The Not-For-Profits Guide to getting discounted or free Microsoft Licences.
Microsoft 365 isn't just for businesses and individuals, it's also accessible for "nonprofits". We will use Microsoft's terminology for "Not-For-Profits", or "Charities", to keep things simple. In fact, Microsoft provides grants and discounts for nonprofits looking to access their suite of productivity tools, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
I am sure that almost everyone knows what the Microsoft Productivity tools are, so I am not going to go into it in this article. You can find more details from Microsoft here
But where do you start? Understanding the range of offerings and finding the right solution for your organization can be daunting. That's why we're here to help.
In this article, we'll explore the different Microsoft 365 grants and discounts available for nonprofits, describing the benefits of each and how to apply. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of how Microsoft 365 can help take your nonprofit's operations to the next level.
Grants and discounts available for nonprofits
Microsoft recognizes the important work that nonprofits do and has made it a priority to support you. They offer several grants and discounts specifically tailored to meet the needs of nonprofit organizations. These grants and discounts provide access to the full range of Microsoft 365 tools and services at a reduced cost or even for free. By taking advantage of these offerings, nonprofits can significantly enhance their productivity and efficiency, freeing up resources to focus on their mission.
Here are a list of the main grants and discounts available and how you can engage through TechForGood to take advantage of them:
1. Microsoft 365 Business Premium - The First 10 licenses are free. To put that into context, if you were a "for profit organisation" that is a saving of 10 x $32.90 = $329 per month. Not a bad start, wouldn't you say?
2. This is where it really becomes meaningful to me, as it doesn't stop there. You are also now entitled to any additional Microsoft 365 Business Premium licenses at a highly subsidised rate, which is currently around $8.20 per user per month. Please note that this can change, so contact us if you need an update. This plan offers a comprehensive set of tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more. Nonprofits can benefit from the advanced features of these applications, such as collaboration tools, email hosting, and cloud storage.
3. Another great grant is the Microsoft Azure grant, which is currently $3,500 US per annum - Free. This enables you as a nonprofit to leverage the power of the cloud to scale your operations and reach a wider audience.
4. Cybersecurity is on all our minds, and Microsoft have recognised that, and we can help you apply for a Free Cybersecurity review for your nonprofit. Contact us if you would like to apply and don't forget to include "Free Cybersecurity Assessment" in the header - Contact us to apply.
Eligibility criteria for Microsoft 365 grants and discounts
To be eligible for Microsoft 365 grants and discounts, nonprofits must meet certain criteria. The eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific grant or discount being sought. Generally, nonprofits must be registered at the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commision (ACNC) You must also operate on a non-discriminatory basis and have a mission aligned with Microsoft's philanthropic goals.
When applying for grants or discounts, you will need to provide documentation to prove their eligibility. This may include proof of your nonprofit status, such as a copy of ACNC registration, or tax exemption, based on you being a nonprofit. It's important to carefully review the eligibility criteria for each grant or discount before applying to ensure that your organization meets the requirements.
How to apply for Microsoft 365 grants and discounts
Applying for Microsoft 365 grants and discounts is a relatively straightforward process. The first step is to visit the Microsoft Nonprofits website and explore the available grants and discounts or head straight into the Grants application. Each grant or discount will have its own application process and requirements, so it's important to carefully read the instructions provided. To keep up to date of all your nonprofit offers it is really a good idea to access the Microsoft nonprofit portal (provided you have already been approved).
It's important to submit a complete and compelling application, highlighting the impact your organization has on the community and the need for Microsoft 365 tools to further your mission and please feel free to reach out to TechForGood to assist, that is why we are here.
Another significant benefit of Microsoft 365 for nonprofits is enhanced data security. Nonprofits often handle sensitive data, such as donor information or client records, and it's crucial to protect this data from unauthorized access or loss. Microsoft 365 provides robust security features, such as data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and threat intelligence, to safeguard nonprofit organizations' data and ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
Furthermore, Microsoft 365 offers powerful data analysis and reporting capabilities through tools like Power BI. Nonprofits can leverage these tools to gain valuable insights from their data, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and measure the impact of their programs. This can be particularly valuable for nonprofits seeking to demonstrate their effectiveness to donors, funders, and other stakeholders.
Tips for maximizing the use of Microsoft 365 in your nonprofit
While Microsoft 365 offers numerous benefits for nonprofits, it's essential to maximize its potential to fully realize these advantages. Here are some tips to help you make the most of Microsoft 365:
1. Training and Adoption: Invest in training and adoption programs to ensure that your staff is proficient in using Microsoft 365 tools. This will enable them to leverage the full capabilities of the software and maximize productivity.
2. Customization and Integration: Customize Microsoft 365 to suit your organization's specific needs. Explore integrations with other software or tools that you use to create a seamless workflow and enhance collaboration.
3. Stay Up-to-Date: Microsoft regularly releases updates and new features for their software. Stay informed about these updates and take advantage of new enhancements that can further improve your organization's operations.
4. Collaboration and Communication: Encourage collaboration and communication among your team members using Microsoft Teams. Create channels for different projects or teams, share documents, and hold virtual meetings to foster collaboration and keep everyone connected.
5. Maximise your investment: I can't stress this one enough. There isn't a day that goes by that I am asked, about Zoom integrations, or 3rd party voice services or Video conferencing, where you have all of these features available to you through Microsoft. Yes, there can be add-on licenses, and installations, but 9 times out of 10, you have already made a substantial investment, make it count.
By following these tips, nonprofit organizations can unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 and drive even greater change in their operations and impact.
Next Steps: Get started.