Tech discounts and donated software for Australian charities
By Antonio Sawlwin, Red Dog AdvisoryPublished 4 November 20265 min read
Technology costs add up fast for a small charity. Several providers offer free or discounted products to eligible organisations. The catch is that each one has its own rules, and those rules change.
This is a pointer, not an eligibility ruling. Use the checker to see which programs to look at first and what each one asks for.
Which tech discount programs should you check?
Two questions. We show which programs to look at and what they ask for, with a link to each program's own rules.
- Google for Nonprofits
You look likely to qualify. Google requires registration as a charity in Australia plus verification through its partner Goodstack.
Google eligibility rules - Microsoft nonprofit offers
Microsoft's eligibility list for Australia includes DGR-endorsed organisations, ACNC-registered charities and income tax exempt not-for-profits, so your status is likely accepted. What it offers has changed during 2026, so read the current terms before you plan around it.
Microsoft eligibility requirements (PDF) - Connecting Up donation and discount program
Connecting Up asks for a non-profit, non-government entity with a charitable purpose and an ABN, listed on the ACNC register or with income tax exempt status. Each donating partner then adds its own rules.
Connecting Up eligibility
This is a pointer, not an eligibility decision. Each provider decides who qualifies and can change its offer. Nothing you pick is saved or sent.
Get your paperwork ready first
Nearly every program starts with proof that you are a not-for-profit. Find these before you apply:
- Your ABN and the exact legal name registered against it.
- Your ACNC registration, if you are a registered charity, or your ATO income tax exemption details.
- Your DGR endorsement, if you have one.
- A person with authority to accept terms on the organisation's behalf, and a work email address that matches your organisation.
Check the fine print
- What exactly is discounted or donated, and for how long?
- Is there a cap on users or storage?
- What happens if the offer changes? Don't build your whole operation on a free product you can't replace.
- Who owns the account? Set it up under an organisation address, not a volunteer's personal email.
A free tool nobody uses well costs more than a paid one that fits. Choose the tool for the job first, then see whether a discount applies.
Want a hand working out which systems your organisation really needs? Book a free business check, or read about our work with not-for-profits.
Sources and notes
- Google for Nonprofits: eligibility guidelines (Australia)
- Microsoft: Nonprofit eligibility requirements (PDF)
- Connecting Up: who qualifies for the donation and discount program
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