The Microsoft Partner's Guide to Co-op Funds
Discover how to maximise your co-op funds with our comprehensive guide.
Download
The Microsoft Partner's Guide to Co-op Funds
Discover how to maximise your co-op funds with our comprehensive guide.
Download
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.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to unlock the full potential of your co-op funds and drive net new growth for your business.

What's inside?
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 Centre portal.
The claims process
Our guide ensures you understand 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
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, Noteworthy Support's Partner Center Healthcheck Report or Alliances-as-a-Service offering.
External training
Partners can claim for the use of a third-party training provider – such as Illuminate Learning – to deliver training to their teams around Microsoft solutions. Training can be to both internal sales & technical teams, as well as to their customers or prospects.
Events
Partners can claim for the cost of hosting an event that aims to drive net new Microsoft business, as well as for costs relating to the purchase of tickets to attend Microsoft-hosted events. For example, tickets to Microsoft Ignite, held annually in the United States.
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.
- Sian Herrington, CEO
Noteworthy & Marketplace Mastery
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Co-op Funds?
Co-op funds are a benefit of the Microsoft Partner benefit programme, 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, customer seminars, and more.
How are Co-op funds earned?
Co-op funds are 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?
To claim Co-op funds, partners must incur a cost against an eligible activity and then claim the cost back through the Partner Centre portal. Claims can be made from the date the activity has completed, with payment reimbursement made 60 days after Microsoft assesses the claim.
What POE (Proof of Execution) do I need to include with my claim?
POE typically includes screenshots or photos of the activity proving that it took place. It's advisable to create a short PDF report covering the outcome/results of activities and the proof of execution evidence.
What happens if I don’t spend all of my funds?
Unsuccessful Co-op claims and unused funds will be forfeited at the end of the grace period for claims submission (45 days after the end of the usage period).
Are you looking for Microsoft Co-op fund support?
We can work with you to create an effective activity plan that utilises your Co-op funds, as well as how to successfully claim funding back.
Get in touch →