Most CRM initiatives begin with the same questions –
- How do we control cost?
- How do we limit risk?
- How do we make sure the system delivers value on day one?
You know CRM is a high-stakes decision. It affects revenue, customer experience, and daily operations. Yet many buyers never hear one key point during the evaluation process: Microsoft may help pay for the project.
This support comes through End Customer Investment Funds (ECIF). It is one of Microsoft’s most useful incentives for companies exploring Dynamics 365, but most organizations do not know it exists.
That lack of awareness can cost real money.
Below is a practical look at what ECIF is, why it matters, and how it can change the economics of a CRM selection or migration.
What ECIF Really Is
ECIF is Microsoft’s co-investment program for strategic customers. It does not reduce license fees. It funds services delivered by approved partners.
Common funded activities include:
- CRM assessments
- Migration planning
- Migrations from competing CRM systems
In simple business terms, ECIF lowers the cost of early steps in a CRM initiative. When awarded, it covers work that companies would otherwise fund themselves. In certain cases, awards have reached $100,000 for deployment projects.
Why Most CRM Buyers Never Hear About It
ECIF is not promoted.
There is no public application page. No campaign. No pricing sheet.
The program is field-driven.
The Microsoft account team and partners identify strategic opportunities and decide when ECIF should be offered. The conversation usually begins only when a partner or advisor knows to raise the topic.
This is why many companies never learn about the program.
- They assume all funding opportunities are public
- They do not know to ask
- Or they hear about ECIF only after their project is already underway.
A Simple Real-World Example
A B2B energy consulting company engaged us to lead their CRM strategy and evaluation. Their existing system was outdated and slowing down key operations. They had narrowed their choices to Microsoft Dynamics 365 and two well-known competitors.
During the evaluation, it became clear that Microsoft viewed the project as strategic. A legacy migration, a strong business case, and an active comparison against competing platforms created a clear opportunity for co-investment.
We advised the client on how the ECIF program works, how Microsoft evaluates funding requests, and how to structure the project. We also recommended a knowledgeable Microsoft partner who understood how to position the opportunity with the field team.
With a clear structure and strong justification, the client secured more than $20,000 in ECIF funding. That support covered early-stage planning and reduced the financial pressure on a complex migration.
Why ECIF Matters During CRM Selection
A CRM decision is more than a software choice. It is an organizational shift. It changes workflows, reporting, customer engagement, and collaboration.
Yet most buyers begin the process without a full view of the resources available to them. Funding programs like ECIF, partner incentives, and platform credits often reshape the economics of a CRM project.
This is where experienced advisors make a difference.
Not because they know a company’s workflows better than the company itself. But because they understand how to frame the project, when to address funding, and what Microsoft needs to evaluate an opportunity.
That guidance stretches budgets, clarifies decisions, and improves outcomes.
The Bottom Line
If you’re considering Dynamics 365 or comparing CRM platforms, ECIF may reduce the cost of getting started. Most buyers do not know this. Most are never told. Many discover ECIF only after the window has closed.
You do not need to make that mistake.
A short conversation can help you understand whether ECIF fits your situation and how to align your project for consideration. When you’re navigating a high-stakes CRM decision, every advantage matters, especially the ones most people overlook.
