Microsoft for Nonprofits

Microsoft for Nonprofits

Supports registered nonprofits with in-kind software and cloud credits to strengthen mission operations.

Microsoft for Nonprofits is a rolling, global in-kind technology grant program operated by Microsoft Philanthropies that provides registered charitable organizations with Microsoft 365 software licenses and Azure cloud computing credits at no cost or heavily discounted rates. The program is continuously open with no application deadline; eligibility determinations are completed within three business days. In March 2026 Microsoft Philanthropies announced a commitment of more than $5 billion in discounts, donations, and grants to the nonprofit sector for the coming year, with this program serving as a primary delivery mechanism for the in-kind component.

Eligibility requires an organization to hold recognized legal charitable status — such as U.S. 501(c)(3) or a country-equivalent designation — operate on a strictly not-for-profit basis, maintain a community-benefiting mission, and attest to Microsoft's anti-discrimination policies. Granted licenses cover paid employees and unpaid executive staff only; discounted licenses extend to all staff including volunteers. Historically, eligible organizations have received approximately $2,000 to $3,500 in annual Azure credits, though exact amounts may vary by year and organization. For-profit entities, universities, and research organizations are excluded from this grant track.

Applicants register through Microsoft's nonprofit portal, where the eligibility verification process takes up to three business days. Because the award is in-kind rather than cash, organizations should evaluate it as a technology cost-reduction vehicle alongside complementary Microsoft programs such as the Microsoft AI for Good Lab open calls. For nonprofits heavily reliant on cloud infrastructure or productivity software, this program can represent meaningful annual operating savings, and new applicants are encouraged to apply year-round given the rolling, continuous availability of the program.