From humanitarian organisations to wildlife conservation groups, technology plays a critical role in empowering charities and non-profits to achieve their missions more effectively. One of the most transformative tools available is Microsoft 365 – a suite of applications and cloud-based services designed to enhance productivity, collaboration and security for organisations of all sizes.
Does this sound like something your charity could benefit from? Read on to discover how Microsoft 365 for charities can help your organisation make the biggest possible impact.
What is Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 is more than just a set of productivity tools. It’s a cleverly designed, all-in-one solution that combines well-known Microsoft Office applications like Word and Excel with next-generation cloud services and advanced security features. Basically, it bundles a huge amount of value into one holistic product.
Key features of Microsoft 365
What makes Microsoft 365 the ultimate game-changer for charities and nonprofits in the UK? The suite gives charities and nonprofits access to purpose-built tools designed to streamline operations, empower staff and ultimately, drive meaningful impact.
Below, we take a closer look at the key features of the software suite.
Transformative productivity tools
Microsoft 365 includes essential productivity applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Together, they allow users to create, edit and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, presentations and emails from anywhere, on any device.
Cloud-based services
With Microsoft 365 services like OneDrive for Business and SharePoint Online, organisations can store, access and share files securely in the cloud. This streamlines communication and ensures users always have access to up-to-date documents and data.
Communication and collaboration apps
Communication and collaboration are front and centre with Teams, another application included in Microsoft 365 for nonprofits. It provides a hub for teamwork and allows users to connect in real-time. It’s a particularly valuable tool for dispersed teams and recreates the feel of face-to-face interactions.
Ironclad security
Microsoft 365 is underpinned by advanced security features like multi-factor authentication (MFA), antimalware email protection, endpoint data loss prevention, account management tools and more. These work together to safeguard sensitive information and protect against cyber threats.
Centralised IT management and support
Microsoft 365 simplifies IT management with centralised administration tools, automated updates and 24/7 technical support. This unified approach allows organisations to focus on mission-critical work without the burden of managing complex IT infrastructure.
Unique benefits for charities and nonprofits
Microsoft 365 isn’t just for charities and nonprofits. It’s used by a huge variety of organisations, from blue-chip corporations to small, family-run businesses operating on your local high street. While the suite has universal appeal, there are some unique benefits for charitable organisations. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of Microsoft 365 for charities.
Cost savings
Microsoft 365 offers genuine cost-saving opportunities for charities, enabling them to allocate precious resources where they matter most – their causes. By leveraging Microsoft 365’s cloud-based infrastructure, charities can slash IT expenses associated with hardware maintenance and software updates. Additionally, the subscription-based model of Microsoft 365 eliminates the need for upfront capital investment, a benefit that allows charities to pay only for the services they use.
Building on the cost savings benefit, Microsoft’s Nonprofit Program offers discounted pricing and free licences for eligible organisations. This can lower the total cost of ownership and make Microsoft 365 for charities even more appealing to budget-conscious organisations. Once again, this gives charities the opportunity to redirect savings towards driving positive change.
To qualify for discounts and grants, organisations must meet certain eligibility criteria. This includes holding recognised charitable status and operating for the public benefit. Once approved, charities can access a range of benefits, including discounted pricing, free software licences and technical support.
Supports remote collaboration
The 2021 Charity Digital Skills report reveals that almost 70% of charity employees work entirely remotely, while more than 40% use digital tools to collaborate with team members. In an increasingly remote work environment, Microsoft 365 for nonprofits empowers staff and volunteers with the tools to collaborate from anywhere, on any device. Whether working from home, at the office, in the field or at a remote location, Teams and other Microsoft 365 applications put teamwork front and centre.
Microsoft Stream is another collaboration-centric application that invites users to incorporate video into everyday operations. The visual cues bring a new level of authenticity to hybrid teams looking to communicate and collaborate remotely.
Vault-like security
With built-in security features and compliance tools, Microsoft 365 for nonprofits helps organisations protect sensitive data and minimise the risk of breaches. This is particularly important in the charitable sector, which is heavily regulated by compliance bodies. Advanced security features help charities adhere to industry standards and safeguard sensitive data, such as donor credit card details, volunteer information, financial records and classified grant applications.
Unmatched scalability and flexibility
Microsoft 365 is designed to meet the needs of growing charities and nonprofits. The subscription-based model offers the flexibility to add or remove users, upgrade features and adjust plans as needed. This scalability allows organisations to stay dynamic, adapt to changing requirements and grow their impact over time.
Embrace automation
Time is precious in the charitable sector, where organisations often operate on small budgets and rely heavily on volunteers. Microsoft 365 tools like Power Automate offer automation capabilities that help charities and nonprofits accelerate repetitive tasks like data entry, approval workflows and email notifications. This frees up valuable time that can be redirected to more meaningful initiatives.
Cohesive branding opportunities
With more than 180,000 charities operating across the UK, the sector is competitive to say the least. Microsoft 365 for charities offers access to a cache of tools that can be used to create professional, branded content across various platforms. This cohesive approach to branding is essential for charities looking to raise awareness, attract donors and drive support for their cause.
Content-based applications like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint offer highly customisable formatting options and templates, making it easy to create branded content that captures their unique identity and mission. From letterheads to annual reports, branded documents help charities stand out from the crowd.
With Microsoft Teams, charities can customise meeting backgrounds with branded imagery, logos and messaging. This helps reinforce the charity’s brand identity and create a professional environment for virtual meetings, conferences and presentations.
Email is an invaluable tool used to communicate with donors and stakeholders, making Microsoft Outlook particularly useful for charities. The application not only makes it easy to send, receive, sort and store emails but offers custom templates and signatures to further reinforce brand identity. Whether it’s newsletters, fundraising appeals or event invitations, Microsoft 365 for nonprofits help charities communicate effectively and make a memorable impression in a highly competitive sector.
Augment stakeholder engagement
Effective communication is key for the success of any organisation and charities are no exception. Microsoft 365 for charities provides organisations with the tools they need to engage and communicate with stakeholders, donors and beneficiaries.
Unlock deep data insights
Microsoft 365 uses advanced analytics and reporting tools to offers charities valuable insights into their operations. With software like Power BI, organisations can analyse data to identify trends, track performance metrics and drive productivity. Findings can be used to make data-driven decisions that drive success and ultimately, maximise impact.
Continuous learning and development
Microsoft 365 for charities provides access to a wealth of resources to support ongoing learning, development and training opportunities. With applications like Microsoft Learn and Microsoft Teams, organisations can access training materials, participate in virtual workshops and collaborate with peers to build their skills and knowledge.
Transform your charity with Microsoft 365
All charities want to make a difference. Microsoft 365 supports this goal with productivity-driven features to enhance communication, support collaboration and most importantly, drive meaningful change. A comprehensive suite of productivity tools, along with cloud-based applications and bulletproof security features, make it the ultimate solution for organisations committed to making a difference.
Maximise your impact with VS Group
At VS Group, we understand the unique needs of charities and non-profits in the UK. That’s why we offer comprehensive Microsoft 365 management services to maximise productivity and efficiency. From setting up your Microsoft 365 for charities subscription to providing hands-on training and support, our team of experts is here to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Whether you’re a small, community-focussed charity looking to streamline your operations or a nationally recognised non-profit seeking to enhance collaboration and bolster security, VS Group offers tailored solutions to meet your specific needs and budget. On average, our comprehensive service slashes technology budgets for charities by 30%, freeing more money to channel into the causes you care about.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your organisation thrive with Microsoft 365 for non-profits.
