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. You can see the full eligibility requirements at http://www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/userights/DocumentSearch.aspx?Mode=3&DocumentTypeId=19.

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

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. Learn more about Microsoft’s software donations at http://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/citizenship/giving/apply/default.mspx.
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?

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. You can find the eligibility requirements at http://www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/userights/DocumentSearch.aspx?Mode=3&DocumentTypeId=19.

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. Find the Microsoft subsidiary nearest you at
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/index/worldwide.mspx.

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. You can view the requirements at
http://www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/userights/DocumentSearch.aspx?Mode=3&DocumentTypeId=19.

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.

What Software Assurance benefits are available to Open License for Charities customers?
Software Assurance offerings available under Open License for Charities are:

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. A specific list of Open License for Charities resellers is available on the Microsoft Web site at www.microsoft.com/licensing/programs/open/opencharity.mspx.

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.

How do I acquire Open License for Charities?
To order licenses through the Open License for Charities program, contact your preferred Open License for Charities reseller or find a participating reseller by downloading the reseller list at http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/programs/open/opencharity.mspx.

Review the eligibility requirements for your region to ensure you qualify. You can find eligibility requirements at http://www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/userights/DocumentSearch.aspx?Mode=3&DocumentTypeId=19.

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.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/userights/PL.aspx.

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

How can I get help with specific licensing questions?
Review the Microsoft Volume Licensing site at www.microsoft.com/licensing/ for information on specific program details, licensing briefs, and other resources.

In the United States, call 1-800-426-9400 to speak to a Microsoft licensing specialist. Worldwide customers can find the Microsoft Licensing Site for your region at http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/index/worldwide.mspx.

Where can I find pricing for the Open License, Select License, Enterprise Agreement, and Enterprise Subscription Agreement programs?
You can find Microsoft Open Licensing information in the Microsoft Product and Technology Catalog. Simply select the product you are interested in from the product names list box, then choose the Volume Pricing link at the left. Consult the Open License Program Overview for descriptions of the Open License pricing system.

If you are a larger company interested in pricing for larger quantities through the Microsoft Select License, Enterprise Agreement, or Enterprise Subscription Agreement programs, contact your Large Account Reseller or local Microsoft Sales Office for assistance. You can also call 1-800-426-9400 (select option 4) to speak directly to a Volume Licensing specialist.

I am already involved in an Open License, Select License, or Enterprise Agreement program. Where can I find information about the licensing program(s) I already have?
Customers in the Open License program can use the eOpen tool to:

• View Open License information for one or more authorization numbers in a single view.
• Create and retain personalized views of license purchase history information.
• View Open License purchases made in more than 180 countries.

Your Large Account Reseller, Enterprise Software Advisor, or local Microsoft Sales Representative can assist with questions regarding Select License or Enterprise Agreement status, additions, or changes.