Microsoft 365 has been the backbone of the modern office space for decades. The needs of a not-for-profit (NFP) organisation, though, are vastly different to those of a standard business. But, Microsoft 365 is not only fit for purpose for a NFP, but is in fact one of the most impactful tools any NFP has access to.
With collaboration, organisation, and productivity at its heart, it’s no wonder that nonprofits all over the world look towards 365 as their go-to suite of applications and tools. But, knowing how to use Microsoft 365 to its fullest potential as a NFP is integral.
That’s why in this article, we’re going to go over everything you need to know about Microsoft 365 as a NFP. We’ll look at different plans and options, as well as the key benefits of implementing Microsoft 365 into your nonprofit organisation. We’ll also give you some tips for maximising the impact that 365 has on your whole institution.
Overview of Microsoft 365 for NFPs
Microsoft 365 is one of the world’s most popular and trusted suite of office, productivity, business, and security tools. Their key applications, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook have been the foundation of modern business for decades, and Microsoft’s innovations have helped businesses of all kinds flourish.
For a nonprofit organisation, Microsoft 365 is just as valuable as for an organisation that makes profits. In fact, it’s arguable that most NFPs would get more benefits out of the key aspects of Microsoft 365 than a standard business would. The needs of a NFP all align with the benefits of 365, and it shows.
With some of the most impactful charities in the world using Microsoft 365 at the core of all of their operations, Microsoft provides many benefits for NFPs. From specific programs tailored to nonprofits to courses to help support your organisation, there are many paths that your institution can take to make the most of a Microsoft 365 plan.
Available Plans
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Designed for businesses that just need the basics, Microsoft 365 Business Basic has all of the 365 essentials you’d need to kick start your business.
Providing you with 1TB of cloud storage for up to 300 employees, web versions of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook, and access to Teams and Copilot, this package is perfect for a smaller organisation that may not need every 365 feature. Plus, Business Basic gives you access to 10+ additional apps such as Sharepoint, Microsoft Planner, Forms, and Bookings, as well as all of the standard security and compliance features you’d expect.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Microsoft 365 Business Standard is the next step up, providing everything you’d expect from a normal Microsoft 365 license. With desktop versions of the office applications, Business Standard is for an organisation that needs desktop access to the essential 365 applications.
Microsoft Loop and Clipchamp are also featured in the Business Standard plan, both of which can be very valuable to a nonprofit. On top of this 365 Business Standard lets you host live events and webinars, and so this plan is valuable for any business looking to connect and reach out to the world.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
The highest tier of 365 Business subscriptions, Microsoft 365 Business Premium has you covered on all bases. With advanced security and access management, and the ability to protect sensitive information and any endpoints, Business Premium is vital for any nonprofit organisation that handles sensitive data.
Tools such as Entra ID and Purview take your security capabilities to the next level, and will make sure that your day-to-day operations won’t be endangered by security vulnerabilities and oversights.
Key Benefits of Microsoft 365 for NFPs
Enhanced Collaboration
Collaboration is at the core of any good team, and that includes NFPs. Working together to reach a common goal is at the core of a NFPs work, and Microsoft 365 enables this throughout its whole platform.
From Outlook, which connects teams through emails and calendars, to Microsoft Teams, which helps real-time conversation and collaboration, Microsoft 365 has a host of essential collaboration tools that will take your business to the next level.
Improved Security
Security is essential to Microsoft’s business, and the same goes for Microsoft 365. Each Microsoft 365 plan has basic security tools to make sure that your business doesn’t get left in the dark. On top of this, Business Premium has a host of security tools that help you protect your business.
These range from advanced identity and access management, to virus protection, and even compliance tools to make sure that your business isn’t breaching any regulation.
Cost Savings
Microsoft 365 is great for saving costs, as it lets you unify all of your operations and reduce redundancy within your applications and tools all around.
Rather than having to install and manage a bunch of tools that might not work together, or might be redundant with one another, Microsoft 365 gives you everything you need for success, at a much lower cost.
Tips for Maximising the Impact of Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is an essential platform for any business, but taking advantage of all of its benefits and features will help your nonprofit truly flourish.
Here are some tips that you should consider:
- Don’t forget about Copilot for Microsoft 365: Copilot for Microsoft 365 has been a game changer. The flexibility and power that Copilot brings to your business is second to none, and should be integrated as part of your NFP to truly enhance your capabilities.
- Leverage the Microsoft 365 Ecosystem: Taking advantage of the seamless capabilities of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem will allow you to improve organisation, workflow, and make life easier for all of your employees. Instead of having to load up lots of applications to import and export data to a presentation, for example, Excel and PowerPoint work together in one click.
- Team up with a Trusted Partner: Microsoft 365 is an essential part of the modern business world, and teaming up with a trusted partner will help you navigate implementing it into your business. A partner will ensure you have everything you need, and will give you the information and tools to flourish.
How We Can Help
Microsoft 365 is a valuable tool for any business, but especially for NFPs. The collaboration and security benefits are second to none, and any business should take advantage of the power of the 365 platform.
If you’re looking to get started with Microsoft 365, get in touch with us now. We’re here to give you a helping hand, and make sure you can hit the ground running with implementing 365.
Reach out to us now and see how we can help.