Adobe qualification for CS4,

Hi.

I'm the IT guy for a 501(c)(3) group in NY that provides direct access to people learning to use modern media for social justice. From all indicators we are in great shape to get a copy of CS4 at the reduced rate shown, but when i try to check out it says we're no qualified! We're registered here as 501 and have received software before (over a year ago). Any one know why this might be happening?

Joshua,

You may also want to review our Quick Guide to Discounted Software Programs: http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/software/page5055.cfm

I did review all of adobe's requirements, and it appeared that we were spot-on. I'm not sure where we went astray, In our paperwork somewhere? Can you see anywhere why they denied us, or is it all automated?

I am having a similar problem.  My organization is a church but we have a preschool on site that is a secular.  We have always qualified under this.  Until adobe changed their qualifications.  Since the economic down turn we have expanded our preschool to include an after school program.  I have been teaching classes in web design, and print publication.  As I read the qualifications for an adobe donation it appears we do qualify now because of this new program.  I have written to tech-soup 2 times with no response.  I have called and told we don't qualify to try gifts in kind.  I don't think the rep really understood what I was talking about.  I don't know what to do.   I feel I am getting no help from tech-soup.  There has got to be a way to properly designate our organization.  

Joshua,

  I see that your organization subtype has changed. We do need some additional information and I will email you directly about that.

Autumn

Jason,

    Classifying organizations can indeed be tricky. To help determine the programs and services we often refer to information provided on the public website of an organization. With the information I have so far about your organization, I am not yet certain if it would qualify for Adobe. Generally Adobe is not available for schools and training programs. This is reflected in part by the amount of products and licenses that eligible organizations may request each fiscal year. The number is very small, and the focus is primarily on rather small organizations that provide direct services to the poor (food, clothing, shelter, etc.,) arts programs, environmental organizations and many youth activities. That last category, of course, may apply to your organization and I can provide some suggestions for finding the best category to reflect those services. http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/ is a great resouces for organizations that are looking for ways to describe their programs and connect those with the codes available from the IRS. Please have a looking and pick one or more categories that you feel fit best. I will email you directly to continue this conversation.

Autumn 

I am having the same problem.  We are an organization working on science and technology research for the public good.  We do a number of studies on different subjects, including global warming, water issues and others.  We are currently working on a software system for disaster preparedness for the community and government organizations to promote information sharing and community awareness for planning for, during and after major emergencies, such as fires, hurricanes, etc.  Some of this grew from our local Santa Barbara community's recent experiences with 3 major fires in the last few months.

Our web site is currently not public, for a number of reasons.  I can send you some information about our current efforts.  What else can we do?

Keith,

  Although we have no doubt that your work is very important and a great service to the community, each of our donating partners has specified nonprofit organization types which they are most interested in supporting through donations of their products. Just as individuals make decisions about who they may or may not donate to, so do our partners. We understand that this can be a challenge for some nonprofits and we do our best to provide as much information as possible to help you acquire the technology and information you need - even if it is not through TechSoup Directly. The Adobe program is geared toward very small organizations within the arts community or those that provide direct services such as food and shelter.

 I do strongly suggested looking into the other resources that I mention in one of my posts above as it may help you find what the products and licensing options that you are looking for.

Autumn

I'm having the same problem.  We're trying to purchase Adobe Web Design Premium and it's saying that we're not qualified.  We did already purchase one copy of it (having been "qualified") and need another one.  Since it's a new fiscal year, I thought it would be fine but it isn't.  Nothing has changed with our account - type and subtype are the same.  What happened and what do I do about it?

Nancy,

 One other variable that can effect eligibility is that at times our partners do make adjustments to their eligibility requirements. Often these are small, subtle changes, but eligibility is always subject to change based on the manufacturer's giving guidelines at any point in time. For example, some years, our vendor partners may be able to contribute more than at other times and this may effect the spectrum of organizations that are eligible. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Autumn

Thanks Autumn.  I did check the Adobe eligibility guidelines and our organization seems to meet all requirements.  None of the "ineligibility" items applies.  Is there a way for someone at TechSoup to let me know what I'm missing in the relationship between our organization type/subtype and the requirements?

Also, if we are indeed ineligible at this time, is there a possibility that the requirements could change at a later date, making us eligible once again?

Nancy,

  At this time, singing groups are not eligible for the Adobe Donation Program. Eligibility does vary from time to time so it is possible that the program will open up to additional organization types. Additionally, as you have seen before, we also have special donation programs from time to time that can have a very broad eligibility.

Autumn

Thanks Autumn.

For my future reference, can you tell me where I would have found that (so that I don't miss it next time)?

It will not be listed specifically in any of the restrictions. Due to the volume of categories and the fluctuations in the eligibility requirements, we are only able to provide the general eligibility information given by our partners. We are working on something that will provide a list of programs that you are eligible for with the click on a button, but that will not be available for a while yet. For any specific questions, please call us directly.

Autumn