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How to Get Permission to Use the Microsoft Logo on a Nonprofit Website
Question details
A nonprofit organization wants to know how to legally obtain permission to display the Microsoft logo on its website after receiving discounted services and donations.
- Product
- Microsoft
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Displaying corporate sponsor or donor logos on a nonprofit organization's website.
- Observed behavior
- The organization needs to ensure compliance with Microsoft's branding, trademark, and usage requirements before publishing the logo online.
Do not assume that receiving a donation, grant, or discounted software service automatically grants your organization the legal right to use the Microsoft logo on your website.
Review Guidelines and Request Written Permission
To ensure compliance with copyright laws, review Microsoft's official trademark guidelines and submit a formal request for logo usage.
Microsoft logos may only be used in strict compliance with Microsoft's official trademark and brand guidelines. Unlicensed use of their logo is a violation of trademark policies.
Search for and review the official 'Microsoft Legal guidance on using copyrighted content' on the Microsoft website to understand general restrictions.
Log into the Microsoft 365 Admin Center using your nonprofit administrator credentials.
Navigate to the support section and open a new support request asking for explicit legal or branding permission to use the Microsoft logo.
Once written permission is granted, use only the specific logo files, attributions, and usage terms provided directly by the Microsoft branding team.
Empower Your Nonprofit with WPS Office
While you navigate trademark and branding policies, consider equipping your nonprofit organization with WPS Office. As a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, WPS Office helps nonprofits minimize overhead software costs while maintaining maximum productivity.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
- 3. Open Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we use the Microsoft logo if we are an officially registered Microsoft nonprofit partner?
Even if you are a recognized partner or receive discounted services, you must still adhere to Microsoft's specific branding guidelines. In most cases, explicit, written permission from Microsoft is still required before you can publicly display their logo on your website.
Where can I find the official Microsoft logo to put on my website?
Once you submit a request and receive written permission from Microsoft, their legal or branding team will provide you with the approved, high-resolution logo files and precise guidelines on sizing, clear space, and attribution.
What happens if a nonprofit uses the Microsoft logo without permission?
Using the logo without proper authorization violates Microsoft's trademark policies. Your organization may receive a cease-and-desist letter, lose access to nonprofit discounts, or face legal action for unauthorized trademark usage.
