Forum Discussion
Discontinuation of M365 Business Premium Grant Deeply Disappointing,Harmful to Small Nonprofits
As a Microsoft CSP partner supporting multiple nonprofit organizations, I am extremely disappointed by the decision to discontinue the Microsoft 365 Business Premium grant. This change disproportionately affects small nonprofits that rely on these tools to fulfill their missions with limited resources.
The justification that this is about “alignment” or “sustainability” is disingenuous. Let’s be honest—this is a revenue-driven decision that undermines Microsoft’s long-standing commitment to empowering nonprofits. Removing access to essential tools like Office desktop apps and Intune from the grant program forces small organizations into paid plans they cannot afford, jeopardizing their operations and security.
Microsoft has built goodwill in the nonprofit sector over the years. This move erodes that trust. I urge you to reconsider this decision or at least provide a longer transition period and more flexible options for small nonprofits.
Please do better. The nonprofit sector deserves more than a corporate cost-cutting maneuver disguised as a strategic realignment.
2 Replies
What problem would it be to switch to Business Basic that is still free or just paying the $5.50 per user for the Business Premium which is like 75%?
Opening the inbox today to the same message, and I agree - the carriers of community development already bear a huge load in the practice of their work. Many don't have the resources to pay for IT services, not to mention the expertise to outsource now each potential service that had been included in these grants. It would be great of MS to continue supporting those agencies that are contributing to the wellbeing of people all around the world. These messages of a phase out add to the stress of those trying to find the best solutions for their day to day work. What are now the alternatives? Pay more, ask more donors to fill the pockets of big-tech firms? OR find individual solutions that see the value of non-profit work and leaving the tech-giants behind? No government or global corporation can fill the gap that all these little organisations have been covering. Sounds like Goliath stepped out and all the Davids of this world now need to pick up rocks somewhere.
