TechSoup is a service that provides access to discounted software and hardware to non-profits and public libraries. There are a wide range of products, such as Microsoft Office and Windows, Adobe Acrobat and Elements, Cisco networking equipment, Intuit Quickbooks, data visualization withTableau, remove access with Teamviewer, donor management with LittleGreenLight, and much more. The are also vendors like Dell, Linksys, and HP who give access to discounted rates on hardware. Discounts vary by vendor - some are significant, while others may be fairly minor. Eligibility also varies by vendor. Find the full list of products here - Click Donor or Company in the upper left-hand corner to see the full list. Libraries confirm their eligibility and create an account, and are then able to purchase products.
Library Eligibility
Requirements can differ between software vendors, but the most common requires public libraries to be a 501c3 or meet the IMLS criteria for a library and be listed in their datasets. Of these criteria, 2 and 5 are the most relevant (paid staff and tax support). TechSoup may ask for your FSCS ID. If you need your FSCS ID, or aren't sure of your status, please contact Joshua Muse
"A public library is an entity that is established under state enabling laws or regulations to serve a community, district, or region, and that provides at least the following: 1.) An organized collection of printed or other library materials, or a combination thereof; 2.) Paid staff; 3.) An established schedule in which services of the staff are available to the public; 4.) The facilities necessary to support such a collection, staff, and schedule; and 5.) Is supported in whole or in part with public funds."
Since Microsoft and Adobe are especially relevant among public libraries, we've gone into greater detail for both.
Microsoft via TechSoup
After recent changes to Microsoft's model and libraries eligibility, acquiring MS Licenses (for example, for Office) appears to be somewhat involved. Read about the current process at TechSoup's page about Microsoft and Libraries. TechSoup is hoping for a breakthrough, but unfortunately at this point this multi-step process seems to be the best option. Our impression is that other vendors will not have a better solution currently.
Adobe via TechSoup
Software
- One-Time Charge - Adobe Photoshop/Premiere Elements and Acrobat Pro can be purchased for a one-time fee.
- Cloud-Based Licenses - Adobe Creative Cloud is available with a ($19.99) monthly rate per license that is 60% below the standard rate for the first year, and increases to 40% below in later years.