Microsoft Co-op guidelines in one paragraph
Microsoft Co-op is marketing money Microsoft Partners earn through the Microsoft Commerce Incentive (MCI) programme. Once incentive earnings pass $10,000 USD in a half, part becomes Co-op. You spend it on pre-approved marketing, skilling or market development activity, prove it happened, then claim reimbursement in Partner Center. Unused Co-op funds expire - they don't roll over.
This page is a plain-English summary of the FY27 Co-op guidelines, last updated 14 October 2026. Microsoft publishes the official rules in Partner Center and the Co-op guide for each fiscal year, so always check your own allocation and the current guide before you commit spend. We're a marketing agency, not Microsoft, and the rules below are our reading of them.
How the Co-op process works
- 1
Earn
Eligible incentives
Co-op accrues from qualifying Microsoft revenue, so check your balance and expiry date in Partner Center.
- 2
Plan
Choose activity
Pick eligible activities that match a real commercial goal, then get the activity approved before you start.
- 3
Execute
Run campaign
Deliver the approved activity on time, with Microsoft co-branding where it's required.
- 4
Evidence
Prove delivery
Collect proof of execution as you go - assets, audience reports, invoices and results.
- 5
Claim
Seek approval
Submit your claim with the evidence attached before the deadline so the funds are released.
Key Co-op numbers at a glance
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Earning threshold | Co-op kicks in once your MCI incentive earnings pass $10,000 USD in a half. Earnings then split between rebate and Co-op. |
| Usage period | Funds are allocated per half of Microsoft's July-June fiscal year and must be used within that period. |
| Grace period | You get 45 days after the usage period ends to submit claims. After that, unclaimed funds are forfeited. |
| Rollover | None. Unspent Co-op doesn't carry into the next half. |
| Reimbursement | Microsoft typically pays roughly 60 days after it assesses an approved claim. |
| Pre-approval | Activities should be planned and approved in Partner Center before the spend happens. |
| Proof of execution | Every claim needs evidence the activity ran as approved, plus itemised invoices. |
What you can and can't spend Co-op on
| Usually eligible | Usually not eligible |
|---|---|
| Marketing agency campaigns and retainers that promote Microsoft solutions | Marketing that doesn't feature or support Microsoft solutions |
| Paid media as part of a multi-touch campaign | Internal staff salaries and general overheads |
| Content, landing pages, email and webinars | Activity that ran before it was approved |
| Events aimed at net-new Microsoft business | Spend you can't evidence with invoices and proof of execution |
| Third-party training for your teams or customers on Microsoft solutions | Gifts, hospitality or anything outside the published categories |
What changed for FY27
The biggest FY27 change is the multi-touch campaign. A multi-touch campaign means paid media plus at least two other eligible activities, such as a landing page, email, webinar or blogs, all working towards the same goal. Standalone tactics are harder to justify than joined-up campaigns.
Microsoft's FY27 direction also leans heavily into AI, security and cloud, so activity that supports those priorities tends to be easier to plan and defend. If you're unsure what qualifies, prioritise the activities named in the current guide and keep the evidence trail tidy from day one.
Common reasons Co-op claims get rejected
Spend before approval
The activity started before it was approved, so it can't be reimbursed.
Weak proof of execution
Screenshots are missing, Microsoft co-branding isn't visible, or the evidence doesn't match the approved plan.
Invoices that don't map
Supplier invoices are bundled or vague, so Microsoft can't tie the cost to the activity.
Missed deadline
The claim lands after the 45-day grace period, and the funds are gone.
How Resultful helps
We help Microsoft Partners plan Co-op-eligible marketing, run the campaigns and package the evidence so your claim is straightforward. You stay in control of Partner Center and submit the claim yourself - we focus on the marketing and the proof. Most partners come to us with funds about to expire and want a campaign live within weeks, which is what our Spend your Co-op programme is built for.