In the coming months, Microsoft will be helping Australian NFPs' transform their foremost hindrance into their greatest asset. The software donation program, 'Office 365 for Non-profits', means eligible organisations will be able to ditch outdated systems for cloud-based, productivity suite, Office 365, for free or at a significantly discounted rate.
NFPs hampered by inefficient systems and the looming cost of upgrades, will now have greater freedom to pursue their missions to help those in need. Earlier this month, Microsoft made free trials, which automatically renew on a monthly basis, available to qualifying Australian NFPs, until permanently free and discounted plans are available in Australia.
In a survey of 10,500 non-profits, NGOs and charities conducted by TechSoup Global, cost was cited as a major barrier to cloud migration, second only to a lack of understanding the cloud.
The President of Microsoft International, Jean-Philippe Courtois, said, “…We are donating to non-profits and NGOs, access to Microsoft’s best-in-class cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools, enabling them to spend fewer resources and time on IT, and focus on their missions addressing global issues.”
So what will this software donation do for Australian NFPs? On the surface, it gives qualifying organisations more efficient systems, without the financial burden. Beyond this, it means better service, more care workers out in the field, and more people getting the help they need.
“The benefit to Australian NFPs isn’t quantifiable. Having the latest, cloud version of Office 365 means fast efficient systems, fewer manual processes, fewer mistakes and streamlined internal processes. It means funding previously invested into local servers and equipment can be redirected to improving the service given to clients, and doing the things that really matter” – Director of R & G Technologies, Gordon Tan. “Non-profits are seeing more and more the advantages of cloud computing, but they often can't access it because of costs and other reasons,” said the general manager of Microsoft’s Citizenship and Public Affairs Group, Lori Harnick.
The scalability and mobility of the software will provide NFPs who couldn’t afford to upgrade their IT, with a greater capacity to meet the needs of clients than ever before.
Microsoft has already launched the program in 80 countries, with numbers set to increase to 90 by July. In countries where the program has commenced, Office 365 Enterprise E1 is free and provides unlimited user licenses, with features including business-class email, web conferencing, SharePoint and much, much more. Office 365 Enterprise E3 is available at a significantly discounted rate, and includes desktop versions of applications and other additional features.
To compare the features of both plans, click here.
For the Office desktop applications not for profit organisations already have access to ConnectingUp in Australia which offers Microsoft Office, Windows Server and other Microsoft software products virtually free. Combining Microsoft 'Office 365 Not for Profit' E1 free licensing with ConnectingUp's discount software program ensures not for profit organisations will have access to the entire Office productivity suite for a tiny fraction of the cost of a for profit company.
Eligible organisations are considered recognised charities with a mission to benefit the community in some way, including restoring the environment, providing relief to the poor and more. However, organisations that haven’t achieved charitable status like schools or fund-raising events shouldn’t expect Office 365 donations. To see if you’re eligible, click here.
Slow, inefficient systems and the cost of upgrading them is one of the major challenges keeping NFPs from carrying out their missions to the best of their ability.
If you wish to apply for a donation, sign up for an Office 365 Enterprise E3 trial here: After one month, the trial will terminate, and you can either continue free monthly trials of Office 365 Enterprise E1 or terminate the service.
Alternatively, contact us via this page or call 1300 562 886 and we'll be able to assist you.
Free Webinar: Office 365 for NFPs (with special guest, Fiona Sims from Microsoft)
We have spoken directly to the Microsoft Office 365 team to find out exactly how NFPs can take advantage of the special donation and discounted plans.
In fact, we have Fiona Sims, Microsoft Product Marketing Manager with Office 365 for Nonprofits in her portfolio, who will be joining us on this webinar to give everybody the latest updates on the free trial and special pricing options available for not-for-profits.
