Don't leave Co-op funds on the table
As a Microsoft Partner, you have access to valuable Co-op funds that can significantly boost your marketing efforts and drive business growth. However, many partners miss out on fully utilising these funds, leaving substantial resources untapped.
With Co-op funding pots expiring at the end of each half, it's essential to make the most of these opportunities to enhance your digital presence and customer engagement.
Navigating the complexities of Co-op funds can be challenging, which is why we've created this comprehensive guide. It will help you understand the best practices for utilising your funds effectively and ensure you don't leave any resources on the table.
What's inside?
A complete walkthrough of how to plan, claim and get more from your Microsoft Partner Co-op funds.
Understanding Co-op funds
Discover the benefits and uses of Co-op funds, and how they can be used to enhance awareness of Microsoft solutions and drive business growth.
Earning & claiming funds
Understand the process of claiming these funds by incurring costs against eligible activities and submitting claims through the Partner Center portal.
The claims process
Walk through each stage of the process, from submission to approval, helping you avoid common pitfalls and successfully claim your funds.
How Co-op funds can be used
Four practical categories where Microsoft Partner Co-op funds can be put to work.
Marketing agencies & consultants
Partners can claim for the use of marketing agencies who deliver marketing on their behalf. This includes one-off campaigns as well as ongoing retainer relationships.
Operational support
Partners can claim the cost of support in managing their Microsoft relationship, for example partner-centre healthcheck reports or alliances-as-a-service offerings.
External training
Partners can claim for the use of a third-party training provider to deliver training to their teams - and to their customers or prospects - around Microsoft solutions.
Events
Partners can claim for the cost of hosting an event that aims to drive net-new Microsoft business, as well as for tickets to Microsoft-hosted events like Microsoft Ignite.
We see it all the time, partners forfeit thousands in Co-op funds. Not because they don't have a need for them, but because they don't know they have them, or how to access or use them in Partner Center.
Frequently asked questions
What are Microsoft Partner Co-op Funds?
Co-op funds are a benefit of the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP), allocated to partners to fund marketing activities that boost awareness of Microsoft solutions and drive business growth.
How can Co-op funds be used?
Co-op funds can be used for Partner Skilling, Demand Generation, and Market Development activities. Examples include training, digital advertising, email marketing and customer seminars.
How are Co-op funds earned?
Through participation in the Microsoft Commerce Incentive (MCI) programme. Partners' incentive earnings are divided into rebate and Co-op funds once earnings reach $10,000 per half.
How do I claim Co-op funds?
Incur a cost against an eligible activity and claim it back through the Partner Center portal. Reimbursement is made 60 days after Microsoft assesses the claim.
What POE (Proof of Execution) do I need?
Typically screenshots or photos of the activity proving that it took place. It's advisable to create a short PDF report covering the outcome and evidence.
What happens if I don't spend all of my funds?
Unsuccessful claims and unused funds are forfeited at the end of the grace period (45 days after the end of the usage period). Don't leave it until it's too late.