How to claim Microsoft MDF

A practical walkthrough for US Microsoft partners: get approval, deliver to spec, prove execution and submit a claim that clears compliance first time.

Claiming Microsoft MDF, end to end

Microsoft Market Development Funds (MDF) are proposal-based. You agree a plan with Microsoft up front, deliver the activity, then claim the spend back against approved invoices and proof of execution.

The claim itself is rarely the hard bit. The wins and losses happen in how cleanly the plan, the spend and the evidence line up before you ever open Partner Center.

The MDF claim process, step by step

What good looks like for US Microsoft partners running MDF-funded marketing.

1

Get the plan approved before you spend

Submit the activity, audience, solution area and expected outcomes for approval. Spend before approval is not claimable.

2

Run the activity to spec

Hold to the agreed audience, branding, dates and Microsoft co-branding rules. Material changes need a re-approval.

3

Collect proof of execution as you go

Screenshots, attendee lists, campaign reports, invoices. Treat evidence as a deliverable, not a fire drill at claim time.

4

Submit the claim in Partner Center

Upload the invoice, proof of execution and any required reporting against the original activity ID. Submit well before the fiscal deadline.

5

Close the loop with Microsoft

Share the outcome - pipeline influenced, customers engaged, co-sell motions kicked off. This is what earns the next round.

Common reasons MDF claims fail

If any of these are true, expect a rework or a rejection.

  • Spend incurred before the plan was approved.
  • Activity drifted from the approved audience or solution area.
  • Missing Microsoft co-branding or incorrect logo usage.
  • Proof of execution does not match the invoice line items.
  • Claim submitted after the fiscal deadline.
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Run MDF like a growth program, not a paperwork exercise

Resultful helps US Microsoft partners plan, deliver and claim MDF with the evidence trail to clear compliance and the pipeline story to earn the next round.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How do I claim Microsoft MDF?

Get the activity approved in Partner Center, deliver to spec, collect proof of execution and invoices, then submit the claim against the original activity before the fiscal deadline.

What counts as proof of execution for an MDF claim?

Evidence that the approved activity actually happened: campaign screenshots, landing pages, attendee or audience reports, agendas, recordings and matching supplier invoices.

Can I claim MDF for spend before approval?

No. Spend incurred before the activity is approved is not eligible. Always secure approval first.

How long does an MDF claim take?

Typically a few weeks once submitted cleanly. Most delays come from incomplete proof of execution or mismatches between invoice and approved plan.

Who approves MDF for US partners?

Microsoft, via Partner Center workflows tied to your Solutions Partner designations and engagement with Partner Success or local Microsoft teams.