Is Dataverse Right for Your Application?
For nonprofits, choosing effective tools is essential. Microsoft Dataverse, a cloud-based platform, provides a strong foundation for applications that enhance operations and secure data. Dataverse offers flexibility for donor management, volunteer coordination, and data-driven decisions. Here’s why your nonprofit should consider using Dataverse. Key Benefits of Using Dataverse 1. Enhanced Data Security Nonprofits often handle sensitive data, such as donor details, financial transactions, and personal information about beneficiaries. Dataverse is built with enterprise-grade security features, ensuring your data is protected at all levels. It complies with major security and privacy standards like GDPR and HIPAA, offering peace of mind to your organization and its stakeholders. Role-based access control allows you to determine who can view, edit, or manage specific sets of data, safeguarding against unauthorized access. 2. Seamless Integration with Other Tools For nonprofits, collaboration and efficiency are key. Dataverse integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft Power Platform, including Power Apps, Power BI, Power Automate, and Dynamics 365. This means you can create custom applications, generate insightful reports, and automate workflows without needing extensive technical expertise. Additionally, Dataverse connects with third-party tools like Salesforce, Mailchimp, and QuickBooks, allowing you to unify operations across platforms. 3. Scalability and Flexibility As your organization grows, so do your data needs. Dataverse is highly scalable, making it just as suitable for small nonprofits as it is for larger organizations with complex data ecosystems. Whether you’re managing a few hundred records or millions, Dataverse adapts to your needs without compromising performance. 4. Centralized Data Management Nonprofits often grapple with siloed data stored across spreadsheets, disparate systems, and individual devices. Dataverse provides a centralized database where all your information is stored in a structured way. This not only eliminates redundancy but also ensures that your team always has access to the most up-to-date information. When to Use Dataverse for Your Nonprofit Application While Dataverse offers a wide range of benefits, it’s important to evaluate when it’s the right fit for your organization: When Data Security is a Priority: If your nonprofit deals with sensitive data that requires advanced security measures, Dataverse is a compelling choice. When You Need Custom Solutions: If off-the-shelf software doesn’t meet all your needs, you can use Dataverse to build tailored applications, such as a volunteer scheduling system or a donor engagement platform. When You Want to Automate Processes: Nonprofits with repetitive, manual processes—like monthly donor communications or resource allocation—can greatly benefit from Dataverse’s integration with Power Automate. When Reporting is a Challenge: If your organization struggles with generating actionable insights from data, Dataverse’s compatibility with Power BI can transform your analytics capabilities. Call to Action Dataverse is more than just a data storage solution—it’s a dynamic platform that empowers nonprofits to operate more efficiently, make better decisions, and amplify their impact. If you’re ready to elevate your nonprofit’s operations with Dataverse, now is the time to act. Contact us today to learn how your organization can implement Dataverse as the foundation for your applications. Together, we can build a data-driven future for your mission! Conclusion Dataverse represents a transformative opportunity for nonprofits, offering a secure, scalable, and integrated solution to manage data and streamline operations. Whether it’s enhancing donor engagement, coordinating volunteers, or driving impactful fundraising campaigns, Dataverse enables your organization to focus on what truly matters: advancing your mission. By leveraging the power of Microsoft Dataverse, nonprofits can unlock actionable insights, automate processes, and foster collaboration, paving the way for unparalleled efficiency and growth. The potential to amplify impact is immense, and the tools to achieve it are at your fingertips. Don’t miss the chance to harness the full capabilities of Dataverse. Start your journey today by exploring Microsoft Learn’s guide to Dataverse and discover the Power Platform resources designed to empower your organization. For tailored support and implementation strategies, consider reaching out to certified Microsoft experts who can help turn your vision into reality. The time to act is now. Embrace the future of data management and operational excellence with Dataverse, and watch your nonprofit thrive in ways you never thought possible.Introducing Kairos: A New Era of Case Management for Nonprofits
Why Kairos, Why Now? Nonprofits have long struggled with fragmented systems, manual processes, and limited access to enterprise-grade technology. Kairos changes that. Built on Microsoft Azure and designed specifically for nonprofits, Kairos offers: Streamlined Case Management: From intake to closure, every step is digitized and intuitive Data-Driven Insights: Real-time dashboards and analytics help teams make smarter decisions. Custom Workflows: Tailored to the unique needs of each organization, not the other way around. Collaboration at Scale: Seamless coordination across departments, partners, and service providers. And it’s not just theory. During the recent soft launch, over 70 Urban Leaguers from 30 affiliates joined a live demo led by the Urban League of Broward County's own Daela Holness, showcasing how Kairos is already transforming service delivery. Built by the Community, for the Community This isn’t a top-down tech deployment. It’s a co-creation effort led by voices from across the nonprofit ecosystem. Our team recognized a critical need: nonprofits must own their data. Through deep conversations with nonprofit leaders and frontline staff, we envisioned a system that wouldn’t just manage cases—but empower entire organizations. Kairos was designed to serve every department, every program, and every team—so they can serve their communities faster, smarter, and more collaboratively. With Kairos, nonprofits can track families and services across programs, not in silos. That’s why we call it an impact management system—not just case management. It’s about seeing the full picture, breaking down barriers, and building stronger, more connected communities. What’s Next? This blog is just the beginning. We have published a series of deep dives into the technologies powering Kairos—from Azure services and Power BI dashboards to secure document management. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a technologist, or a curious changemaker, there’s something here for you. Explore the Series Below is a link to over 20 blogs that will talks about the tech behind Kairos and how it fits into the broader nonprofit tech landscape. If you are just getting started in understanding technology, these will explain resources required for the application especially if you're considering the deployable model. Kairos IMS Blog Resources Take a look at the Kairos website to learn more.The Role of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificates in Nonprofit Organizations
At the heart of this post is Kairos IMS, an innovative Impact Management System designed to empower human-serving nonprofits and social impact organizations. Co-developed by the Urban League of Broward County and our trusted technology partner, Impactful, Kairos IMS reduces administrative burdens, enhances holistic care, and enables organizations to leverage data for increased agility and seamless service delivery. In this blog series, we’ll take a closer look at the powerful technologies that fuel Kairos IMS, from Azure services to security frameworks, offering insight into how modern infrastructure supports mission-driven impact. Click here to learn more. What Is an SSL? Think of an SSL as a security guard for your website. It encrypts the connection between your website and your visitors, ensuring that sensitive data—like donor names, credit card numbers, and contact details—remains private and secure. When you visit a website with an SSL, you'll notice a padlock icon in the browser's address bar and the URL starting with "[URL] of "http://." These small details signal to visitors that your site is secure and trustworthy. For nonprofits, this layer of security isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must. Nonprofits handle sensitive donor information, from payment details to personal data. Without an SSL, you risk exposing this data to hackers, which can erode trust and harm your reputation. How to Purchase an SSL for Your Nonprofit Acquiring an SSL certificate is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started: Determine Your Needs: Decide what type of SSL certificate works best for your organization. Options include single-domain SSLs (for one website), wildcard SSLs (for a website and its subdomains), and multi-domain SSLs (for multiple sites). Choose a Trusted Provider: Reputable SSL providers like DigiCert, GlobalSign, and Let’s Encrypt offer certificates tailored to various needs. Let’s Encrypt, for instance, provides free SSL certificates that are particularly appealing for budget-conscious nonprofits. Purchase or Obtain Your SSL: If you're opting for a paid SSL, simply purchase it from your chosen provider. For free options like Let’s Encrypt, follow the instructions on their website to generate your certificate. Install the SSL: Most hosting providers make this step straightforward. Platforms like GoDaddy, Bluehost, and SiteGround often include SSL installation as part of their hosting services. If you’re unsure, tech support teams are generally happy to assist. Test Your SSL: Once installed, check that your website is displaying the padlock icon and "[URL] the URL. You can use online tools like SSL Labs’ SSL Test for additional reassurance. SSL Implementation: Easier Than You Think Some nonprofit leaders worry that implementing an SSL might be too technical or costly. The truth? It’s neither. Most hosting providers simplify the process, offering one-click SSL installation or including SSLs as part of their hosting packages. Free options like Let’s Encrypt further reduce barriers, making SSLs accessible to organizations of all sizes. Effortless Security with Let’s Encrypt and Cert Manager For nonprofits seeking budget-friendly and straightforward solutions, Let’s Encrypt stands out as a beacon of accessibility and innovation. As a free, automated, and open certificate authority, Let’s Encrypt empowers organizations to secure their websites without incurring additional costs. With just a few simple steps, nonprofits can acquire SSL certificates that enhance their credibility and shield sensitive donor information. Pairing Let’s Encrypt with Cert Manager, an efficient tool designed to manage TLS certificates in Kubernetes clusters, further simplifies the process. Cert Manager automates the provisioning, renewal, and deployment of SSL certificates, reducing the burden on technical teams and ensuring continuous website security. Together, these tools form a powerful combination, making SSL implementation accessible to nonprofits regardless of their technical expertise. Want to dive deeper into the world of Let’s Encrypt and Cert Manager? Check out their official resources: Let’s Encrypt Documentation Cert Manager- Microsoft Learn Want to know how to add and manage an SSL certificate via Azure App Service? Click Here By leveraging these user-friendly tools, nonprofits can fortify their websites and focus on their mission without being bogged down by technical hurdles. Troubleshooting SSL Certificate Issues Even with the best setup, SSL certificates can occasionally encounter problems. For nonprofits relying on a secure site to build trust, addressing these issues promptly is essential. Here’s a guide to troubleshoot common SSL certificate issues and ensure your website remains protected: Expired Certificates Problem: SSL certificates have a limited validity period, typically ranging from 90 days (for free options like Let’s Encrypt) to a few years. If your certificate expires, browsers will display a warning, potentially deterring visitors. Solution: Log in to your SSL provider’s dashboard and check the expiration date of your certificate. Renew the certificate through your SSL provider or hosting provider. Many providers offer auto-renewal options to avoid future expirations. Reinstall the renewed certificate on your hosting platform and test the site to verify functionality. Mismatched Domain Names Problem: The SSL certificate must match the exact domain name being accessed. For example, if your certificate is issued for "www.example.org" but users visit "example.org" (without the "www"), browsers may flag the site as insecure. Solution: Check the domain name listed on your SSL certificate to ensure it matches your site’s URL. If mismatched, update the SSL certificate to include all domain variations (e.g., "www" and non-"www"). Multi-domain or wildcard SSL certificates can cover these variations. Set up a proper domain redirection (e.g., redirect "example.org" to "www.example.org") to ensure consistency in how your site is accessed. Browser Errors Problem: Visitors might encounter errors like “Your connection is not private” or “SSL certificate error” due to incorrect SSL installation or configuration. Solution: Use online tools like SSL Labs’ SSL Test to diagnose issues with your certificate setup. Ensure the entire certificate chain, including intermediate and root certificates, is installed correctly. Many hosting providers guide you through this process or offer automated installations. Clear your browser’s cache and history, as outdated data can sometimes cause erroneous warnings. Mixed Content Warnings Problem: A secure site might still display warnings if it loads insecure content (e.g., images or scripts served over HTTP instead of HTTPS). Solution: Scan your website for mixed content using tools like WhyNoPadlock or your browser’s developer tools. Update all URLs on your site to use HTTPS. This often involves updating your CMS settings or modifying your theme files. Implement a Content Security Policy (CSP) to ensure all content is served securely. Misconfigured Server Settings Problem: Incorrect server configurations can prevent the SSL certificate from functioning as intended. Solution: Verify your server settings through your hosting provider’s control panel or documentation. Ensure that HTTPS is enforced by enabling a redirect from HTTP to HTTPS on your server. If you’re using a content delivery network (CDN), ensure that the SSL is correctly configured both on your server and the CDN. Revoked Certificates Problem: Certificates can be revoked by the issuing authority due to security breaches or errors in issuance. Solution: Check the certificate’s status using tools like Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs) or Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP). If your certificate has been revoked, contact your SSL provider to understand the reason and obtain a new certificate if necessary. By proactively addressing these common SSL certificate issues, your nonprofit can maintain a secure and trustworthy online presence, ensuring a seamless experience for your supporters. Take Action Today Securing your nonprofit’s website with an SSL is one of the simplest and most impactful steps you can take to protect your donors and build trust with your supporters. Beyond security, it shows your commitment to transparency and professionalism—values that resonate deeply with your audience. To enhance your online security even further, we encourage you to dive deeper into the world of SSL certificates. Researching additional resources and staying informed about the latest updates can help you implement best practices and avoid common pitfalls. Explore guides and expert recommendations tailored to nonprofits to ensure your website remains secure and trustworthy. Don’t wait to make this critical update. Whether you're a small grassroots organization or a global nonprofit, an SSL certificate can strengthen your digital presence and help you achieve your mission. Ready to get started? Reach out to your hosting provider or explore SSL options today. For further reading, check out these links: Guide to Choosing the Right SSL Certificate Common SSL Issues and How to Fix Them Your supporters—and their data—will thank you.Building a Power App with SharePoint: Setting Up Your SharePoint List
⬅️ Previous: An Overview of the SharePoint/PowerApps Combination ➡️ Next: Building Your Power App What We’ll Cover Creating a SharePoint list from scratch Choosing column types to match your data needs Setting up lookup columns and choice fields Best practices for organizing and naming columns Preparing your list for integration with Power Apps Creating Your SharePoint List Log in to SharePoint: Navigate to your SharePoint site. SharePoint can also be accessed via m365.cloud.microsoft, signing into your account and then clicking in the upper left corner of the window, select App launcher > SharePoint. (If not in left corner please look for “Apps”) Create a List: Go to the site contents and select "New"> "List". --> 3.Start a New List: Click “New List” and choose a blank list or template. If you have an existing excel or CSV file with columns you have already written, you can also import as well. First choose import from excel Then select a file on the SharePoint site or Upload a file 3. If you have multiple sheets in the file, you can select the table or sheet and choose the column type for each column. Choosing the Right Column Types Below, see the list of options when you are importing from ESV or CSV. Each column in your SharePoint list stores a different type of data. Choosing the right type helps your app work efficiently. Common column types include: Single line of text: For short text entries (names, titles). Multiple lines of text: For longer notes or descriptions. Choice: Predefined options for consistent data entry (e.g., status: Active, Inactive). Number: For numerical data (e.g., quantity, age). Date and time: For dates such as event dates or registration timestamps. Lookup: To reference data from another SharePoint list. Make sure to match your columns to the data you’ll collect. 4. Name Your List: Give your list a name (e.g., "Employee Directory"). 5. Add Columns: Add the necessary columns to your list (e.g., Name, Email, Department). If you imported from a file, feel free to add any more columns you may have needed or adjust the column types by clicking on the Column – Column Settings-Edit. Option B for Step 1: Using Microsoft Lists Open Microsoft Lists: Go to Microsoft Lists or access it via the Microsoft 365 app launcher. 2. Start a New List: Click “New List” and choose a blank list or template. 3. Configure the List: Name your list (e.g., "Employee Directory"). Select the desired color and icon if you wish. Choose whether to save it to My lists (private) or a SharePoint site (team-based). 4. Add Columns: Add custom columns such as Name, Email, Department, etc. Note: Whether you create your list in SharePoint or Microsoft Lists, it can be connected to PowerApps the same way in the next step. Tip: When starting from a SharePoint List that has no data, it is helpful to add one line of test data to see how the fields populate within the Power App. Take the time to add an entry before we begin to create the app. Best Practices for Organizing Your List Use clear and consistent column names (avoid spaces or special characters when possible). Keep your list structure simple—complex relationships can be handled later in Power Apps or Power Automate. Limit the number of columns to only those you need to keep performance smooth. Add columns for auditing if needed, such as “Created By” and “Modified Date.” These can be system generated following the steps below: Click on Add Column-Show or hide columns-Select Column-Apply Preparing Your List for Power Apps Once your SharePoint list is ready: Double-check your columns and data types. Add some sample data to test with later. Avoid complex calculated columns that Power Apps might not support fully. Ensure you have proper permissions to connect the list to Power Apps Conclusion Your SharePoint list is the foundation of your Power App. Taking time to set it up thoughtfully will save you time and headaches down the road, making your app more reliable and user-friendly. In our next blog, we’ll jump into Power Apps Studio to connect your SharePoint list and start building your app interface. Stay tuned! Additional information: Setting Up Views Views help you filter and organize your list data directly in SharePoint. Setting up a custom view lets users see just the data relevant to them. Create views based on common filters (e.g., “Pending Approvals” or “Active Volunteers”) Set a default view that makes sense for most users In this example application, I will create an HR view that displays the fields the HR team will manage first in the list. To add a view, click on + Add View on the top right of the list Best Practices for SharePoint Lists with Power Apps Keep your list simple and clean for better app performance Limit choice columns to fewer than 20 options for usability Avoid using complex column types that don’t work well with Power Apps Regularly maintain and clean your list data to prevent errors Plan your list structure early to avoid major changes later 📚 Explore the Series Series Introduction An Overview of the SharePoint/PowerApps Combination Setting Up Your SharePoint List Building Your Power AppBuilding a Power App with SharePoint: Connecting and Customizing the App for an HR Use Case
[⬅️Previous Blog] Setting Up Your SharePoint List You're reading the last of the series, Blog 4 Building Your Power App Now that you’ve set up your SharePoint List — the foundation for your app’s data — it’s time to bring your HR app to life using Microsoft Power Apps. In this blog, we’ll walk step-by-step through how to: Connect your Power App to the SharePoint list, Customize the forms and layout, Configure how users interact with the app, And apply basic rules that enhance the functionality of your HR or other adopted solution Whether you're a nonprofit looking to simplify HR tracking or a team supporting digital transformation with no-code tools, these Power Apps steps will help you build an easy-to-use app your staff can rely on. By the end, you’ll have a working Power App connected to SharePoint, ready for testing. Integrate the List into PowerApps Open PowerApps: Sign in to PowerApps via make.powerapps.com Ensure you are creating the app in the appropriate “Environment” on the top right corner, if you organization is using multiple for different purposes or departments Create an App: Select "Create an app" and choose "Start with data.” Choose “Connect external data” Choose a data set to start Select “From SharePoint” There are 3 ways in which you can connect to the list. Enter the URL of your SharePoint site and select the list you created. Search the Name of the SharePoint Site the list was created within, then select the list name Enter the URL of the List site where it says Enter SharePoint URL, and click connect I will use option 3 and copy the URL link to my SharePoint list (the web address listed when you are on your SharePoint List site), and copy it into the “Enter SharePoint URL” Click Connect if you copied the URL using option 1 or 3 Click Create App Once list is selected 6. Create the App: PowerApps will generate a default app with one screen that includes a container and two sub containers (listing the items in the list if you added one, and the body sub container has the fields in your list) 7. Save the application (warning) Using the save button in the upper right corner and give your app a name. If you do not save right away, after the screen is idle for some time you will have to start over. Ensure the auto save setting is on within Settings->General. Once you have clicked the save it will continue to auto save changes Customize the App Design the App: Use the PowerApps Studio to customize the layout and design of your app. Add Controls: Add controls such as text boxes, buttons, and galleries to display and interact with your data. Set Up Navigation: Configure navigation between screens using buttons and actions. Test the App: Test the app to ensure it functions as expected. Example Customizations Let’s take you through some example configurations based on theme of the HR Employee Ticketing App Here is the app, as finished from the steps above Please note the yellow warning icon is Power Apps warning for the search feature, and that the formula might not work correctly with large data. If you are planning to have over 500 records, there is still a way to use this app and an alternative search function if needed. Follow these articles for more information. Understand delegation in a canvas app - Power Apps | Microsoft Learn Connect to SharePoint from a canvas app - Power Apps | Microsoft Learn Deleting Controls For this app I do not want employees to be able to delete records, so I will remove the delete icon and delete confirm dialog container that was auto created. (see highlights in picture above) Right Click on “DeleteIconButton” then click “Delete” on the Pop-up dialog Add a Display Icon When the employees sign in, I want their profile picture (if uploaded into the directory) to show on the right-hand side Select the Table Name Container, as I want it to be inserted at the top Click Insert on the top of the screen Search for Avatar (or find Display, and scroll), the image well then insert at the top Removing fields from PowerApps View Sometimes, there may be a list or other data that you may not need to be shown in the Power App. Below shows what you can do to remove those (only from the App). Click on the component that is bringing in the data, in this example it is a Form in the MainContainer Then scroll down to the field you want to remove, by simply right clicking on the field i.e., “Priority Level” and click Delete Second Option to Remove Fields There is also the option to hover over the area, and the distinct options will show, choose “Fields” Third Option to Remove Fields Lastly, you can also use the Properties panel on the right side of the screen. This Property Panel is where many other items can be controlled, like size of text, height, and spacing of columns. To remove the field In Properties select Edit Fields -> Find Field to remove from app -> Right Click -> Click on the ellipses->Select Remove ---> ---> Tip: Please note that you can also use this view of the fields properties to drag fields in the order of which you would like (not just the move up and move down arrows shown). In this example, I removed fields that only HR Administrators will use to manage HR cases that come through the application. This way we have employee facing fields and HR only fields. Editing Galleries Layout If you are using a Gallery within your application, you can change the layout that is automatically added. Click on the gallery In the Properties pane, find the Layout subsection. Click on the drop-down arrow to change to the layout you would like If your data includes images, you can choose the option that shows the results with an image icon --> For this application I will keep the Title, subtitle, and body option Gallery Items If you also want to edit the items shown in the gallery, you can click on the Title, subtitle, or body and change the text Formula used. Performing this will update it for all the items shown in the gallery. ---> Click on the item in the gallery, or find the Gallery in the left-hand menu, and select Title, subtitle, or body Once selected the formula bar on the top of the screen, should change to the text property Update the formula to ThisItem.’DataColumnName’ The updates I have made were from First Name, Last Name, and blank to: ThisItem.Created ThisItem.Description ThisItem.'HR Category'.Value Searching in Galleries Once your gallery display items have been updated, you have a search field that now may also be updated depending on how the users will search entries. This example below will only go over searching text values. Click on the Gallery Name in the Screens left hand menu The Items property should pop up with the search equation used. Change the search values – to do this remove or add items after the SearchInput1.Text Value (that is if your icon is labeled as such) see image below Search([@'Import HR Employee App'], SearchInput1.Text, field_1,'Description') “Import HR Employee App – is the Datasource “SearchInput1” - is the search box where items users will type/search “Field_1” or ‘Description’ - are the fields chosen to search from this specific data source Change the items after “SearchInput1.Text,” separating each by a comma. Adding a Screen/Form We are now going to create a form that the user will use to submit a case to the HR team. Click New Screen Choose Blank option Rename screen by click on the “...” ellipses, choose Rename Click Insert -> Search Form -> Select Form or Edit Form Choose Data Source A screen will appear to allow you to select your data source, which will be the same as the gallery in this option and managed by the HR team through the SharePoint List. Below is an image of the Form inserted Remove fields The form that is inserted will bring in fields automatically, utilize the steps in the “Removing fields from PowerApps View” to remove the fields that the employee should not see or fill out Adding Fields Lets add fields that may not be auto added during creation. Utilizing the Properties Pane-> Edit Fields-> Add Field It is here you can multi-select fields for your form Default Mode – change the default mode from edit to new in the properties pane Properties the right pane shows that you perform a variety of changes Edit Fields Change amount of columns Display field name – change whether the layout is vertically on top or to the side of the field Size/Position - change the sizing of the form and position Color – edit the color Border – add a border to the outside of the form Pulling In User Data For this app I want the user information to automatically pull in from the user profile, to prevent type errors. Ensure that you have connected the “Office365Users” data source for user profiles to pull into the app. Below are the formulas I have used: First Name = First(Split(User().FullName, " ")).Value Last Name = Last(Split(User().FullName, " ")).Value Email Address = User().Email Employee ID = Office365Users.MyProfileV2().id Viewable only Fields If there is a need for any of your form fields to be viewable only, in the Properties Pane when the DataCard Value for that field is selected, change the DisplayMode to: DisplayMode.View Note you first must unlock the card to make changes Adding Controls Let us now add a cancel and save button for employees to be able to submit the form or clear the form. Click Insert-> Select Button (For this step, I will perform twice to insert two buttons) Drag the button to the preferred location on the screen Tip Rename the buttons in the Tree View; this helps when looking at the screen left navigation and knowing which button is which Edit the display name for the user using the properties pane If your properties pane does not show click on the icon in the top navigation next to the editing icon, see image below Icon – there is also the ability to change the icon, select which icon makes the most sense for the action you would like the button to perform. The “Layout” property also allows you to have only the icon show, or both icon and text Button Formulas Cancel/Clear the formula for the “OnSelect” Property of the button, and type “ResetForm(NameofFormUsedinTreeView)’ For this app it will be ResetForm(EmployeeFormScreen) If you have a screen you would like to send the user back to, after clicking cancel add; Navigate(MainScreen1) --> Final formula combined would be ResetForm(EmployeeForm);Navigate(MainScreen1) Save – Onselect – SubmitForm(EmployeeForm) Successfully Submitting a Form Click on your Form in the Tree View “EmployeeForm” in this app Find the OnSuccess property Type ResetForm(EmployeeForm);Navigate(MainScreen1) in the formula bar Exit Button For this app I have also added an Exit Button to the Gallery Screen, and added an icon OnSelect fx = Exit() Navigate to the App in the left-hand Tree View and look at the options in Properties Menu on the right-hand side, that says Confirm Exit Turn off if you would like the system to confirm before the user exits Confirm exit message – type in a message you would want the user to see ---> Step 4: Save and Publish the App Although saving, and the auto save setting was explored, in the event this was not utilized let's save and publish! Save the App: Select the Save icon in the upper-right corner and give your app a name. Publish: the app to make it available to your organization. Share the App: Share the app with your team members and assign appropriate permissions. Conclusion Creating a Power App from a SharePoint list is a powerful way to leverage your existing data and create custom applications that meet your organization's needs. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can build an app that improves efficiency, enhances collaboration, and provides valuable insights. Start exploring the possibilities of PowerApps and SharePoint today! Additional Resources Add and configure controls in canvas apps - Power Apps | Microsoft Learn Understand delegation in a canvas app - Power Apps | Microsoft Learn Connect to SharePoint from a canvas app - Power Apps | Microsoft Learn Congratulations! You’ve now walked through the full process of building a Power App that connects directly to your SharePoint List. From selecting the correct data source to customizing fields, adding logic, and polishing your interface — your app is now functional and ready to test with real users. Before you go live, make sure to: Review your SharePoint permissions so employees only see their own data, Confirm Power App users only have “Can use” access and not edit privileges, And walk through your app to catch any last usability tweaks. 📚 Explore the Series Series Introduction An Overview of the SharePoint/PowerApps Combination Setting Up Your SharePoint List Building Your Power AppUnderstanding DNS: A Nonprofit's Guide to Website Security and Accessibility
At the heart of this post is Kairos IMS, an innovative Impact Management System designed to empower human-serving nonprofits and social impact organizations. Co-developed by the Urban League of Broward County and our trusted technology partner, Impactful, Kairos IMS reduces administrative burdens, enhances holistic care, and enables organizations to leverage data for increased agility and seamless service delivery. In this blog series, we’ll take a closer look at the powerful technologies that fuel Kairos IMS, from Azure services to security frameworks, offering insight into how modern infrastructure supports mission-driven impact. Click here to learn more. What is DNS? DNS, or Domain Name System, is often referred to as the internet's "phonebook." Think of it this way: when you want to visit a website, like www.example.org, you type in the domain name. However, computers don’t understand domain names—they communicate using numbers, called IP addresses, like 192.168.1.1. DNS acts as the translator, converting the user-friendly domain name into the machine-friendly IP address, ensuring you land on the correct website. For example, if you type in your nonprofit’s domain, let’s say www.mycharity.org, the DNS system takes that name, finds the matching IP address, and directs the internet to deliver your website to the user. Without DNS, navigating the web would mean memorizing strings of numbers for every site you wanted to visit—something no one wants to do! Why DNS Matters for Nonprofits A reliable DNS is essential for nonprofits for several reasons: 1. Website Accessibility Your website is often the first point of contact for donors, volunteers, and the communities you serve. If your DNS isn’t functioning correctly, it can lead to downtime, making your site inaccessible. This can result in lost donations, missed opportunities, and frustration for users trying to learn more about your mission. 2. Security A secure DNS setup helps protect your website from cyber threats like phishing attacks or DNS hijacking, where bad actors redirect users to malicious websites. A compromised DNS can damage your nonprofit’s reputation and erode trust among your supporters. 3. Improved User Experience A fast DNS ensures that your website loads quickly. Slow load times can frustrate users and may even discourage potential donors or partners from exploring your site further. Common DNS Issues Nonprofits Face—and How to Fix Them Let’s look at some common DNS-related problems and their solutions: 1. Website Downtime Issue: Your website suddenly goes offline, and users cannot access it. Solution: This could be due to an expired domain or issues with your DNS provider. Make sure your domain name is renewed promptly and work with a reputable DNS provider that offers high reliability and uptime guarantees. 2. Misconfigured DNS Records Issue: Users report being redirected to the wrong website or encountering errors. Solution: Double-check your DNS records, particularly the A records (which map your domain to your IP address) and CNAME records (used for subdomains). Tools like DNSChecker.org can help you verify your configurations. 3. Slow Load Times Issue: Your website loads slowly, frustrating potential donors. Solution: Invest in a DNS provider with a global network of servers. This ensures faster resolution times, especially for users accessing your site from different parts of the world. 4. Security Threats Issue: You suspect your DNS may have been hijacked or compromised. Solution: Implement DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions) to add an extra layer of protection. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication on your DNS management account to prevent unauthorized changes. Tips for Nonprofits to Manage Their DNS Effectively Managing your DNS may sound intimidating, but with the right approach, it can be straightforward. Here are some tips to help your nonprofit succeed: Choose a Reliable DNS Provider: Look for providers with strong uptime records, robust security features, and excellent customer support. Regularly Monitor Your DNS Settings: Periodically check your DNS records to ensure everything is configured correctly and no unauthorized changes have been made. Educate Your Team: Make sure your staff or volunteers understand the basics of DNS and know who to contact in case of an issue. Enable Automatic Renewals: Avoid domain expiration by enabling automatic renewals for your domain registration. Backup Your Settings: Keep a record of your DNS settings so you can quickly restore them if needed. Conclusion In today’s digital age, having a reliable and secure DNS is crucial for nonprofits. It ensures your website remains accessible, secure, and user-friendly, helping you better serve your community and achieve your mission. By understanding how DNS works and addressing issues proactively, your nonprofit can create a strong online presence and build trust among your supporters. Remember, you don’t have to be a tech expert to manage your DNS effectively. With the right resources and support, you can empower your organization to navigate the world of DNS with confidence.Protecting Your Mission: How Azure’s Point-in-Time Restore Keeps Nonprofit Data Safe
At the heart of this post is Kairos IMS, an innovative Impact Management System designed to empower human-serving nonprofits and social impact organizations. Co-developed by the Urban League of Broward County and our trusted technology partner, Impactful, Kairos IMS reduces administrative burdens, enhances holistic care, and enables organizations to leverage data for increased agility and seamless service delivery. In this blog series, we’ll take a closer look at the powerful technologies that fuel Kairos IMS, from Azure services to security frameworks, offering insight into how modern infrastructure supports mission-driven impact. Click here to learn more. As nonprofits continue to embrace cloud technology to enhance their day-to-day and better serve their communities, protecting critical data becomes more important than ever. Whether it’s donor records, program data, or volunteer tracking, the risk of accidental deletion or corruption is real. That’s why features like Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) in Microsoft Azure play a vital role in ensuring your data stays safe—and your mission stays on track. What Is Point-in-Time Restore? Point-in-Time Restore is a feature in Azure that allows you to recover a database to a specific moment in the past—down to the second. Think of it like hitting "rewind" on your database. Whether it's due to human error, application issues, or malicious activity, PITR provides a safety net by allowing you to restore data to a time before the incident occurred. Services in Azure that support Point-in-Time Restore: Azure SQL Database This is the most common use case. PITR allows you to restore a database to any second within the retention period (up to 35 days by default). Azure Database for PostgreSQL – Single Server Supports PITR with up to 35-day retention. Azure Database for MySQL – Single Server Also supports PITR for recovering from accidental changes. Azure Cosmos DB (with Continuous Backup) PITR is available if you enable continuous backup. You can restore to any point within the past 30 days. What PITR is not available for (as of now): Azure Blob Storage (uses versioning and soft delete instead) Azure Files Azure Virtual Machines (use backup snapshots and recovery services vault) Azure Key Vault or Azure App Services (require other recovery strategies) Why Nonprofits Should Care About PITR Nonprofits often operate with limited IT staff and budgets, making automated and reliable data protection solutions essential. Here’s how PITR benefits your organization: Peace of Mind: Mistakes happen. PITR ensures you can recover from accidental deletions or changes without major downtime. Minimal Disruption: Restore your Azure SQL Database or other supported resources without disrupting other parts of your cloud environment. Compliance Support: If you handle donor information or health records, maintaining recoverability helps with data protection regulations. How Does PITR Work in Azure? Azure automatically creates full database backups every week, differential backups every 12-24 hours, and transaction log backups every 5-10 minutes. With PITR, you can choose any point within your retention period (up to 35 days by default) and restore your data to that exact moment. The restored database is created as a new copy—so you don’t overwrite the existing data unless you choose to. Use Case Example Imagine your nonprofit is using an Azure SQL Database to track volunteer hours. One day, someone accidentally runs a script that deletes an entire table. With PITR, you can restore the database to just before the incident—recovering your data without losing more than a few minutes’ worth of work. Steps to Perform a Point-in-Time Restore Go to the Azure portal and type in SQL Database into the Azure search bar. Navigate to your SQL Database. Click Restore from the toolbar. Select Point-in-time. Choose the desired restore point time. Provide a new name for the restored database. Configure other desired settings, review + create. Select Create. That’s it—Azure takes care of the heavy lifting. Tips for Nonprofits Review retention settings: Ensure your database's PITR retention period aligns with your backup and compliance policies. Test your restores: Regularly verify that you can perform a PITR to reduce surprises during real emergencies. Educate your team: Train staff on best practices for data entry and deletion to reduce the risk of needing restores. Data loss doesn’t have to be catastrophic. Azure’s Point-in-Time Restore is a powerful, low-effort way for nonprofits to stay resilient and mission-focused. It enables you to recover swiftly from setbacks and continue serving your community without unnecessary delays. Happy Restoring!
Transforming Healthcare with AI: A Comprehensive Guide for Nonprofits
In the rapidly evolving world of healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force. For nonprofits, leveraging AI can lead to significant improvements in patient care, operational efficiency, and overall impact. This blog explores how AI can be integrated into healthcare practices, drawing insights from the Microsoft AI learning path for healthcare leaders Understanding AI in Healthcare AI encompasses a range of technologies that enable machines to mimic human intelligence. In healthcare, AI applications include predictive analytics, natural language processing, and machine learning, all of which can enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and improve patient outcomes. Key Areas of AI Application in Healthcare Predictive Analytics: AI can analyze vast amounts of data to predict patient outcomes, identify potential health risks, and suggest preventive measures. This is particularly useful for managing chronic diseases and improving population health. Personalized Medicine: By analyzing genetic information and other health data, AI can help tailor treatments to individual patients, leading to more effective and targeted therapies. Operational Efficiency: AI can automate administrative tasks, optimize resource allocation, and improve workflow efficiency. This allows healthcare providers to focus more on patient care and less on paperwork. Clinical Decision Support: AI-powered tools can assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing diseases, recommending treatments, and monitoring patient progress. These tools can provide real-time insights and support evidence-based decision-making. Steps to Implement AI in Healthcare Leverage AI Tools and Resources: Nonprofits can start by exploring the AI tools and resources available through platforms like Microsoft Azure. These tools can help organizations understand the basics of AI and how it can be applied to their specific needs. Create Business Value from AI: Developing an AI strategy is crucial. Nonprofits should identify areas where AI can add the most value, such as improving patient care or optimizing operations. This involves setting clear goals, allocating resources, and fostering an AI-ready culture. Embrace Responsible AI Practices: Ethical considerations are paramount in healthcare. Nonprofits must ensure that their AI applications adhere to principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. This includes implementing robust governance frameworks and continuously monitoring AI systems for bias and errors. Scale AI in Your Organization: Once initial AI projects are successful, nonprofits should look to scale these solutions across their organization. This involves training staff, integrating AI into existing workflows, and continuously evaluating the impact of AI initiatives. Define a Microsoft AI Strategy: Microsoft offers a range of AI solutions tailored to healthcare. Nonprofits can leverage these solutions to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation. Real-world case studies and customer stories can provide valuable insights into how other organizations have successfully implemented AI. Practical Applications for Nonprofits Automated Donor Management: AI can help manage donor relationships by automating communications, tracking donations, and providing personalized engagement strategies. Volunteer Coordination: AI can optimize volunteer scheduling, match volunteers with suitable roles, and streamline communication. Resource Allocation: AI can ensure that resources are used efficiently, reducing waste and improving service delivery. Health Education and Outreach: AI can analyze community health data to identify needs, tailor health education programs, and measure their impact. Conclusion AI holds immense potential for transforming healthcare, especially for nonprofits dedicated to improving community health. By understanding and leveraging AI technologies, nonprofits can enhance their impact, improve patient outcomes, and drive innovation in the healthcare sector. The Microsoft AI learning path provides a comprehensive guide for healthcare leaders to navigate this journey, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for successful AI adoption. For more please follow this learning path: Discover Microsoft AI for leaders in healthcare - Training | Microsoft LearnBoosting Nonprofits with Github Copilot
What is Github Copilot? Github Copilot, developed by OpenAI and Github, is an AI-powered assistant that integrates seamlessly into popular code editors such as Visual Studio Code, Neovim, and JetBrains. It leverages advanced machine learning to suggest code snippets, provide auto-completions, and even generate entire functions based on the developer’s context and intent. Think of it as your intelligent pair programmer, available 24/7, to enhance your productivity and creativity. Key Features of Github Copilot Code Suggestions: Provides real-time code suggestions directly in your editor, reducing the need for extensive searches or documentation reviews. Auto-completion: Completes lines or entire blocks of code, saving time and effort. Multi-language Support: Supports a wide range of programming languages, making it versatile for developers with varied expertise. Context-aware Recommendations: Adapts to your coding style and context, offering tailored suggestions that align with your project’s needs. Learning and Adaptation: Becomes smarter with usage, ensuring better and more accurate recommendations over time. Benefits of Github Copilot for Nonprofits For nonprofits, every resource counts. Github Copilot doesn’t just help write code faster; it empowers organizations to focus on what truly matters—their mission. Here’s how it can be a game-changer for nonprofits: Improved Efficiency: By handling repetitive coding tasks, Github Copilot frees up time for developers to concentrate on strategic and impactful projects. Enhanced Collaboration: Teams can use the tool to standardize code across projects, improving consistency and reducing the learning curve for new members. Resource Optimization: Nonprofits often operate with lean teams. Copilot helps bridge gaps in technical expertise, allowing less experienced developers to achieve more. Accessibility: Developers with limited experience can leverage Copilot’s advanced capabilities to tackle complex coding challenges, leveling the playing field. Innovation: By reducing the time spent on mundane tasks, organizations have more bandwidth to focus on innovative solutions aligned with their mission. Practical Applications for Nonprofits Wondering how Github Copilot can be applied to the nonprofit sector? Here are some practical examples: Building Sophisticated Websites Nonprofits can use Github Copilot to efficiently develop and maintain websites that serve as their digital headquarters. Whether it’s crafting interactive donation pages or creating compelling narratives for their causes, Copilot ensures smooth and efficient coding. Managing Donor Databases With Copilot, developers can quickly set up and optimize donor management systems, ensuring secure and streamlined data handling. The AI assistant can generate scripts for querying, organizing, and analyzing donor information. Automating Workflows From automating routine administrative tasks to setting up email campaigns, Github Copilot can significantly reduce manual effort while maintaining accuracy. Developing Mobile Applications Mission-driven nonprofits can leverage Copilot to create user-friendly mobile apps that connect with their target audiences, providing updates, fundraising tools, and volunteering opportunities. Enhancing Cybersecurity Copilot can help organizations write robust security protocols to safeguard sensitive data, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. Ready to Transform Your Nonprofit with Github Copilot? Github Copilot is more than just a coding assistant—it’s a bridge to innovation and efficiency for nonprofits. If you’re intrigued by its potential, we invite you to explore Github Copilot and sign up for a free trial. See firsthand how it can revolutionize your workflows and empower your team to achieve more. Stay tuned for future blog posts, where we’ll delve deeper into Github Copilot’s features and share step-by-step guides on integrating it into your nonprofit’s workflows. Don’t miss the chance to elevate your organization to new heights! Resources to Get Started For nonprofits eager to harness the power of Github Copilot, there’s a wealth of resources available to make your journey seamless. Here are some key links and communities to get you started: Official Github Copilot Documentation: A comprehensive guide to installing, configuring, and using Github Copilot effectively. Community Forums: Join a vibrant community of developers and nonprofit organizations. Share tips, ask questions, and learn from others' experiences. Github Learning Lab: Explore interactive modules and exercises tailored to help organizations of all sizes master Github Copilot. Microsoft Learn: Access free, interactive learning paths and resources offered by Microsoft to build your technical skills, including guides and tutorials related to GitHub and AI-driven tools.Platform Alerts with Azure Health Service
Staying Informed with Azure Health Services If you are a nonprofit that is new to Azure, managing your subscription can be daunting. Azure is a powerful platform that constantly iterates adding advanced services. More importantly, there are times that services hosted on Azure may need to be down for maintenance, expanding new service rollouts, and platform updates. Azure Health Services helps keep you up to date for your subscriptions Globally. Getting a high-level understanding of any new service alerts will keep organization. What is Azure Service Health? Service Health is hosted on the Azure Platform, which is secure, reliable, and flexible. Allowing organizations to have the tools and services they need at any moment notice. Although Azure is globally available, there are times when services or regions may be down for maintenance. It is important to monitor services to get a full picture view of your development landscape. That bug you caught may simply be a service being unavailable for maintenance. So, a scheduled site maintenance may suffice for your audience. Resource health, Azure status, and Service health are the dynamic trio that make up Azure Service Health. Presenting a unified experience within Azure with all the combined services. Azure status: Global view of services unavailability. Resource health: Information about personal individual cloud resources which utilizes Azure Monitor to setup alerts & notify members about services being unavailable. Service health: View of services within your personal subscription that may be experiencing an outage, maintenance, and advisories. Service Health Menu Active Events Service issues: Real-time information about ongoing service issues affecting your Azure resources. It helps you stay informed about any disruptions and their impact on your services, enabling you to take appropriate actions to mitigate the effects. Planned maintenance: This feature notifies you about upcoming maintenance events that may affect your Azure resources. It includes details about the schedule, scope, and potential impact of the maintenance Health advisories: Important updates and recommendations regarding the health of your Azure resources. It includes information about potential issues, best practices, and guidance to help you maintain the optimal performance and availability of your services. Security advisories: Provides critical information about security-related issues and vulnerabilities that may affect your Azure resources. It includes details about the nature of the threats, recommended actions, and updates to help you protect your services and data from potential security risks. Disclaimer: In order to view Security advisories, updates, notifications, and important information about personal services and resources impacted by outages, critical, and non-business issues across regions. History Health history: provides a detailed record of the health status of your Azure resources over time. It includes information about past incidents, maintenance events, and health advisories, allowing you to analyze trends and identify recurring issues. Resources Health Resource health: provides a comprehensive view of the health status of your Azure resources. It helps you quickly identify and diagnose issues, ensuring that you can maintain the availability and performance of your services. Detailed information about resource health, including current and past incidents, planned maintenance, and health advisories. Alerts Health alerts: Real-time notifications about the health status of your Azure resources. It alerts you to any issues or changes that may affect the availability and performance of your services Creating an Alert Rule Now that we know a little more about Azure Health Service. Let's explore creating your first alert. First you need to navigate the Azure Portal at https://portal.azure.com. After logging in you will need to type in the top search bar Service health then click the heart icon. You need to have an active service you will need to have created a resource group and a active service within the resource group for example a virtual machine. This is necessary if you want to set up the optional step under Actions. Next follow the steps below to create a service alert: In the left-hand menu under Active Events, then select "Service issues." For the scope, select the subscription you would like to receive alerts. then click "Next: Condition." Under Condition in the dropdown selectors Services, Regions, and Event types click "Select all," then click "Next: Actions." You will now create a action group. Click on the "Create action group" button then fill out the following: Basic: Select the "Subscription, Resource group, and Region." Then under instance details, name your "Action group name" and "Display name." Then select "Next: Notification." Notifications: Select the "Notification type" and then create a unique name under "Name." Under Notification type choose between "Email/Azure Resource Manager" role to email specific roles within your subscription to receive notifications. Then select the roles then click ok. We will choose this option to save time though it is recommended you create two alerts using both Email/Azure Resource Manager and Email/SMS message/Push/Voice. Once you are done select "Next: Actions." Actions: You now will select the "Action type" and the Name. Choose between the types of resources to receive a condition-based alert. You then will need to follow the instructions pertaining to which service. Automation Runbook Azure Function Event Hub ITSM Logic App Secure Webhook Webhook Tags: You can create tags as an option to track. Choose relevant tags depending on the subscription, department, team, or testing as an example. Create the "Name" and "Value." Select "Review + Create." Review + Create: Review all the information is correct and the pricing and privacy statement information then select "Create." After you create your action group you will then be sent back to the "Create an alert rule" where you will continue creating your alert, then click the "Next: Details." In Details, under Alert rule details create an "Alert rule name" and description, then click "Next: Tags." Create "Name" and "Value" pair for your tags for your alert. Then select "Next: Review + create." Review all details are correct then click "Create." Creating the alert might take a few minutes, but once it is ready, you will see a notification under the bell icon located in the top menu. Congratulations on taking your first step in creating a plan to be prepared. Setting up alerts keeps your team up to date with the latest information. Conclusion In conclusion, you learned about Azure's tools to inform users of the health of operations of services globally. Teams can track issues concerning their personal resources and improve security, outages, and planned maintenance. You also started down the path of improving your security practices within Azure, so way to go. If you would like to take a even deeper look by following quick start guides and tutorials with the links below. Now, go learn, grow, and achieve the mission that you are so passionate about. Hyperlinks What is Azure Service Health? - Azure Service Health | Microsoft Learn Azure Service Health Video | Microsoft Learn Azure status overview - Azure Service Health | Microsoft Learn
