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AWS MAP Funding Guide: Eligibility & Application Process

A navigational guide to AWS Migration Acceleration Program funding. Official eligibility rules and incentive amounts are defined by AWS — use the links below as your source of truth.

Navigate AWS MAP funding with links to official program pages, partner guides, and MAP 2.0 tagging requirements. Learn how Assess, Mobilize, and Migrate phases work and where Tidal Accelerator fits.

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AWS MAP Funding Guide: Eligibility & Application Process

Official sources first

This page is a shortcut to AWS documentation. It does not define funding amounts, ARR tiers, or approval timelines. Always confirm current terms with your MAP-qualified partner and AWS account team.

The Problem: MAP Funding Exists, But the Path Is Unclear

The AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) helps organizations migrate and modernize with a proven three-phase methodology, partner expertise, and AWS financial investment.

Many organizations qualify. Few navigate the process efficiently because:

  • Funding rules live in partner-facing guides, not customer marketing pages
  • Assess, Mobilize, and Migrate incentives use different mechanics (partner cash vs. service credits)
  • MAP 2.0 credit eligibility depends on workload tagging, not just project completion
  • New projects should use AWS Transform rather than legacy Migration Hub workflows

Three-Line Rule

MAP funding is real and program-backed
Rules and amounts are defined by AWS, not vendors
Start with official docs and a MAP-qualified partner

The Observation: How MAP Is Structured

AWS organizes MAP around three phases. Each phase has distinct goals and funding mechanics defined in the Partner Funding Benefits Guide (partners access the current version in AWS Partner Central).

Phase Goal Official reference
Assess Readiness gaps, TCO model, migration business case MAP program page — Assess
Mobilize Landing zone, operating model, migration strategy MAP program page — Mobilize
Migrate & Modernize Execute migration and modernization waves MAP program page — Migrate & Modernize

MAP vs MAP Lite

AWS offers tiered program tracks based on projected post-migration annual recurring revenue (ARR). MAP Lite covers smaller scopes with simplified requirements. Standard MAP covers larger engagements with additional incentive options.

Exact ARR bands and percentages change when AWS updates the program. Do not rely on third-party summaries — use the July 2024 MAP incentives announcement for the latest public overview, then confirm current figures in Partner Central.

Strategic Partner Incentives (SPIs)

SPIs provide additional funding for qualifying scenarios, including:

  • Greenfield AWS customers
  • VMware-to-AWS transitions
  • Modernization engagements

SPI eligibility and amounts are defined in the current AWS Partner Funding Benefits Guide. See the MAP incentives blog post for the program intent.

Three-Line Rule

Assess builds the business case
Mobilize prepares the foundation
Migrate and Modernize executes with tagged workloads

The Recommendation: Follow the Official Process

Step 1: Read the AWS program overview

Start with the AWS MAP program page. Understand the three phases and which workload programs apply (Microsoft, VMware, SAP, mainframe).

Step 2: Engage a MAP-qualified partner

MAP funding requests are submitted by partners through the AWS Partner Funding Portal (APFP) in AWS Partner Central. Customers do not apply directly.

Find partners via the AWS Partner Finder (filter: Migration Competency). Verify MAP validation status in Partner Central.

Step 3: Complete Assess-phase deliverables

The Assess phase requires a realistic migration business case. AWS evaluates readiness across six Cloud Adoption Framework dimensions.

A strong Assess deliverable includes:

  • Application inventory and dependencies (not just server counts)
  • Migration complexity and prioritization
  • TCO comparison (current state vs. AWS target)
  • Wave sequencing and risk register

Tidal Accelerator supports application-centric portfolio analysis for Assess. AWS Transform supports infrastructure TCO, instance recommendations, and agentic execution. Use both — see our portfolio assessment comparison.

Step 4: Configure MAP 2.0 tagging

MAP service credits require tagged migrated workloads. For new engagements:

  1. Activate the map-migrated cost allocation tag — see the MAP 2.0 tagging guide
  2. Select the correct tag key/value for your MAP agreement
  3. Tag resources as workloads migrate — AWS Transform can apply MAP tags automatically when you provide your MPE ID

Note: AWS Migration Hub is closed to new customers as of November 7, 2025. Existing Hub projects continue; new work should use AWS Transform.

Step 5: Track funding through your partner

Partner cash and service credits follow different disbursement rules tied to MAP milestones and tagged spend growth. Your partner manages APFP submissions and claims. Ask them to walk through the current Partner Funding Benefits Guide for your specific tier and workload type.

Using Tidal Accelerator for Assess

Tidal Accelerator helps partners produce Assess-phase portfolio deliverables:

  • Application boundary detection and dependency mapping
  • Migration complexity scoring and 6R recommendations
  • Wave sequencing aligned with business priorities
  • Export of prioritized workloads for AWS Transform jobs

Qualified MAP engagements may access Tidal through the AWS ISV Tooling Program. Confirm eligibility with your partner — scope thresholds are defined by Tidal and AWS program rules, not on this page.

The Cost: Funding Types (Not Amounts)

AWS MAP investment generally falls into three categories. Specific percentages, caps, and ARR thresholds are in the Partner Funding Benefits Guide — not reproduced here.

Category What it is Who receives it
Partner cash Reimbursement for partner professional services during Assess and Mobilize MAP-qualified partner
Service credits AWS promotional credits applied to migrated workload spend Customer AWS account (tagged workloads)
SPIs Additional partner cash or credits for qualifying scenarios Depends on SPI type and approval

Credits are disbursed based on tagged workload spend over time, not as a single upfront payment. Credits expire per the terms in your MAP agreement — see the MAP 2.0 tagging FAQs.

Three-Line Rule

Partner cash funds professional services
Service credits offset migrated workload spend
Both require approved MAP agreements and proper tagging

The Risk: Common Mistakes That Delay Funding

Starting migration before MAP enrollment Funding is tied to approved MAP agreements. Enroll during Assess, before Mobilize and Migrate execution.

Infrastructure-only Assess deliverables Server inventories without application boundaries produce incomplete wave plans. AWS Assess expects a realistic business case — application context is essential for accurate scope.

Wrong tooling for new projects Do not start new MAP workflows in Migration Hub. Use AWS Transform for planning and execution on new engagements.

Missing or incorrect MAP tags Untagged workloads do not generate MAP credits. Follow the MAP 2.0 tagging guide from day one of migration.

Non-validated partners Only partners with appropriate AWS validation can submit MAP funding requests. Verify status in AWS Partner Central before signing SOWs.

Three-Line Rule

Enroll early through a validated partner
Complete Assess with application context
Tag workloads correctly for credit eligibility

MAP Readiness Checklist

Use this checklist to prepare. Confirm each item with your partner against the current AWS program guide.

Pre-Qualification

  • Reviewed the official MAP program page
  • Identified projected post-migration ARR (partner validates tier)
  • Migration source confirmed (on-premises, colocation, or competitor cloud)
  • Executive sponsor identified
  • MAP-qualified partner selected via Partner Finder

Assess Phase

  • Application inventory and dependencies documented
  • TCO model prepared (current vs. AWS target)
  • Migration waves sequenced with risk mitigation
  • Infrastructure assessment planned via AWS Transform or approved tooling
  • Application portfolio analysis planned via Tidal Accelerator or equivalent

Mobilize & Migrate

  • Landing zone and operating model scoped
  • MAP 2.0 tagging plan documented (tagging guide)
  • MPE ID obtained for Transform MAP tag automation
  • Partner APFP submission timeline agreed

Finding MAP-Qualified Partners

  1. Open the AWS Partner Finder
  2. Filter by Migration competency
  3. Verify MAP validation in the partner profile
  4. Ask the partner to confirm current MAP 2.0 validation in Partner Central

Questions to ask

  • Are you validated for the current MAP program in AWS Partner Central?
  • Which MAP tier (Lite vs. standard) fits our projected ARR?
  • How do you handle Assess deliverables — application portfolio vs. infrastructure only?
  • Do you use AWS Transform and ISV Tooling partners such as Tidal Accelerator?
  • How do you manage MAP 2.0 tagging and credit tracking?

Next Steps

  1. Read the AWS MAP program page
  2. Review the July 2024 MAP incentives overview
  3. Find a partner via the AWS Partner Finder
  4. Plan Assess with application portfolio analysis (Tidal) and infrastructure assessment (AWS Transform)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our customer support team.

  • AWS publishes current partner cash, credit percentages, ARR tiers, and Strategic Partner Incentive (SPI) rules in the MAP Partner Funding Benefits Guide (available to partners in AWS Partner Central) and in the July 2024 MAP incentives announcement. Tidal does not publish funding amounts — confirm figures with your MAP-qualified partner and AWS account team.

  • Both follow the same Assess → Mobilize → Migrate & Modernize methodology. MAP Lite covers smaller migration scopes; standard MAP covers larger ones. ARR thresholds and incentive percentages differ by tier. See the official MAP program page and the current Partner Funding Benefits Guide for tier definitions.

  • MAP enrollment should be in place before mobilization and migration execution begin. Funding is tied to approved MAP agreements and tagged workload spend. Work with your MAP-qualified partner early in planning — do not assume retroactive funding.

  • AWS streamlined MAP in July 2024 to simplify approvals and align partner investment with customer outcomes. Specific matching requirements, if any, are defined in your MAP agreement — confirm with your partner.

  • SPIs are incremental funding options for qualifying scenarios such as Greenfield customers, VMware-to-AWS transitions, and modernization engagements. Eligibility and amounts are defined in the current AWS Partner Funding Benefits Guide. See the MAP incentives blog post for an overview.

  • MAP 2.0 credits are tied to tagged migrated workload spend, not a single upfront lump sum. Workloads must carry the required map-migrated tag. See the MAP 2.0 tagging getting-started guide and the MAP section of the AWS Transform launch guide.

  • For new migration projects, AWS recommends AWS Transform. Migration Hub stopped accepting new customers on November 7, 2025. Existing Hub customers can finish in-flight work. New MAP credit tracking uses MAP 2.0 tagging — Transform can apply tags automatically when you provide your MPE ID.

  • Use the AWS Partner Finder and filter by Migration Competency. Verify MAP validation in the partner profile and in AWS Partner Central. Your AWS account manager can also provide introductions.

  • AWS defines Assess as readiness evaluation across business, process, people, platform, operations, and security — plus a realistic TCO model. See the official MAP program page. A complete portfolio view should include application inventory and dependencies, not infrastructure metrics alone.

  • Yes. Tidal Accelerator delivers application-centric portfolio analysis for MAP Assess deliverables and can feed prioritized workloads into AWS Transform for TCO and execution. Qualified MAP engagements may access Tidal through the AWS ISV Tooling Program — confirm eligibility with your partner.

Check MAP Assessment Eligibility →

Funding amounts and eligibility are defined by AWS. Tidal helps partners deliver Assess-phase portfolio analysis.