Catherine McKinnell MP is urging charities in her Newcastle North constituency to apply for free software from Microsoft.  Working with the Charity Technology Trust, through their Charity Technology Exchange service, Microsoft is one of a growing number of technology companies who make donations of their products to the voluntary sector.

Microsoft offers eligible organisations up to ten titles, including their most popular software packages, such as Microsoft Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010. Organisations can receive up to 50 licences of each title in every two year period. Donations include free upgrades for two years and access to a range of e-learning resources.  Not all charities are eligible, but the majority are, and there are no limits on the number of organisations who can receive a donation.  Grantees pay a nominal administrative fee to the Charity Technology Exchange, which supports the running of the services.

Since the launch of this programme in 2006, Microsoft has supported over 6,700 UK charities – donating software with a retail value of more than £50 million.

Catherine said:

“We all know that times are very tough for the charitable and voluntary sector, and particularly in the North East.

“In the last two years alone, a number of organisations from right across my constituency have benefited from Microsoft’s software donation programme – including The Lemington Centre, The Grange Centre in Throckley , the Dementia Care Partnership in Brunswick Village, Learning First Ltd in Newbiggin Hall and Own It Ltd in West Denton.

“I would therefore strongly urge all charities based in Newcastle North to get in touch with my office on 0191 229 0352 to see if they are eligible, or they can find out more information via http://www.ctxchange.org/.”