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Cisco Technology
for Nonprofits

Cisco partners with TechSoup to help solve global challenges by offering donated or discounted equipment and licenses to eligible nonprofits.

Through Cisco’s programs, you can request everything you need to build a new network, expand an existing one, and secure and monitor your physical locations.

 

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Cisco Donations for Nonprofits Program

As part of the Cisco Technology Grant Program, Cisco donates Cisco Meraki products to nonprofits that focus on serving economically disadvantaged people, promoting environmental conservation, or preventing pollution. 

The only cost is an administrative fee that supports TechSoup’s programs.

 

To be eligible for Cisco donations, your organization must:

Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that primarily serves economically disadvantaged people or has a focus on environmental conservation or pollution prevention

Have an annual operating budget of $20 million or less

Not be an active Cisco customer

Not be an affiliate of a parent organization with more than 20 national or international affiliates

Not be an ineligible organization type

Comply with Cisco’s non-discrimination policy

If your nonprofit meets the eligibility criteria, find the products you need using the button below, add them to your cart and complete the checkout process to place your request. Our team will confirm your eligibility before fulfilling it, and we will contact you if we need additional information. 

 

Place a donation request

Cisco Donations for Nonprofits Program FAQ

How much can my nonprofit request?

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Nonprofits may request up to $8,000 in administrative fees per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). They can place as many requests as needed throughout the year, as long as they stay within the limit.

What if I need a product that is not listed?

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Most Cisco Meraki products are available. If you need something not listed on the website, complete the Custom Cisco Requests form. The Cisco Programs team will respond within three business days.

Note: If standalone licenses are needed, they must be for devices obtained through the donation program.

Which organization types are ineligible?

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The following organization types are not eligible to receive donations even if they meet the program’s general eligibility criteria:

  • Organizations that offer Cisco Networking Academy training programs (even if they were previously accepted for Cisco grants), or those that teach the Networking Academy curriculum as a single or separate component of their overall mission or services.
  • Foundations, lending organizations, grantmaking organizations, or organizations that provide scholarships or other funding to individuals and other organizations.
  • Advocacy organizations.
  • Legislative and political activity organizations.

What is an active Cisco customer?

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Nonprofits that have purchased Cisco Meraki products within the last six months from Cisco, resellers, retail channels, or the Cisco Discounts for Nonprofits program are considered active Cisco customers.

Note:

  • Receiving a donation through the Cisco Donations for Nonprofits Program does not make a nonprofit an active Cisco customer.
  • After receiving a Cisco donation, nonprofits should continue using the donation program for future Cisco Meraki needs. For exceptions, contact ciscoteam@techsoup.org.

What is an affiliate?

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A nonprofit is considered an affiliate if it is part of a closely connected network of organizations that share a mission and adhere to the same overarching guidelines. 

  • National affiliates are typically governed by a parent organization and/or board of directors, while international affiliates may operate independently with their own governance structure and leadership. 
  • Affiliates may function as separate legal entities with their own tax ID and nonprofit status or as branches of a larger organization.

Examples include American Red Cross, United Way, and Save The Children.

Can donated products be used in a Meraki dashboard that has products purchased by a different organization?

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No; donated products can only be used by the approved recipient organization. If your Meraki dashboard includes devices purchased by a different organization, contact the Cisco Programs team before requesting products: ciscoteam@techsoup.org. 

Cisco Discounts for Nonprofits Program

Cisco discounts are available for nonprofits that do not qualify for Cisco donations. Through the program, nonprofits can receive Cisco Meraki products at a 50 percent discount from the list price.

To be eligible for Cisco discounts, your organization must:

Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Not be an ineligible organization type

Have an annual operating budget of $50 million or less

Just find the products you need using the button below, add them to your cart, and check out. 

Place a discount request

Cisco Discounts for Nonprofits Program FAQ

How much can my organization request?

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A nonprofit may request up to $110,000 in administrative fees per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). It can place as many requests as needed throughout the year, as long as it stays within the limit.

Which organization types are ineligible?

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The following organization types are not eligible to receive discounts even if they meet the program’s general eligibility criteria:

  • Educational institutions, including K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and trade schools
  • Governmental organizations or agencies

What if I need a product that is not listed?

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Most Cisco Meraki products are available. If you need something not listed on the website, complete the Custom Cisco Requests form. The Cisco Programs team will respond within three business days.