Microsoft’s NGO Connection is a program set up primarily to assist organizations achieve their goals and objectives. It emphasizes upon the use of technology as a tool for effectively working on projects and programs. This program has partnered with thousands of NGOs around the world and has been providing resources including monetary support to them. Technologically, Microsoft has been assisting NGOs in using software applications, use the internet more effectively, build websites and manage projects so that the communities to whom they are serving are positively benefited.
While cash grants for NGOs are offered as part of the Community Technology Skills program, there are various other forms of support given under the NGO Connection. The software grants and products offer opportunities for NGOs to use the company’s software applications either freely or at discounted rates. NGOs apply for online software need not confirm their eligibility. However, for accessing software grants, there is an eligibility criteria laid down by the company. Organizations should be locally registered and working for benefit of the communities in any of the following, but not limited to, manners:
- Providing relief to the poor
- Advancing education
- Improving social welfare
- Preserving culture
- Preserving or restoring the environment
Applications should outline a well-defined technology plan, which means how effective and useful will the requested software be for the NGO. There are resources available to applicants to support them in this process. Proposals can be submitted online.
NGOs which receive software grants from Microsoft can also access software support and training support in managing the technology. This is also part of the NGO Connection program. Besides software, NGO Connection also offers reconditioned computers with genuine Microsoft programs installed in them. This and other hardware can be accessed worldwide.
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IMPORTANT: Please do not send unsolicited emails seeking funding support to donor agencies. This will discredit your organization and can also bring bad reputation to you as an individual. Fundraising is a competitive process and you need to follow ethics and not spam donor emails with long, unrelated requests for grant support. If you just keep sending emails seeking support without knowing your donor, your chances of raising funds for your NGO will be drastically reduced and you may be blacklisted as a spammer.
