AWS Credit Grant Program Details
The AWS Credit Grant Program, offered through TechSoup, provides eligible U.S. member-based and community-benefit tax-exempt organizations with $5,000 in AWS credits at a 90% discount. This page contains full details on eligible services, restrictions, credit terms, and frequently asked questions.
Eligible AWS Services
Compute
- Amazon EC2 — Scalable, cloud-based servers for applications, databases, and migrations.
- Amazon EC2 Container Service — Run applications on a managed EC2 cluster without operating infrastructure.
Storage
- Amazon EBS — Persistent local storage for EC2, databases, and enterprise apps.
- Amazon EFS — File storage accessible by multiple EC2 instances.
- Amazon S3 — Scalable object storage for content, archives, and serverless applications.
Databases
- Amazon RDS, Aurora, DynamoDB — Relational and NoSQL databases for fast deployment.
- Amazon Redshift — Petabyte-scale data warehousing.
- Amazon ElastiCache — In-memory caching for improved performance.
Advanced Computing and Tools
- Migration services
- Networking and content delivery
- Developer tools
- Analytics and reporting services
Ineligible Services
AWS credits cannot be applied to:
- Amazon Mechanical Turk
- AWS Managed Services
- Enterprise Support
- AWS Marketplace purchases
- AWS Professional Services
- AWS Training & Certification
- Amazon Route 53 domain registration or transfers
- Cryptocurrency mining
- Upfront fees for Savings Plans or Reserved Instances
Rules, Eligibility, and Restriction
This program is available to U.S. IRS tax-exempt organizations in the following subsections:
- 501(c)(1): Federal corporations chartered by Congress (e.g., federal credit unions)
- 501(c)(8): Fraternal beneficiary societies
- 501(c)(9): Voluntary employees’ beneficiary associations (VEBAs)
- 501(c)(11): Teachers' retirement fund associations
- 501(c)(12): Cooperative utilities and mutual ditch/irrigation companies
- 501(c)(14): State-chartered credit unions and mutual reserve funds
- 501(c)(15): Mutual insurance companies or associations
501(c)(3) organizations: Access AWS Credit Grant offers through TechSoup's 501(c)(3) program.
Additional Rules
- One grant per year: $5,000 AWS credits per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).
- Credits are organizational only: Not transferable, not for individuals.
- Must agree to AWS Terms and Conditions.
- Admin fee is nonrefundable.
Credit Terms and Conditions
- Credits valid for at least 12 months from delivery.
- If accounts are consolidated, credits draw down at the payer level across all linked accounts.
- After credits are used or expire, your AWS account's credit card will be charged at standard rates.
- Auto-renew is required to maintain continuity; reminders are sent 30 days before renewal.
Support
- AWS Basic Support is included at no cost.
- Developer or Business Support plans can be paid with credits (support launch fees not covered).
AWS Free Tier
New AWS customers also qualify for the AWS Free Tier for 12 months
after sign-up. Credits from this program do not reset the Free Tier period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can AWS credits be used for?
+AWS credits can be applied to a wide range of eligible Compute, Storage, Database, and Advanced Computing services (see sections above).
Do I need an AWS account?
+Yes. You must have a valid AWS account with your organization's name in the Account Name field. A credit card is required to open the account.
Are there regional restrictions?
+Yes. Availability depends on AWS regions. See the AWS Region Table.
How soon will credits be available?
+Typically within 48 hours of approval and payment. If more information is needed, TechSoup will contact you.
What are the credit terms?
+$5,000 per year, valid for at least 12 months. Credits draw down across linked accounts.
What happens when credits expire or are used up?
+Any additional usage is billed to your AWS account's credit card at standard rates.
Can credits be renewed annually?
+Yes. Your grant renews every 12 months if eligibility is maintained and the admin fee is paid.
Are there additional service costs?
+Yes, if you exceed the $5,000 credit limit, use ineligible services, or use services outside AWS Free Tier.
Are existing AWS customers eligible?
+Yes. Credits can be applied to existing accounts.
Can my request be rejected after I pay the admin fee?
+No. Only eligible organizations may request this grant. Ineligible orgs will not be charged.
What support is included?
+AWS Basic Support is free. Higher tiers can be purchased with credits.
What about the AWS Free Tier?
+What about the AWS Free Tier?