Your organization may be eligible to benefit from the Microsoft Software Donation Program or many other technology discounts organized by TechSoup.org. Find out by asking yourself these preliminary questions.

About TechSoup.org

TechSoup.org is a wonderful online resource for libraries and non-profits to connect with technology solutions, including Office from Microsoft. TechSoup.org features special programs small non-profits as well as large non-profits including: 

• American Cancer Society
• Boys & Girls Clubs
• Catholic Charities
• Feeding America
• Food for the Poor
• Goodwill
• Habitat for Humanity
• Red Cross
• Salvation Army
• The Task Force for Global Health
• United Way
• World Vision
• YMCA

TechSoup.org also features technology from companies other than Microsoft, such as The Intuit Donation Program (financial software), The Citrix Donation Program (remote desktop, conferencing, and training), The Bitdefender Donation Program (antivirus software), and many more.

But Are You Eligible? Here's How to Find Out

Run through the following questions as a preliminary way to determine your organization's possible eligibility for the Microsoft Software Donation Program.

1. Are You Part of an Official Organization?

Unfortunately, this is not a program for individuals, households, or families. Applicants need to be part of a professional or enterprise organization. If not, you may find other resources here: 

2. What Country Is This Organization Based In?

The Microsoft Software Donation Program is not available everywhere, unfortunately.

At the time of this writing, it is available to qualifying organizations in the United States. 

3. What Type of Organization Are You Part Of?

To qualify for consideration, that organization or group also needs to be a charity, nonprofit, faith-based community, or public library, for example. In particular, the rules specify a 501(c)(3) designation for non-profits.

To further clarify this, the following organization types are not eligible for this program:

• Government agencies or political interest groups
• Educational organizations such as schools, colleges, universities, and vocational training sites
• Healthcare organizations such as hospitals, laboratories or research sites, home healthcare, or assisted living healthcare groups
• Private libraries (including school or governmental collections)
• Refurbishers who service or donate to the above groups

TechSoup.org is careful to specify that it "does not provide donated or discounted products to organizations that advocate, support, or practice discrimination based on age, ethnicity, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background. Organizations must be willing and able to attest that they do not discriminate on any of these grounds in order to receive donations."

Be sure to Read Additional Eligibility Details for Specific Products

Every case and situation is different. For even more detail, you will want to stop by TechSoup.org's Eligibility site for this program. For example, certain types of software you may be interested in may have additional eligibility considerations. This is because many of these solutions are provided by partners, not Microsoft itself. 

How To Get the Most from Receiving a Donation

Potential recipients can sign up for a TechSoup.org profile and be part of an online community. 

If accepted, TechSoup.org graciously offers webinars and other resources which empower qualified recipients in maximizing their donation.

Don't Qualify? Additional Alternatives

Also Check out the Registered Refurbisher Program and other Special Programs on TechSoup.org, as well as their Free Apps and Downloads tab.

Once again, this is not the only program for saving on Microsoft products and services. Be sure to refer to Microsoft.com for more deals and offers, such as the Microsoft Volume Licensing for Industries.