Unlocking Microsoft Funding:

A Guide to Cloud, Security, and Modern Work Incentives

7th March 2025

When adopting Microsoft solutions, many organisations are unaware of the various funding opportunities available to help offset costs, accelerate digital transformation, and drive adoption. Microsoft offers several funding programs to customers and partners, covering cloud migration, security, modern workplace adoption, and industry-specific initiatives. Below is a breakdown of key Microsoft funding options and how they can benefit your organisation.

Azure-Specific Funding & Programs

Azure Migrate & Modernize (AMMP)

Designed to help customers migrate workloads to Azure by covering assessment, migration, and optimisation costs. This is a partner-led initiative and requires pre-approval from Microsoft.

Azure Innovate

Supports customers looking to build AI and cloud-native applications on Azure by funding proof-of-concept (PoC) and early-stage development.

Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC)

Provides cost savings for customers who commit to a minimum Azure spend over time. Available through Enterprise Agreements (EAs) or Cloud Solution Providers (CSPs).

Azure Savings Plan / Reserved Instances

Although not direct funding, these offer significant discounts for customers who commit to long-term Azure resource usage.

Azure AI & Advanced Compute Funding

Supports AI-driven initiatives by providing financial backing for workloads related to machine learning, cognitive services, and high-performance computing on Azure.

Azure Hybrid Benefit

Allows businesses to reduce costs by applying existing Windows Server and SQL Server licences to Azure Virtual Machines and managed services.

Security & Compliance Funding

Microsoft Security Adoption & Modernisation Programs

Funding for assessments, workshops, and deployments related to Microsoft Security solutions such as Defender, Sentinel, and Purview.

Identity & Access Management (IAM) Funding

Supports customers adopting Azure Active Directory (Entra ID), Conditional Access, and Zero Trust security models.

Defender for Endpoint & Cloud Security Funding

Financial assistance for deploying Microsoft Defender and Sentinel for comprehensive security monitoring and response.

Modern Work (M365) Funding

FastTrack

A Microsoft-funded program that provides remote guidance, best practices, and tools to help customers deploy Microsoft 365, Azure, and Dynamics 365.

End Customer Investment Funds (ECIF)

Co-funding provided by Microsoft for large-scale digital transformation projects, proof-of-concepts (PoCs), and deployments.

Accelerate, Modernise, Migrate (AMM)

A funding program to assist customers in migrating workloads to Azure by covering assessments, PoCs, and migration costs.

Adoption & Change Management (ACM) Funding

Funding for customer training, workshops, and engagement programs to ensure successful M365 adoption.

Teams Phone & Calling Incentives

Microsoft provides financial incentives for customers adopting Teams Phone and Operator Connect, including free trials and credits.

Frontline Worker Enablement Funding

Assists businesses in equipping their frontline workforce with M365 solutions through adoption programs and funding.

Windows 365 & Cloud PC Funding

Supports the adoption of Windows 365 and Cloud PCs with financial incentives for proof-of-concepts and deployments.

Industry & Specialised Programs

Surface Adoption Programs

For enterprises deploying Microsoft Surface devices, including potential discounts or funding for adoption.

Education & Non-Profit Grants

Microsoft offers special funding and discounts for educational institutions and non-profits to support digital transformation.

Microsoft Sustainability & ESG Incentives

Supports organisations looking to adopt Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability, providing funding for ESG reporting and carbon reduction initiatives.

How to Leverage Microsoft Funding for Your Business

If you are a Microsoft customer, securing funding can be a strategic advantage in adopting and deploying Microsoft solutions efficiently. Here’s how you can make the most of these opportunities:

Engage with Invisualight: Many funding programs require a partner-led approach, so working with a certified Microsoft partner can streamline access.
Understand Eligibility Requirements: Different programs have different criteria, and some require pre-approval from Microsoft’s sales teams.
Align Funding with Business Goals: Choose funding programs that best match your organisation’s needs, whether it’s cloud migration, security adoption, or modern workplace transformation.
Apply Early: Some funds have limited allocations, so early application increases the chances of approval. Bearing in mind microsoft financial year runs from July 1 to June 30.

By leveraging these funding opportunities, organisations can accelerate their digital transformation journey with reduced costs and enhanced support from Microsoft. Stay informed and make the most of these financial incentives!

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