How Microsoft Supports Charities with 365 Nonprofit Plans

Just like a business, charities and nonprofits rely on Office 365 for everyday operations. From cloud-based productivity apps to advanced security measures, nonprofits need these tools to boost efficiency, enhance collaboration, and stretch limited resources.

Microsoft has stepped up to support these organisations with plans designed to meet their specific needs with cost savings and financial benefits at the forefront.

Read on to see how Microsoft 365 nonprofit plans can help your charity operate and grow.

Overview of Microsoft 365 Nonprofit Plans

Microsoft offers discounted packages to support eligible nonprofits and charities. To access these benefits, you need to meet specific criteria. Your organisation must be a recognised nonprofit, public library, or public museum with a mission to benefit the local community. Examples include organisations focused on poverty relief, education advancement, or environmental preservation.

To get started, you’ll need to register with a valid UK charity number. Then, you’ll contact Microsoft to enroll in the nonprofit program. Once approved, you’ll have full access to the nonprofit licenses in the Microsoft 365 Admin Centre.

These plans provide significant cost savings. You can switch from commercial subscriptions to nonprofit ones, potentially reducing expenses. The transition process involves reassigning licenses to users, which can be done without disrupting email or data access.

Key Features of Microsoft 365 for Nonprofits

Microsoft 365 for Charities offers a comprehensive suite of tools tailored to support nonprofit organisations. You’ll find a range of features designed to enhance collaboration, productivity, and security.

With Microsoft Teams, you can bring your staff and volunteers together in a virtual environment, enabling seamless project collaboration and video meetings.

OneDrive provides secure cloud-based file storage, allowing you to access your files from anywhere, while SharePoint offers a platform for document management and sharing.

Outlook and Exchange work in tandem to provide advanced email communication and scheduling capabilities. For document creation and data analysis, you have access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These tools help you manage your organisation’s information efficiently and create impactful presentations.

Security is a top priority with Microsoft 365, with features like multi-factor authentication and data encryption to protect your sensitive information. Microsoft 365 also includes threat intelligence and advanced threat protection to safeguard your email communications. These security measures help you build trust with supporters, program participants, and employees while ensuring GDPR compliance.

Cost Savings and Financial Benefits

Microsoft offers significant financial advantages to eligible nonprofits through its charity support program. You can access free licenses, discounts, and grants that improve your processes without straining your budget. For small and mid-sized organisations, Microsoft 365 Business Basic is free for up to 300 users, saving you £4.90 per user per month compared to the standard business price.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium is free for up to 10 users and costs only £4.50 per user per month for additional licenses instead of the normal £18.10. This is Microsoft’s highest plan, offering several online services, desktop apps, identity protection, email protection, device protection, and device enrollment. Including

Online Services: Exchange Hosted Email, Teams, OneDrive, Entra ID

Desktop Apps: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint

Identify Protection: Login Conditional Access Policies, Fraud Detection, Anti-Spoofing Technology

Email Protection: AntiSpam, Antimalware, Quarantine Control, VIP Protection

Device Protection: Windows Defender for Business

Device Enrollment: Windows AutoPilot, Intune, and Device Policy Management

You’ll also benefit from an annual Azure grant of £1,571.26 in Azure credits, allowing you to host or leverage Azure applications including hosted machines, backup services, or automation applications. Power Apps is now free for up to 10 users, with discounted pricing for additional users. These cost-effective solutions ensure you stick within your IT budget.

If you are a charity or non-profit seeking support with Microsoft 365, please get in touch. Our experienced technicians can ensure your Microsoft apps are setup for success, along with the rest of your IT systems.

Check if you’re eligible for Microsoft’s charity offerings using the following link https://nonprofit.microsoft.com/en-us/getting-started