How to Redeem Microsoft Rewards for Charity Donations

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with your Microsoft Rewards points beyond grabbing gift cards or sweepstakes entries, here’s something genuinely meaningful—you can use them to make a difference.

Microsoft Rewards gives you the option to donate your points to charity, helping causes you care about with just a few clicks.

I’ve been using Microsoft Rewards for a while now, and I find the donation feature to be one of its most rewarding parts (pun intended). It’s simple, accessible, and gives everyday internet activity a little extra purpose.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to redeem your Microsoft Rewards points for charity, why it matters, and how to make sure your contributions go where they count.

Why Donating Your Microsoft Rewards Points Matters

We all spend a lot of time online—searching, shopping, gaming, or streaming. Microsoft figured out a way to make those actions mean more by turning them into points you can earn through its Rewards program.

What’s even better is that these points can be donated to real causes: from global organizations like UNICEF and the American Red Cross to local animal shelters or education programs.

When you redeem points for charity, Microsoft converts your points into a cash equivalent and donates that amount to the chosen nonprofit.

So even if you’re not in a position to give financially, your regular activity on Bing, Xbox, or Microsoft Edge can still make a difference.

It’s a small, steady way to help create impact—and it feels good to know that something as simple as searching for recipes or checking the weather can support communities in need.

How do I Redeem Microsoft Rewards for Charity?

Donating your Microsoft Rewards points is straightforward. Here’s exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Sign in to Your Microsoft Rewards Account

Go to rewards.microsoft.com and sign in using your Microsoft account. If you’re new to the program, you’ll need to sign up first—it’s completely free, and you start earning points right away.

Step 2: Go to the Redeem Section

Once you’re logged in, click on the “Redeem” tab at the top of the page. This is where you’ll see all your available redemption options, like gift cards, sweepstakes, and charitable donations.

Step 3: Search for a Charity

Scroll down to the “Donate” section or use the search bar to find a charity. Microsoft partners with many nonprofits, including:

• World Wildlife Fund
• UNICEF
• The Trevor Project
• Girls Who Code
• The Nature Conservancy
• American Cancer Society
• Local and community-focused charities (which vary by region)

You can browse featured charities or pick one that aligns with your values.

Step 4: Choose the Number of Points to Donate

Each charity lists different donation levels—usually starting at 1,000 points and going up to 10,000 or more.

You can choose the amount that works for you. For example, 1,000 points might equal a $1 donation (the conversion rate can vary slightly).

Once you select your donation amount, confirm the redemption. Microsoft will process the donation on your behalf and send the equivalent cash value to the nonprofit.

Step 5: Get Confirmation

You’ll see a confirmation message on your screen and, in some cases, receive an email verifying your donation. Your Microsoft Rewards dashboard will also update to reflect the number of points you’ve donated.

That’s it—you’ve just turned your daily searches into real-world good.

Tips to Earn More Points (So You Can Donate More)

If you want to increase your impact, it helps to earn points faster. Here are a few easy ways to rack them up:

• Use Bing as your search engine. You earn points every time you search—on both desktop and mobile.
• Complete daily sets and quizzes. These fun, short activities on the Rewards homepage can give you quick boosts.
• Shop through Microsoft Store. Purchases earn points that add up fast if you buy games, apps, or devices.
• Play on Xbox. Completing Game Pass quests or achievements can earn extra rewards.
• Refer friends. Share your referral link to bring others in and get bonus points.

Once you get into a rhythm, you’ll be surprised how quickly the points accumulate. It’s an effortless way to support charity over time without spending extra money.

Why I Like Donating Through Microsoft Rewards

What I appreciate about this feature is its transparency and convenience. You don’t need to set up a payment method or visit multiple websites.

The donation happens directly through Microsoft’s platform, which means it’s secure and streamlined.

I also like that it keeps me mindful about my digital habits. Every search or game achievement feels a bit more purposeful because I know those points can be turned into real help for others.

It’s a small reminder that impact doesn’t always have to come from big gestures—sometimes, it’s the steady, consistent actions that matter most.

FAQs

Do I have to pay anything to donate points?

No. Donating points doesn’t cost you any money. Microsoft converts your points into a cash equivalent and donates that amount to the charity you select.

Can I choose any charity?

You can only donate to charities that are part of Microsoft’s approved list. However, this list is extensive and includes both global and regional nonprofits.

How many points equal one dollar?

Typically, 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points equals about $1 in donation value. This can vary slightly depending on the region or charity.

Can I see how much my donations have contributed overall?

You’ll see your individual donations listed in your account history. Some charities may also share updates on the collective impact made by Microsoft Rewards donors.

Are Microsoft Rewards donations tax-deductible?

No. Because Microsoft donates on your behalf (not directly from your account or payment), it isn’t tax-deductible for you personally.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

While donating through Microsoft Rewards is an amazing way to give back, it’s worth understanding its scope:

• The donation comes from Microsoft, not directly from your personal finances.
• You can’t track your donation beyond confirmation unless the charity publicly acknowledges it.
• Your impact adds up more significantly when more users participate—so encourage others to join in.

Microsoft also sometimes runs special campaigns where it matches donations or highlights urgent causes (like disaster relief efforts). Keep an eye out for those; your points can go even further during those times.

Final Thoughts

I’ve come to see Microsoft Rewards as more than just a fun way to earn perks—it’s a small but steady path to doing good.

Redeeming points for charity doesn’t require any extra spending, effort, or time. It’s simply about redirecting the value of what you already do online toward something meaningful.

Every few searches, every daily set, and every Xbox achievement can contribute to real impact—feeding families, protecting the environment, or supporting education.

So, next time you’re deciding how to spend your Microsoft Rewards points, ask yourself:
What cause would I love to support—just by doing what I already do every day?