Guide to Using

Microsoft Co-op Funds

with 365 talent portal

What Are Co-op Funds and What Can You Use Them For?

Co-op Funds (Cooperative Marketing Funds) are part of Microsoft’s Partner Incentives Programme. They are earned by partners through qualifying sales and are intended to help you grow your business by funding eligible marketing, training, and development activities. You can use all 365 Talent Portal services to claim for Coop funds (please request pre-approval for guaranteed funding).

You can use Co-op Funds for:

1. Partner Skilling

Internal and on-demand training
Microsoft exams and tuition

2. Demand Generation

Strategy and process creation

How to Use Co-Op Funds

Step 1: Check How Much Funding You Can Use

1. Sign in to Partner Center

https://partner.microsoft.com

2. Select the Incentives tile

3. Click on Co-op Management

4. Filter by Fund Category and Usage Period

5. Click Create a Claim to begin the process

Understanding the Funding Timeline

Funds are earned during a 6-month accrual period and used in the following 6-month usage period. Example:

Accrual Period: Jan–Jun 2025
Usage Period: Jul–Dec 2025
Claim Deadline: 15 Feb 2026
POE Approval Deadline: 31 Mar 2026

Step 2: Request Pre-Approval

Before starting any activity, it’s recommended to request pre-approval from Microsoft to ensure your planned use of Co-op funds is eligible.

How to Send Your Request

Contact [email protected] to request a suggested email template and program outline you can then send to Microsoft

Email the information to [email protected]

CC: Your Partner Development Manager (PDM) and Distributor contact (if applicable)

Step 3: Claim the Funds

Once your activity is completed, follow these steps to claim your Co-op funds:

1. Sign into Partner Center.

2. Go to Co-op Management

and click Create a Claim.

3. Upload Proof of Execution (POE):

Screenshots, photos, URLs, attendee lists, etc.
Include date ranges and Microsoft branding where applicable.

4. Complete the claim form

and submit it.

Deadlines

Claims must be submitted by:

H1: 15 February (23:59:59 UTC)
H2: 15 August (23:59:59 UTC)

POE must be approved by:

H1: 31 March
H2: 30 September

POE Tips

Create a short PDF report summarising the activity and results. Include:

Screenshots with live URLs and dates
Advert visuals and metrics (clicks, impressions)
Event photos and attendee lists

Retain original POE for 24 months after the claiming period

Final Notes

Use your funds early

Don’t wait until the end of the usage period

Unclaimed funds are forfeited

after the grace period

Work with your PDM

to align activities with Microsoft priorities

Need help?

Reach out to our team for guidance