Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Tech Soup: communitymar@techsoup.org (800)659-3579 x350 Mailing Address: Community MAR Administrator TechSoup Stock 435 Brannan St #100 San Francisco, CA 94107
Microsoft Office 2003 Standard is now available for computers supplied to eligible charitable organizations and other specially approved recipients. It is not available for eligible academic recipients.
Office 2003 Standard is available in the same languages as Windows XP Professional. When you receive your first Office 2003 COAs, the media will include all the languages you selected for Windows XP.
TechSoup.org offers nonprofits a one-stop resource for technology needs by providing free information, resources, and support. TechSoup.org's product philanthropy service, TechSoup Stock, provides nonprofits with donated and discounted technology products, generously provided by corporate and nonprofit technology partners.
TechSoup.org is a program of CompuMentor, one of the oldest and largest nonprofit technology assistance agencies in the United States.
Is your nonprofit or school in need of recycled computers?
Find recycled computers from a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher.
Eligible recipients can be assured that computers provided to them by Community MAR refurbishers will have legally licensed Microsoft Operating Systems.
Get tips for acquiring and using recycled computers at TechSoup
Donate a computer to a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher
Learn what you need to know about donating computers at TechSoup
The Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) Americas program provides Microsoft operating system software to PC refurbishers in all the countries of North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean (with the exception of Cuba). The MAR Program is a partnership between Microsoft and TechSoup.
The Community MAR program authorizes eligible refurbishers to install the Windows operating system on refurbished computers for eligible recipients:
The Community MAR program was created to increase the number of usable PCs available to nonprofits, schools, and low-income families across the globe by reducing the cost of software to refurbishers. The Community MAR program also benefits the environment by giving new life to a significant number of computers that may otherwise be destined for landfills.
The Community MAR Americas program is part of the larger MAR Worldwide Program.
Using genuine Windows operating systems is as important for refurbished computers as it is for new computers. Only genuine Windows operating systems offer end users the quality they expect and additional benefits such as full access to downloads, updates, and enhanced features. To find out when a new Windows operating system license is or is not required for a refurbished PC, see the Microsoft Windows Operating System Licensing Guide for Refurbished Personal Computers (PDF) .
To be a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, you must:
If you meet these criteria, we invite you to apply to become a Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher.
More information on eligibility
Related Programs
Microsoft Donated Computer Operating System (DCOS) Programhelps nonprofit organizations up to 20 donated computers to acquire Windows XP Home Edition software.
Fresh Start for Donated Computersprogram helps primary and secondary (K-12) schools ensure that quality donated personal computers are properly licensed to run a Windows Operating System.
eBay Rethink offers a fresh perspective on the challenge of e-waste, with information, tools and solutions that make it easy to sell, donate, or recycle used computers and electronics.