Microsoft Ads For Social Impact

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• 05. 05. 2025

What Is The Microsoft Ads For Social Impact Grant?

Nonprofits are no strangers to making the most out of limited resources. Whether it’s stretching every dollar, rallying volunteers, or finding creative ways to raise awareness, mission-driven organizations constantly seek tools that can amplify their efforts without adding to their budgets. One of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, tools now available is the Microsoft Ads for Social Impact Grant.

Rather than offering generic support, this program delivers something highly specific: $1,000 in monthly advertising credits that can be used to reach potential supporters.

This grant is more than a financial boost, it’s a digital megaphone, built to help nonprofits connect with new audiences, promote services, and drive meaningful engagement. Let’s explore how it works, what makes it different from similar programs, and how your organization can take advantage.

Benefits Of The Microsoft Ads Grant 

Broader Audience & Demographics

The benefits of the Microsoft Ads for Social Impact Grant extend well beyond the financial savings. Bing offers a unique advantage for advertisers due to its large and distinct user base. While it may not have the same search volume as Google, Bing still boasts over 1.1 billion monthly searches, reaching more than 60 million users that Google Ads cannot access. This presents a valuable opportunity to target a diverse pool of potential supporters.

Additionally, Bing’s audience is known for its substantial buying power. With a larger percentage of users aged 25-34 and about 30% of its network having household incomes exceeding $100,000, Bing’s demographic is older and tends to have higher incomes, making it an ideal platform to connect with users who are more likely to engage with and invest in nonprofit causes.

Less Competition & Lower CPC

Microsoft’s audience network, may have a smaller market share compared to Google, but this can actually work in your favor. With fewer advertisers competing for the same keywords, there’s less bidding pressure, leading to lower costs and more opportunities for your ads to appear in top positions. The absence of a secondary auction means that grant ads are just as competitive as paid ads, maximizing your reach. For nonprofits, this results in greater visibility and a higher chance of appearing frequently in search results, all while staying within your $1,000 monthly budget. The lower cost per click (CPC) further enhances the value, ensuring your grant funds can go further and yield comparable results to larger advertising budgets.

Limitations Of The Microsoft Ads For Social Impact Grant

Like any structured grant program, the Microsoft Ads for Social Impact Grant comes with guidelines and restrictions that ensure proper use and equitable access.

Restricted Ad Placement

First and foremost, Ads funded by the Microsoft Ads for Social Impact Grant can only appear on Microsoft-owned and operated properties, as well as premium native properties within the Microsoft Audience Network. Unfortunately, this means that grant funds will not be applicable to Microsoft’s Search Partner Network, limiting where your ads can be displayed.

Approved Domain Requirement

Ads must point to approved domains. This means that your ad campaigns cannot direct users to landing pages that lead to external websites or other domains. It’s important to ensure that all destination pages align with the guidelines for approved content.

Financial Product Restrictions

The program prohibits ads that promote financial products, such as mortgages or credit cards. Nonprofits seeking to advertise these types of offerings will need to consider other advertising avenues, as such ads are not eligible for grant funding.

No Large Item Donations

Ads funded through the grant cannot request donations in the form of large goods, such as cars, boats, or property.

Expert Mode Requirement

To access the Microsoft Ads for Social Impact Grant, your Microsoft Advertising account must be in Expert Mode. This means you will need to have full access to advanced campaign settings and features, allowing for a higher level of control and customization over your ads.

Curious About The Eligibility Requirements?

To qualify for the Microsoft Ads for Social Impact Grant, organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Hold valid charity status (e.g., 501(c)(3) in the U.S.)
• Be recognized as a Microsoft-approved nonprofit organization
• Use an account set to Expert Mode in Microsoft Advertising
• Agree to comply with Microsoft’s anti-discrimination policy
• Maintain a website that clearly outlines the nonprofit’s mission and goals
• Only one account is permitted per eligible organization

Ineligible Organizations Include:

• Government organizations
• Hospitals/medical groups
• Schools
• Childcare centers
• Academic institutions

Learn more about the eligibility requirements HERE.

How To Apply For The Microsoft Ads Grant

The application process is relatively simple, but it requires several key steps.

1. Register with Microsoft for Nonprofits.
2. Create a Microsoft Advertising account. This will be the platform used to build campaigns, track results, and receive the monthly ad credits.
3. With the account in place, applicants can then formally apply for the Ads for Social Impact program.

While grant funds are not currently available, you can still begin using Microsoft Advertising to promote your nonprofit. Once approved, you can sign in to the nonprofit hub to access digital skills training and explore other resources tailored specifically for nonprofits.

Sign up to get notified about program updates, upcoming advertising grants, and exclusive offers for nonprofits.

Comparison Of Microsoft Ads Grant & Google Ad Grants

Final Thoughts

The Microsoft Ads for Social Impact is a powerful opportunity for nonprofits to enhance their digital presence, expand outreach, and make their missions known to a wider audience. Used strategically, whether alone or in combination with the Google Ad Grants, it can serve as a cornerstone of a nonprofit’s digital marketing strategy. Organizations that invest time in learning the platform, optimizing their campaigns, and staying in compliance can benefit immensely from this underutilized opportunity.

If your organization is eligible and you haven’t yet taken advantage of this grant, now is the time to explore its potential. Sign up to stay updated!