It is hard to believe how far we've come since we first started donating Microsoft software. TechSoup Global began by distributing software donations to worthy nonprofit organisations in the United States. More than 10 years later, Microsoft software donations are mainstays of the TechSoup Global program. And it's a good thing!

It is hard to believe how far we've come since we first started donating Microsoft software. TechSoup Global began by distributing software donations to worthy nonprofit organisations in the United States. More than 10 years later, Microsoft software donations are mainstays of the TechSoup Global program. And it's a good thing! Since they started the program in 1998, Microsoft has donated more than US$3.9 billion worth of software to nonprofit organisations in 100 countries worldwide.

We at DonorTec want to thank Microsoft for its longstanding commitment to supporting nonprofits around the world through software donations and more, and are thrilled to join them in announcing some important updates to their software donations program that will make it even easier for nonprofits and public libraries to get the Microsoft products they need, when they need them.

Beginning today, July 27, 2011, organisations now have more flexibility regarding when they can request Microsoft software donations and in the product donations available. And, to make navigating the program easier, we're introducing the Microsoft Donation Centre, where eligible organisations can easily track their Microsoft requests, see the value of donations received to date, and more.

How the Microsoft Program Updates Benefit Your Organisation

• Request what you need, when you need it: Organisations can now request Microsoft products as needed, not just once per year. Also, there is no longer a five-seat minimum requirement, so an organisation can request just one license if that is all it needs.
• Get more complete solutions: Now organisations can request up to 10 different Microsoft titles in each two-year cycle instead of 6, helping them to build more complete solutions to help them meet their missions. And, with the addition of Microsoft's Get Genuine Windows product, organisations can ensure their existing computers are running genuine versions of Microsoft operating systems (learn more about Get Genuine here).
• Easily see Microsoft donations details at a glance: To help organisations manage their Microsoft donations, TechSoup has created the Microsoft Donation Centre (accessible from the My requests link next to the My account link), where nonprofits can get all the key details in one place. Organisations can easily track what's been donated so far, what remains of their software allotment, when their cycle resets, and more nonprofit resources available from Microsoft.
• Existing Microsoft Cycles Have Been Reset: If your organisation is already participating in the Microsoft Software Donation Program through TechSoup, your cycle has been reset! Your two-year donation cycle will start again when you place your first Microsoft request after July 27, 2011, and will reset every two years on the anniversary of that request. Orders placed before July 27, 2011, will not count against your new Microsoft software donation allotment.

To learn more about the updates to the Microsoft Software Donation Program and how they affect your organisation, visit our Overview of the Microsoft Software Donation Program. Together with Microsoft, we're excited to help you understand the updates and how they can benefit your organisation, and - ultimately - your community.

Help Us Donate More: Spread the word!

Many organisations have benefited from software donations from Microsoft, but there are many more still to reach! Help us spread the word to our fellow nonprofits. Check out this great video on the impact of Microsoft software donations and share it with your networks. You can also follow @msftcitizenship on Twitter (in English) to hear more or find them on Facebook.