Forum Discussion

weslowsk's avatar
weslowsk
Copper Contributor
Aug 05, 2024

Offers/Discounts for Volunteers of Non-Profit

Now that I've set up our non-profit organization with Microsoft's non-profit grant, which includes 10 licenses of Microsoft 365 Business Premium, I'm wondering about what Microsoft 365 discounts are available to volunteers, especially Office software. It's not clear to me what offers/discounts are available for them.

Can someone advise?

3 Replies

  • Theo2026's avatar
    Theo2026
    Brass Contributor

    weslowsk​, I would first look at what your volunteers actually need before assigning the higher-level licences. The free Business Premium grants may be more appropriate for eligible staff who require the desktop applications and additional features, while Business Basic can be sufficient for many people who mainly need web and mobile access. For shared devices, it may also be worth looking at Microsoft's device management options so access can be handled consistently. One important point is that eligibility for Microsoft's nonprofit grants can depend on the organization's and user's circumstances. I would therefore check the current eligibility requirements before assigning the free licences. Where volunteers do not qualify for the grants, discounted options may still be available.

  • Hi weslowsk. We usually advise organizations to save the 10 free business premium licenses for their internal staff members. If your volunteers require the use of user accounts, it may be best to utilize the 300 free business basic licenses that you have access to in the marketplace via the admin center. Be advised that the difference between the Business Basic and Business Premium licenses is that basic users won't be able to access the application version of the Microsoft apps. They can access the online versions only by going to www.Microsoft365.com and clicking the apps icon on the left-hand side. If you have a set number of devices that are reserved for volunteers, I recommend you getting them registered with Intune which is also included in your granted offerings. 

    I hope that helps!

    • MattBurr's avatar
      MattBurr
      Steel Contributor

      Hi KenelleMoore

       

      Does Microsoft still restrict which offers can be used depending on the employee status and role: Nonprofits Grants & Credits Eligibility | Microsoft Nonprofits. Only discounted offers (not free offers) can be used by volunteers (non-executive unpaid staff and general volunteers). Has this restriction changed?

       

      Also, is the Volunteer Use Benefit still available? Is it automatically applied when nonprofits purchase E3 or E5 licences? This is the only information I can find: Microsoft 365 Volunteer Use Benefit. Do you have any other info?

       

      Thanks

      Matt