Microsoft proof of execution

What Microsoft actually wants to see when you claim co-op funds or MDF - and how US partners build the evidence trail into delivery so claims clear first time.

Proof of execution, in plain English

Proof of execution (PoE) is the evidence Microsoft requires to release co-op or MDF funds against an approved activity. No PoE, no claim - regardless of how good the campaign was.

Good PoE shows three things: the activity happened, it matched the approved plan, and the spend on the invoice ties to the activity delivered.

What strong proof of execution looks like

1

Campaign assets

Final creative, landing pages, emails, ad screenshots - with Microsoft co-branding visible where required.

2

Audience evidence

Audience lists, segment definitions, attendee reports, sign-in sheets or platform delivery reports.

3

Performance reporting

Impressions, opens, registrations, MQLs, pipeline influenced - whatever the original plan committed to measure.

4

Supplier invoices

Itemised invoices that map line-by-line to the approved activity. No mystery lines.

5

Dates and signatures

Activity dates inside the approved window. Sign-offs from whoever Microsoft requires.

PoE mistakes that cost claims

  • Generic invoices that do not match the approved activity.
  • Missing or incorrect Microsoft co-branding.
  • Audience evidence that contradicts the approved targeting.
  • Reporting metrics that were not in the original plan.
  • Activity dates outside the approved window.
See the full funded-growth guideHow to claim Microsoft MDF

Build proof of execution into the plan, not the claim

Resultful designs co-op and MDF programs with evidence as a deliverable - so claims clear first time and Microsoft sees the impact.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft proof of execution?

The evidence Microsoft requires - campaign assets, audience reports, performance data and itemised supplier invoices - to release co-op or MDF funds against an approved activity.

When do I need proof of execution?

Whenever you claim co-op funds or MDF against an approved activity in Partner Center. It is part of every claim, not an optional extra.

What evidence counts as proof of execution?

Final creative and co-branded assets, audience or attendee reports, performance metrics committed in the plan, dated activity inside the approved window, and itemised invoices that map to that activity.

What happens if proof of execution is incomplete?

The claim is reworked or rejected. Repeated weak PoE damages your credibility with Partner Success and reduces future funding.

Who is responsible for collecting proof of execution?

The partner. Most US partners that get this right assign PoE ownership to marketing operations, not the campaign manager or the supplier.