Nonprofit organizations have unique needs and limited budgets. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have access to modern technology. On the contrary, they can be more efficient and better manage their finances.

Improving productivity and reducing costs is in the interest of most traditional profit-generating companies, but it is also in the interest of non-profits. Office tasks can be handled more easily by staff and volunteers with working and modern tools. These days, even nonprofits find it worthwhile to get a secure cloud solution. Why?

  • To work more efficiently

With the cloud and connected productivity and communication applications, staff and volunteers can collaborate on projects, share documents, and communicate online efficiently. Without having to switch between incompatible applications from different vendors. This makes it easier to work remotely.

Tip: Read why it’s better to have all the tools from one workshop.

  • Cyber security

To make sense, your system should have the best possible data protection and security features. This is an extra important requirement if you work in a sensitive industry and collect data from the people you help.

While there are free apps, the tax is usually on the perceived savings of limiting features or sharing data with the manufacturer. Which in the end can prove inefficient and bring hidden costs, omissions and errors that can then become more expensive as a result.

Meanwhile, some vendors of paid software offer grants and discounts to those engaged in various socially beneficial activities, so you can get these professional and fully functional tools at a discounted price or even for free. This is especially important when you are on a tight budget but don’t want to resign yourself to effectively accomplishing your goal.

An example of such a discounted product is Microsoft 365 for nonprofit organizations.

What is Microsoft 365 for Nonprofits

Microsoft has a solution that can make nonprofits’ jobs easier, more productive and improve cybersecurity.

In its Microsoft 365 suite, it offers organizations:

  • The Microsoft Teams communications platform
  • Classic Office programs (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
  • OneDrive cloud storage
  • SharePoint library and storage
  • Copilot AI assistant features
  • excellent security even in the basic version
  • and other features and services based on your chosen plan and grant

For example, Microsoft 365 Business Basic (pricing for employees of non-profit organizations) is free for up to 300 users. Microsoft 365 Business Premium (pricing for nonprofits) in the form of a grant is free for 10 users, or you can subscribe for a better price. In addition to the enhanced features of Teams or the desktop versions of the apps, you also get advanced security and protection from cyber threats or advanced device management.

How does a nonprofit get discounted Microsoft 365?

Just see if you meet the eligibility guidelines and apply for a grant or one of the plans. Applications are approved by Microsoft based on specified criteria.

To qualify for a beneficial product, an organization must:

  • Be a recognized charitable organization as defined in your country, or be a library, museum or similar institution
  • operate on a not-for-profit basis
  • benefit a wider community of people through its activities
  • adhere to Microsoft’s anti-discrimination policy

The assessment may take about 20 working days. If everything works out, your people can then start working with professional tools immediately. However, as an organisation, you can only assign licences to authorised employees and use them only for your organisation.

Fast professional help

Are you not an IT guy, you don’t want to deal with all this and go through the terms and conditions in English? You don’t have the possibility or time to set up, tweak, or make the system work? Not sure if you even fall into this category? Ask a pro for help! XEVOS is an expert in all things Microsoft.

So we’ll be happy to help you choose the best license or grant, determine if you qualify, handle the request, and implement the entire system. Because we believe that non-profit organizations should have access to modern top tools.

Plus, we’ll train your people, consult with you and design optimal security so you can help where it’s needed without worrying about operational issues.

Looking for a professional but cost-effective solution? Do you need advice and help? Our colleagues are waiting for you to write to them.