Intro paragraph with the keyword “Microsoft nonprofit partners“: As a leader in supporting nonprofit causes, Microsoft offers Microsoft nonprofit partners access to discounted or free versions of popular software and services. Microsoft 365 nonprofit plans provide premium tools like Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, and Office apps at reduced prices for qualified tax-exempt organizations.
Getting started with Microsoft 365 for nonprofits is easy if you follow these steps:
Check Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for nonprofit pricing, your organization must have valid 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and meet a few other requirements set by Microsoft.
Be prepared to provide your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and documentation proving your nonprofit status.
Choose Your Microsoft 365 Nonprofit Plan
Microsoft offers a range of customized plans based on your nonprofit’s size and needs. Compare features and pricing for Nonprofit Business Premium (best value), Nonprofit Business Essentials, and Nonprofit E3 to select the right plan.
Purchase Through TechSoup
Rather than buying directly from Microsoft, nonprofits can purchase discounted Microsoft 365 plans through TechSoup. This helps streamline the verification of your organization’s eligibility.
TechSoup offers the lowest pricing and even provides free access to certain Microsoft tools for nonprofits.
Set Up Your Microsoft 365 Tenant
After purchasing through TechSoup, you will receive a product key to redeem Microsoft 365. Use this key to set up your new nonprofit Microsoft 365 tenant account.
Make sure to use your organization’s domain name when creating your tenant URL.
Configure Admin Roles
With your new account created, the next step is assigning admin roles. Choose which users will be Global Admins, Billing Admins, and Service Support Admins.
Global Admins have the highest level of control for adding users, managing settings, and more.
Migrate Data and Users
Once your nonprofit Microsoft 365 account is ready, it’s time to migrate existing data and users into the new tenant environment.
- For email – Work with your IT team to migrate mailboxes to Exchange Online.
- For files – Use SharePoint migration tools to transfer files and folders.
- For users – Add user accounts and sync with Active Directory.
Taking time on this step ensures a smooth transition to Microsoft 365 nonprofit.
Train Employees on New Tools
With the migration complete, the last crucial step is training your nonprofit’s employees and volunteers how to use the new Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, and Office apps.
Focus training on how these tools can help staff collaborate more efficiently in their daily work to further your nonprofit’s mission.
Final Takeaways
Transitioning to cost-effective Microsoft 365 nonprofit plans helps modernize your organization’s IT capabilities. With premium features like unlimited cloud storage and advanced security, Microsoft 365 empowers nonprofits to work smarter. By following this guide, your nonprofit can easily unlock the benefits of Microsoft 365 for improved productivity and teamwork. Don’t let technology limitations hold your nonprofit back from making a difference.
