing for Governments website for more information.
- Schools, colleges, and universities. These formal educational institutions are eligible through Microsoft academic volume licensing programs and are not eligible for Microsoft nonprofit programs. This guideline includes nonprofit schools. Please visit the Microsoft Volume Licensing for Education website for more information.
- Healthcare organizations that are included in Microsoft health programs are ineligible for Microsoft nonprofit programs. These organizations include hospitals, healthcare networks, health plans, ambulatory and outpatient healthcare organizations, nursing homes and assisted living, home healthcare, and health research organizations and laboratories. Visit the Microsoft Volume Licensing for Health website for more information. Exceptions include independent nonprofit organizations with these missions: community, behavioral, and women's health clinics; hospices; emergency services; and blood, tissue, and organ banks.
- Professional, commerce, and trade associations.
- Professional and semi-professional sports organizations.
- Political, labor, and fraternal organizations.
- Refurbishers that will install the donated software on refurbished computers that will be distributed or donated to nonprofits or schools. Please visit the Microsoft Refurbisher Programs page.
- Individuals.
Budget
Organizations with annual operating budgets of any size are eligible for products in this program.
Quantity
- Organizations receive an allotment of Microsoft software donations that is reset every two years. An organization's two-year cycle begins with its first donation request after July 27, 2011. After two years, a new cycle begins, and a new allotment is available.
- During its two-year cycle, an organization can request
- Up to 50 of each of the following: desktop products and or license-only products (like CALs).
- Up to 25 server products that use core-based licensing.
- Up to five server products that do not use core-based licensing.
- For further details, see Quantity and Frequency of Microsoft Requests on the Microsoft Donation Program — Eligibility and Allotments page.
Terms of Service
Organizations that request Microsoft products must agree to any applicable terms of service.
Amendments
Microsoft reserves the right to supplement or amend these eligibility guidelines at any time without notice.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Microsoft values and respects individual an cultural differences and is committed to providing an inclusive environment that is welcoming and free from discrimintion. Therefore, organizations are not eligible to participate in this program if they have a policy or mission of discrimination in hiring, compensation, promotion, termination, retirement, training, programs, and/or services based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, political affiliation, union membership, or veteran status. The only exception to thi policy is for religious organizations that are exempt from laws that prohibit such discrimination.
FAQ
For more information about Microsoft's resources for nonprofits and donation program eligibility, see its Nonprofit FAQ.
Product Distribution
- Products will be distributed under this program to qualifying organizations and libraries only, not to individuals
- Products are intended only for use by paid nonprofit employees and unpaid full-time equivalent (FTE) staff who have material day-to-day managerial, operational, and fiduciary responsibilities, and who will not use the license for personal income generation. Voluntees, members, and other beneficiaries of the nonprofit are not eligible for nonprofit licenses and subscriptions.
- Recipient organizations may not transfer or resell Microsoft products to other organizations, including partner nonprofits or legally independent sister organizations.
- Microsoft products may not be installed on computers that will be given to or sold to other organizations or individuals, even as part of a charitable program.