Microsoft Entra: Building Trust in a Borderless Digital World
As nonprofits embrace hybrid work, multi-cloud environments, and digital transformation to better serve their missions, the need for secure, intelligent access has never been greater. Traditional identity solutions often fall short in protecting diverse user groups like staff, volunteers, donors, and partners. Microsoft Entra offers a unified family of identity and network access products designed to verify every identity, validate every access request, and secure every connection—helping nonprofits stay resilient, compliant, and mission-focused. What Is Microsoft Entra? Microsoft Entra offers a unified family of identity and network access products designed to verify every identity, validate every access request, and secure every connection—helping nonprofits stay resilient, compliant, and mission-focused. The suite includes: Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory): A cloud-based identity and access management service that supports Single Sign-On (SSO), Multifactor Authentication (MFA), and Conditional Access policies to protect users, apps, and resources. Microsoft Entra ID Governance: Automates identity lifecycle management, ensuring users have the right access at the right time—and nothing more. It supports access reviews, role-based access control, and policy enforcement. Microsoft Entra External ID: Manages secure access for external users like customers, partners, and vendors. It enables personalized, secure experiences without compromising internal systems. Microsoft Entra Private Access: Provides secure, VPN-less access to private apps and resources across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It’s ideal for remote work scenarios and legacy app support. Microsoft Entra Internet Access: Offers secure web access with identity-aware controls, helping protect users from malicious sites and enforcing compliance policies. Why Microsoft Entra Matters for Nonprofits Unified Identity Protection: Secures access for any identity—human or workload—to any resource, from anywhere. Zero Trust Enablement: Verifies every access request based on identity, device health, location, and risk level. Multi-cloud and Hybrid Ready: Works across Microsoft 365, Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, and on-premises environments. Compliance and Governance: Supports nonprofit regulatory needs with automated access reviews, audit trails, and policy enforcement. Getting Started with Microsoft Entra Assess your security posture through Microsoft Secure Score – Helps nonprofits monitor and improve identity, device, and app security posture. Building Conditional Access policies in Microsoft Entra – Create policies to protect users and data based on risk, location, and device health. Create a lifecycle workflow – Automate onboarding, role changes, and offboarding for staff, volunteers, and contractors. Microsoft Entra External ID documentation – Manage secure access for donors, partners, and community members. Real-World Impact A global nonprofit recently used Microsoft Entra to streamline access for volunteers, staff, and external partners. By automating identity governance and enabling secure access to cloud apps, they reduced administrative overhead and improved security posture—without sacrificing user experience. Conclusion Microsoft Entra empowers nonprofits to modernize identity and access management with a unified, secure, and intelligent approach. Whether you're enabling remote work, collaborating with external partners, or safeguarding sensitive donor data, Entra provides the tools to build trust, enforce least privilege, and stay compliant. By adopting Entra, nonprofits can focus more on their mission and less on managing risk—ensuring that every connection is secure, every identity is verified, and every access is governed.Putting People First: Welcoming Justin Spelhaug as President of Microsoft Elevate
At the heart of every thriving community are educators, nonprofit leaders, and workforce champions—individuals who show up every day to serve others with compassion and purpose. Today, we’re honored to introduce someone who has spent his career standing alongside them: Justin Spelhaug, the new President of Microsoft Elevate. As Justin shared, “The AI era must put people first—not as a slogan, but as a plan.” That’s the heart of Microsoft Elevate’s mission: helping every classroom, changemaker, and community thrive by equipping them with the tools, skills, and support they need to navigate a rapidly evolving digital world. Together, we’re building a future where AI strengthens institutions, expands opportunity, and uplifts those who serve others. To learn more about Justin’s journey and his commitment to inclusive innovation, read his Day One message on Microsoft for Nonprofits LinkedIn. You can also follow Microsoft Elevate across our Microsoft Education, Microsoft for Nonprofits, and Microsoft AI Skills social channels for the latest stories and updates on how we’re helping every community thrive in the AI era.Comprehensive Identity Protection—Across Cloud and On-Premises
Hybrid IT environments, identity is the new perimeter—and protecting it requires visibility across both cloud and on-premises systems. While Microsoft Entra secures cloud identities with intelligent access controls, Microsoft Defender for Identity brings deep insight into your on-premises Active Directory. Together, they form a powerful duo for comprehensive identity protection. Why Hybrid Identity Protection Matters Most organizations haven’t fully moved to the cloud. Legacy systems, on-prem applications, and hybrid user scenarios are still common, and attackers know it. They exploit these gaps using techniques like: Pass-the-Hash and Pass-the-Ticket attacks Credential stuffing and brute-force logins Privilege escalation and lateral movement Without visibility into on-prem identity activity, these threats can go undetected. That’s where Defender for Identity steps in. What Is Microsoft Defender for Identity? Defender for Identity is part of Microsoft Defender XDR—a cloud-based solution that monitors on-premises Active Directory for suspicious behavior. It uses behavioral analytics and threat intelligence to detect identity-based attacks in real time. Key capabilities: Detects compromised accounts and insider threats Monitors lateral movement and privilege escalation Surfaces risky users and abnormal access patterns Integrates with Microsoft 365 Defender and Sentinel for unified response Why It Pairs Perfectly with Microsoft Entra Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure AD) protects cloud identities with features like Conditional Access, Multifactor Authentication, and Identity Governance. But Entra alone can’t see what’s happening in your on-prem AD. By combining Entra and Defender for Identity, you get: End-to-end visibility across cloud and on-prem environments Real-time threat detection for suspicious activities like lateral movement, privilege escalation, and domain dominance Behavioral analytics to identify compromised accounts and insider threats Integrated response capabilities to contain threats quickly and minimize impact Actionable insights that help strengthen your identity posture and reduce risk Together, they deliver comprehensive identity protection—giving you the clarity, control, and confidence to defend against modern threats. Real-World Impact Imagine a scenario where an attacker gains access to a legacy on-prem account and begins moving laterally across systems. Defender for Identity detects the unusual behavior and flags the account as risky. Entra then blocks cloud access based on Conditional Access policies tied to that risk signal—stopping the attack before it spreads. Getting Started Deploy Defender for Identity sensors on your domain controllers Install a sensor - step-by-step instructions to install Defender for Identity sensors on your domain controllers to begin monitoring on-premises identity activity. Activate the sensor on a domain controller - Guidance on activating the installed sensor to ensure it starts collecting and analyzing data. Deployment overview - A high-level walkthrough of the Defender for Identity deployment process, including prerequisites and architecture. Connect Defender for Identity to Microsoft 365 Defender Integration in the Microsoft Defender portal - Learn how to connect Defender for Identity to Microsoft 365 Defender for centralized threat detection and response. Pilot and deploy Defender for Identity - Best practices for piloting Defender for Identity in your environment before full-scale deployment. Enable risk-based Conditional Access in Entra Configure risk policies in Entra ID Protection - Instructions for setting up risk-based policies that respond to identity threats in real time. Risk-based access policies overview - An overview of how Conditional Access uses risk signals to enforce adaptive access controls. Use Entra ID Governance to enforce least privilege Understanding least privilege with Entra ID Governance - Explains how to apply least privilege principles using Entra’s governance tools. Best practices for secure deployment - Recommendations for securely deploying Entra ID Governance to minimize identity-related risks. Integrate both with Microsoft Sentinel for advanced hunting Microsoft Defender XDR integration with Sentinel - How to connect Defender for Identity and other Defender components to Microsoft Sentinel for unified security operations. Send Entra ID data to Sentinel - Instructions for streaming Entra ID logs and signals into Sentinel for deeper analysis. Microsoft Sentinel data connectors - A catalog of available data connectors, including those for Entra and Defender for Identity, to expand your threat detection capabilities. Final Thoughts It's the perfect time to evaluate your identity protection strategy. By pairing Microsoft Entra with Defender for Identity, you gain full visibility across your hybrid environment—so you can detect threats early, respond quickly, and protect every identity with confidence. Ready to strengthen your identity perimeter? Start by deploying Defender for Identity and configuring Entra policies today.NEWSLETTER: Nonprofit Partner Community Update | November 2025
We’re excited to share the November edition of the Nonprofit Partner Community Update! This month’s release highlights major events, new resources, and actionable opportunities for nonprofit partners. Download the Nonprofit Partner Community Update | November 2025! Discover the latest partner resources, program launches, and inspiring success stories in the November Nonprofit Partner Community Update—designed to help you accelerate impact and growth in the nonprofit sector. Don’t miss new opportunities, practical tools, and highlights from Microsoft Ignite to energize your work! 🔍 What’s Inside: Microsoft Ignite: Major annual event for technology and nonprofit leaders. FY26 Nonprofit Partner Kickoff: Launch of new resources and programs for partners. FY26 EMEA Nonprofit + Education Partner Kickoff: Regional priorities and collaboration highlights. Azure for Nonprofit: Latest solutions and strategies for nonprofit organizations. Demand Generation Resources: New tools to help partners drive engagement and growth. Getting Started with AI Agents: Guidance for nonprofits adopting AI-powered workflows. The Salvation Army UK & Ireland Customer Success Story: Real-world impact of Microsoft solutions in nonprofit transformation.
Problems logging in to Microsoft non-profit
Hello everyone, I have signed up our non-profit organization for Microsoft Non-Profit and it was approved. In the approval-mail I was instructed to go to the "non-profit hub" to sign in and select the plans we would like to use. Unfortunately, when I try to log in at the non-profit hub, I am redirected to a blank page with just a loading circle spinning for all eternity (I've let it spin for 3 hours at one time). I've tried different browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) as well as different devices, the result remains the same. The username and password are correct - the former was additionally given in the approval-mail, the latter was checked several times. Is there another way to select the plans for our non-profit organization? Thanks in advance.Smarter Standards: How the Common Data Model for Nonprofits is Reshaping Nonprofit Data Management
Nonprofits manage vast amounts of data—from donor contributions and volunteer hours to program outcomes and grant records. Yet disconnected systems, inconsistent terminology, and manual processes often stand in the way of insight, efficiency, and impact. These data challenges don’t just slow down operations—they limit an organization’s ability to measure success, respond to community needs, and scale what works. The Common Data Model for Nonprofits offers a transformative solution: a free, open-source framework that standardizes how nonprofits organize, integrate, and analyze data across platforms. By creating a shared language for core nonprofit records—like constituents, transactions, programs, and results—it enables faster implementation, cleaner reporting, and smarter decision-making. From fundraising and volunteer engagement to program outcomes and grant management, leading organizations like Special Olympics International and The Felix Project are using the model to unify siloed data, streamline operations, and unlock mission-critical insights. With over 2,700 organizations adopting it and a growing ecosystem of partners building on top, the Common Data Model is becoming a launchpad for innovation across the sector—empowering nonprofits to move from reactive problem-solving to proactive, data-driven strategy. Whether you're a small grassroots organization or a global NGO, the Common Data Model helps you spend less time wrangling data and more time driving impact. Ready to see it in action? Discover how smarter data standards are driving real-world mission impact. Read the full story on LinkedIn: Smarter Standards: How the Common Data Model for Nonprofits Is Reshaping Data ManagementCybersecurity Is Mission Imperative: What Nonprofits Must Learn from the 2025 Digital Defense Report
In today’s digital-first world, nonprofits depend on technology to deliver services, engage communities, and scale impact. But with that reliance comes growing risk—from identity-based attacks to AI-driven threats and cloud vulnerabilities. The 2025 Microsoft Digital Defense Report offers a strategic lens into the global cybersecurity landscape. For nonprofit leaders, it’s more than a technical document—it’s a wake-up call. Cybersecurity is no longer a back-office concern. It’s a mission-critical priority. Key Takeaways for Nonprofits: Identity is the new attack surface—protect credentials, not just systems. AI is reshaping both threats and defenses—learn to leverage it. Cloud and vendor vulnerabilities are rising—secure your digital supply chain. Resilience matters—build systems that recover quickly and train your teams. The quantum era is coming—start preparing for post-quantum cryptography. Why It Matters: Protecting data means protecting people. Embedding cybersecurity into every layer of your organization—from boardroom strategy to frontline service delivery—is essential to maintaining trust and impact. For More Information: Explore the full Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2025 for deeper insights and practical guidance. Read the full report: Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2025 To learn more and join the conversation, follow Microsoft for Nonprofits LinkedIn for updates, expert insights, and community engagement around nonprofit cybersecurity. Visit: Microsoft for NonprofitsREGISTER NOW: Microsoft Ignite 2025 – Supporting Nonprofit Innovation
Register today to attend either in-person or online! We’re excited to invite our nonprofit partners to join us at Microsoft Ignite 2025, where innovation meets impact! Ignite is Microsoft’s flagship event for technologists, partners, and decision-makers. This year, it’s bigger than ever—with 17,000 in-person attendees and over 200,000 expected online. For nonprofit partners, Ignite offers: ✅ Skilling & Training: Deep dive into Microsoft technologies tailored to nonprofit needs ✅ Networking: Connect with peers, partners, and Microsoft experts ✅ Partner Growth: Explore new opportunities to build and scale your impact ✅ Recognition: Celebrate Partner of the Year winners and join exclusive receptions Explore session catalog Dates & Locations 📍In-Person: November 18–21, 2025 (optional pre-day Nov. 17) | Location: Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA 💻 Online: November 18–20, 2025 🔗 Register now! Whether you’re attending in person or online, Ignite is your chance to fuel your mission with the latest tools, insights, and community support. Let’s make this year’s Ignite unforgettable for the nonprofit sector. Register today and spread the word!Cybersecurity Starts Here: Strong Passwords for Nonprofits
In the nonprofit world, trust is everything. Whether you're protecting donor data, safeguarding beneficiary information, or managing internal systems, your digital security matters. One of the simplest—and most powerful—ways to protect your organization is by using strong passwords. These tools form the first line of defense against cyber threats and help ensure your mission stays on track. Why Strong Passwords Matter Weak passwords are like unlocked doors—they invite trouble. Cybercriminals often exploit simple or reused passwords to gain unauthorized access, impersonate staff, steal sensitive data, or disrupt operations. A strong password acts as a digital lock: hard to guess, harder to crack. Characteristics of a strong password: At least 12 characters long A mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols Unique for every account Not based on personal info (no pet names, birthdays, or favorite sports teams!) Microsoft Tools That Help You Stay Secure Microsoft offers nonprofit-friendly tools to help enforce strong password policies and protect user identities: Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) Centralized identity and access management Multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized logins Conditional access policies and role-based access control Microsoft 365 Security Center Monitor password-related alerts and suspicious sign-ins Enforce password expiration and complexity policies View security recommendations tailored to your organization Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Detects brute-force password attacks and credential theft Protects devices from malware and phishing attempts Integrates with Microsoft 365 for unified threat response Tips for Nonprofit Teams Building a culture of cybersecurity starts with small, consistent actions: Make it policy: Require strong passwords use across your organization Train your team: Host a lunch-and-learn or share a how-to guide on password safety Enable MFA: Add multi-factor authentication for all accounts Audit regularly: Review access and update credentials when staff roles change Clean up old accounts: Remove unused logins and shared credentials Your Mission Deserves Protection Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a mission-critical priority. By adopting strong password practices, you’re taking a proactive step to protect your people, your data, and your impact. Microsoft’s ecosystem offers scalable, nonprofit-friendly tools to help you build a secure foundation—so you can focus on what matters most: serving your community.Cybersecurity 101: Protecting Your Nonprofit with Microsoft Tools
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT concern—it’s a mission-critical priority. For nonprofits, safeguarding sensitive data, maintaining donor trust, and ensuring operational continuity are foundational to achieving impact. In an increasingly digital world, cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and nonprofits—often operating with limited resources—can be especially vulnerable. The good news? Microsoft offers a suite of powerful, easy-to-use tools designed to help nonprofits build a resilient security posture without needing a full-time IT department. What Is Cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, or damage. For nonprofits, this means defending the integrity of: Donor and beneficiary information: Personal data that must be protected to maintain trust and comply with privacy laws. Financial records: From grant funding to payroll, financial data is a prime target for cybercriminals. Internal communications: Sensitive discussions around strategy, staffing, and partnerships. Program data and impact reports: Valuable insights that drive funding and stakeholder engagement. A breach in any of these areas can lead to reputational damage, legal consequences, and disruption of services—making cybersecurity a strategic imperative. Microsoft Tools That Help You Stay Secure Microsoft’s ecosystem is designed to meet nonprofits where they are—whether you're just starting your digital journey or managing complex operations across borders. Microsoft Defender Built-in protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks Available across Windows devices and Microsoft 365 environments Real-time threat detection, automatic updates, and endpoint protection Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) Centralized identity and access management Multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized logins Role-based access control to ensure staff and volunteers only access what they need Microsoft Purview Advanced data governance and compliance tools Helps classify, label, and protect sensitive information Supports regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR) for nonprofits handling health or financial data Microsoft Outlook + Exchange Online Protection Filters out spam, phishing attempts, and malicious attachments Encryption options for secure email communication Safe Links and Safe Attachments features to prevent accidental clicks on harmful content Microsoft 365 Security Center Unified dashboard to monitor and manage security across your organization Actionable alerts and recommendations tailored to your environment Designed for ease-of-use, even for teams without dedicated IT staff Cybersecurity Best Practices for Nonprofits Technology alone isn’t enough—building a culture of security is key. Here are essential practices every nonprofit should adopt: Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager for staff Enable MFA on all accounts to add an extra layer of protection Educate your team on phishing, social engineering, and safe online behavior Keep software and systems updated to patch known vulnerabilities Limit access to sensitive data based on roles and responsibilities Back up data regularly using secure, encrypted methods Your Mission Deserves Protection Whether you're a small grassroots organization or a global NGO, your mission depends on trust, continuity, and resilience. Cybersecurity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Microsoft’s tools are designed to be scalable, affordable, and accessible, helping nonprofits protect what matters most: their people, their data, and their impact. By investing in cybersecurity today, you’re not just protecting your organization—you’re strengthening your ability to serve tomorrow.
