Microsoft Charity FAQ

What is the Open License for Charities program?

With the Microsoft® Open License for Charities program, nonprofit organizations can purchase multiple software licenses—instead of multiple software packages—at reduced prices. To qualify for the Open License for Charities in the United States, an organization must be a charitable organization as defined by Microsoft. .

How is Open License for Charities different from purchasing retail software licenses?

Instead of buying new retail software licenses for each computer in your organization, you can use Microsoft Open License for Charities to easily purchase just one media kit for the software. Then your organization can purchase enough licenses to cover the remaining computers.

When would I need Open License for Charities instead of requesting a donation for my nonprofit organization?

Open License for Charities is an option for eligible organizations that either do not meet the donation eligibility requirements or that want to acquire additional product licenses beyond donations.

How do I request a product donation?

Microsoft regularly donates its latest software technology to eligible nonprofit organizations worldwide. Microsoft’s software donations are demand-driven, based on the requests of individual nonprofit organizations to meet their technology needs. Microsoft accepts funding proposals from eligible organizations through Microsoft subsidiary offices located around the world.

How can I qualify for Open License for Charities once I know I am eligible?
You can qualify for the Open License for Charities program with as few as five Microsoft licenses.

How do I get the licensed products to install?
Microsoft Open License for Charities saves you money by not including disks and documentation. You pay for the license rights, not the expense of additional packaging. Or, if you do not have media for the software you want to install, Open License for Charities gives you options. You may purchase one legal copy of retail licensed product or order the disk and documentation set when you place your license order.

Eligibility

What are the eligibility requirements for the Open License for Charities program?
An organization needs to meet Microsoft’s guidelines to be eligible for the Open License for Charities program.

Which regions are eligible for the Open License for Charities program?
Please contact your local Microsoft subsidiary for possible Open License for Charities program offerings.

Can a nonprofit organization acquire an Academic License?

Organizations that are qualified under Microsoft’s Academic program can buy an Academic License. Other nonprofit organizations should consider the Open License for Charities program. Charitable organizations must be qualified organizations as defined by Microsoft’s eligibility requirements.

My organization’s eligibility status may have changed. Can we reapply?

Yes. You can reapply. The Open License for Charities authorized reseller that helped you apply for the program can ask Microsoft’s Open License for Charities customer relations group to reevaluate your eligibility. If the group determines that your organization meets the eligibility guidelines, regardless of whether or not you have been denied in the past, you can proceed with your purchase of Open License for Charities.

What happens if my organization loses its status as an eligible charitable organization?

If you lose your status as an eligible charitable organization subsequent to licensing products under this agreement, you may continue to use copies for which you are licensed, but you may not submit a new order for licenses under the Microsoft Open License for Charities program. You must also renew your expiring Software Assurance for licenses purchased under the Open License for Charities program by submitting orders for Software Assurance under any other Microsoft Volume Licensing programs for which you qualify.

Purchasing

Is there a minimum purchase?
Yes. You can participate in the Open License for Charities program with as few as five licenses.

Can I use my Open License for Charities outside of the United States?
No. Open License for Charities purchased in the United States may not be exported outside the United States or to affiliates outside the United States.

What is the pricing for Open License for Charities?
Eligible charity organizations receive special pricing for Open License for Charities that is equivalent to the lowest Open License price. To buy the best licensed products at the best prices, and to see if Open License for Charities is available in your region, contact your Microsoft subsidiary or software reseller.

Software Assurance

What Software Assurance benefits are available to Open License for Charities customers?
Software Assurance offerings available under Open License for Charities are:
· New Version Rights
· E-Learning
· Home Use Program (HUP)
· TechNet Subscription

Beyond these standard benefits, Open License for Charities customers receive two telephone or electronic support incidents per year. They can also purchase additional per-incident support and 5-Packs of support incidents at a discount. (A minimum purchase requirement may be determined.)

Are Open License for Charities customers with Software Assurance eligible for Home Use Rights?
Yes. Open License for Charities customers with Software Assurance for Office are eligible for Home Use Rights.

Is the Cold Server Backup for Disaster Recovery benefit available to Open License for Charities customers?
Open License for Charities customers with Software Assurance for Microsoft server software, as well as related Client Access Licenses (CALs), are eligible for complimentary Cold Server Backup support on licenses for disaster recovery purposes.

Can a customer with an Open Business Agreement renew Software Assurance on their licenses through the Open License for Charities program?
The customer can renew Software Assurance for their licenses through the Open License for Charities program, providing they qualify for that program.

Is the Open License for Charities Program sold through Large Account Resellers?
Not all Large Account Resellers (LARs) can sell Open License for Charities programs.
Does the Open License for Charities program offer the same benefits as the Open License Business program?
Yes. The Open License for Charities program has the same Software Assurance benefits as the Open License Business program.

Acquiring Licenses and Media

How do I acquire Open License for Charities?
To order licenses through the Open License for Charities program
http://www.swexpress.com/item/CEB344F3A3B402C1852576CB00531985!opendocument&title=Microsoft_Charity_Licensing

Review the eligibility requirements for your region to ensure you qualify. You can find eligibility requirements at
http://www.swexpress.com/item/E3FEE6B9B8B05E48852576CB00523E2A!OpenDocument

What products are available through Open License for Charities?
You can access a list of qualifying licensed products in the Licensing Product List at
http://www.swexpress.com/item/CEB344F3A3B402C1852576CB00531985!opendocument&title=Microsoft_Charity_Licensing

How do I receive disks and documentation for my licenses?
You may purchase the disk and documentation set when you place your license offer.