Microsoft provides a structured global programme of software grants, service credits, and product discounts for eligible civil society organisations. As of 2026, the programme offers cloud productivity tools, infrastructure allowances, and artificial intelligence capabilities designed to support operational workflows.
Available grants and discounts
Eligible organisations can obtain granted licences for Microsoft 365 Business Basic at zero cost for up to 300 users. This tier includes web and mobile editions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, alongside one terabyte of cloud storage per user and access to Microsoft Copilot Chat. Advanced desktop applications and enterprise device management are offered through Microsoft 365 Business Premium at a discounted rate of $5.50 per user per month billed annually.
For cloud hosting and artificial intelligence development, Microsoft provides an annual Azure services credit grant of $2,000 USD. Organisations can deploy this credit across Azure cloud services, data tools, and infrastructure. In addition, Microsoft 365 Copilot, the generative AI workplace assistant, is available to eligible organisations at a 15% discount off commercial rates, while baseline Copilot Chat remains included without surcharge in eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify, an applicant must be an officially recognised non-governmental organisation or charitable body holding qualifying legal status in its country, equivalent to 501(c)(3) tax exemption under the United States Internal Revenue Code. Qualifying public libraries providing free community access and public museums preserving cultural artefacts are also eligible.
Grants and discounts are restricted geographically to countries where Microsoft cloud services are commercially supported. Ineligible institutions include governmental bodies, United Nations entities, academic institutions, commercial healthcare facilities, and financial institutions. Granted licences must be allocated exclusively to paid employees and unpaid executive leadership, whereas discounted licences may extend to operational volunteers.
Registration and verification process
Applications are submitted through the Microsoft for Nonprofits registration portal. The registration must be completed directly by an employee or strategic volunteer of the organisation; outside third-party IT providers or agents may not apply on its behalf.
Microsoft relies on independent global validation partners to review organisational documentation and verify non-profit status. Official documentation confirms that this validation procedure typically takes up to seven business days, although processing durations depend on local documentation requirements and response speeds. Once validated, administrators manage licences and claim credits directly within the Microsoft Nonprofit Hub.
