Important changes to the Microsoft donation program

The Microsoft program on TechSoup will be changing on 04 April 2022. Some of the changes will impact the current Microsoft software donation program on Charity Digital. The changes are worth your close consideration as you set plans for the future of your non-profit.

The changes are propelled by Microsoft’s goal of better aligning philanthropic offers to the comprehensive capabilities and security that Microsoft Cloud provides.  

The Charity Digital partnership with Microsoft through TechSoup has enabled more than 60k of organisations to access world-class technology solutions, both on-premises and cloud. The partnership will continue to support the needs of non-profits so that they can access and utilise the tools they need to achieve their missions.  

Below we summarise the changes that will impact Microsoft’s long-standing software donation program on Charity Digital. We recognise the planned changes may influence your IT budgeting and your Charity Digital experience. We are here to answer any questions and to help you understand options and resources so you can set or re-set plans.

Please email us at customerservice@charitydigital.org.uk or call us on 020 7324 3390. 

How will the current Microsoft offers on Charity Digital change? 

On-premises software 

With a few exceptions explained in this section and in the FAQs, on-premises products will no longer be available to non-profits as a donation starting from 04 April 2022.  

On-premises software are stand-alone, perpetual licenses that users install on specific computers and can be used even without an internet connection.  

After 04 April 2022, these products will still be available through Charity Digital, but only at discount prices, typically a 60–75% discount from commercial pricing. This will result in a price increase of about 3–5 times more than current donation program pricing.  

There are, however, some exceptions. After 04 April 2022, on-premises product donations will be available for organisations that require software for shared-access devices. We understand organisations still need device-based access and are delighted to work with Microsoft to offer a new program to non-profits we serve. Organisations, such as those operating computer labs, training centers, or providing public-access computers will be able to access specific donation offers. 

Donated Microsoft Cloud offers available 

Organisations will continue to have access to Microsoft cloud donation offers through Charity Digital*. Donation offers also include the downloadable applications found in on-premises offers. More details about donation offers can be found below: 

• Microsoft 365 Business Premium will continue to be free for up to ten users and includes email, downloadable desktop applications for up to five devices, cloud file-storage and sharing, web conferencing with instant messaging (IM), audio, HD video, simple device management, and advanced security features 
• Microsoft 365 Business Basic licenses will continue to be free for up to 300 users and includes email, cloud file storage and sharing, web conferencing with IM, audio, HD video, and other services  
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard is continuing as before at a heavily discounted price 
• Power Apps Per App plan to build low code and no code custom workflows are available for free for up to ten users 
• Organisations can also leverage up to $3,500 (£2500 approx) in Azure services yearly directly from Microsoft 

*Please note that Microsoft refers to donated offers as granted offers. Eligibility and restrictions can be found here. 

How can Charity Digital help? 

We’ve been through many program changes as software delivery models have changed – from distributing floppy disks and CDs to supporting organisations as they transitioned to the cloud – and Charity Digital will continue to focus on supporting.  

As you identify new needs and advance your adoption of digital tools, we’ll adapt our services. For now, please check out the following steps that you can take right now:  

• Send us your questions and feedback. Reach out to us for help and send us your thoughts on how we can best support you 
• Sign up for our webinar dedicated to the topic. You can register with Charity Digital’s dedicated webinar on the topic on 12 October 2021 at 14:00, where we will explain the changes in detail and answer any questions you might have 
• Start thinking about the cloud. A lot of charities have already joined us on the cloud and organisations will continue to be able to request Microsoft cloud products that are free of charge via Microsoft grant and discounted charity rate subscriptions through Charity Digital Exchange. These offers provide the same functionality as the on-premises tools, often with more robust, secure, flexible, and resilient features. You can book some time with us to chat about your cloud strategy and we can provide some recommendations 
• Fill up on donated licenses. Donated licenses are still available up until 04 April 2022, so there’s plenty of time to top up your licenses for use until you’ve exhausted your cycle allowance, which typically lasts for two years 
• Check out further information from Charity Digital. On top of the planned webinars, we will have plenty of information available on our website to help you through the transition

For any further questions, please check out our FAQs or please email us any questions or queries at customerservice@charitydigital.org.uk or call us on 020 7324 3390. 

For more discounted options, please check out the Charity Digital Exchange.