Microsoft Ad Grant Update: Free $1,000 Per Month

by Blake Arata  |  Jul 15, 2022  |  Strategy  |  1 comments

2 min to read ✭

Microsoft Advertising has announced updates to the Ads for Social Impact program, which offers Microsoft-approved nonprofits a monthly grant for digital advertising. Effective April 1, 2023, the monthly grant has been adjusted from $3,000 to $1,000. Despite this significant decrease, Microsoft has introduced a grant upgrade opportunity starting in July 2023.

I Need Help With My Ad Grant

Microsoft Ad Grant Upgrade Opportunity

Starting in July 2023, non-profit organizations that participate in the Microsoft Ad Grant program have the opportunity to increase their grant from $1,000 to $3,000. To qualify, organizations must spend an additional $800 per month from their own funds for two consecutive months. This increase serves as an indicator that the organization is effectively utilizing the Microsoft platform to further their mission.

Adjusting Your Strategies: Tips for Accommodating the Grant Change

Nonprofits can take the following actions before April 1 to accommodate the grant change:

1. Budgets: Review your campaign budgets and bid amounts and adjust as needed. If you prefer not to spend your own funds beyond the $1,000 monthly grant, adjust your daily campaign budget amounts accordingly.
2. Payment Method and Structure: Review your payment method and structure, and consider changing to a prepaid account with a $1,000 limit to avoid overspending.
3. Targeting: Adjust your targeting to focus on the highest-performing locations and campaigns that provide the most value to your organization.
4. Account Coverage: Pause or de-fund underperforming campaigns, ad groups, and keywords to optimize your $1,000 monthly grant.
5. Monitor Grant Redemption and Remaining Balance: Keep an eye on your grant balance to avoid overspending, as any spending beyond the monthly coupon will be charged to your payment method.
6. Ad Distribution Settings: Adjust your ad distribution settings to “Bing, AOL, and Yahoo search (owned and operated only)” to ensure your grant is only applied to eligible properties.
7. Free Optimization Support: Connect with Microsoft’s specialists for a free consultation on shifting your advertising strategy to accommodate the new grant structure.

Planning for a Grant Increase in July 2023

To increase the Microsoft Ad Grant back to $3,000, non-profits must spend an additional $800 per month for two consecutive months. For example:

• In May, your total spend should be $1,800 ($1,000 from Microsoft grant + $800 of your own funding).
• In June, your total spend should be $1,800 ($1,000 from Microsoft grant + $800 of your own funding).
• In July, you will then unlock the $3,000 grant.

To keep the increased grant, the organization must spend a total of $3,800 per month ($3,000 from the grant + $800 from its own funds) and maintain this spending level for two consecutive months. If this spending level isn’t maintained for two consecutive months, your account will revert to the $1,000 monthly grant.

Nonprofits can maximize their impact with the valuable opportunity offered by the Microsoft Ad Grant. By adapting to the new grant structure and taking advantage of the upgrade opportunity, organizations can boost awareness, attract supporters, and support high-impact programs and fundraising. Learn how to optimize your Microsoft Ad Grant strategy for your organization.

Updates to the Microsoft Ads Application Process

Microsoft has temporarily paused onboarding new non-profit organizations into the program to refine it and ensure longevity. However, eligible non-profits can still apply for the program once it reopens.

Who is Eligible?

Organizations must be nonprofit or non-governmental organizations with recognized legal status in their respective country (equal to 501(c)(3). Currently, these types of organizations are not eligible for the Microsoft Ad Grant:

Additionally, it’s important to note that the Microsoft Ad Grant program is currently only available in select countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Israel, Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. To learn more about eligibility requirements, you can visit Microsoft’s website.

AM I ELIGIBLE?

1 The grant doesn’t include the cost of advertising on the Microsoft Advertising search partner network. You may choose to extend your reach beyond the owned and operated properties; however, grant funds will not cover those costs.

Blake Arata