How to activate your non-profit organization’s Azure credits
Congratulations you've received Azure credits from Microsoft NTA for your non-profit organization which gives you access to the complete portfolio of Azure cloud solutions and services. This article walks you through the steps for redeeming the Azure credits and getting started with the Microsoft cloud computing services.Keeping Up with Microsoft Loop
Stay updated on proposals, contribute from anywhere, and work effortlessly across locations and time zones. Welcome to a new era of communication, collaboration, and productivity. Whether your team is in the office or on the move, Microsoft Loop streamlines teamwork, making it easier than ever to stay aligned and get things done. What is Microsoft Loop? One of the biggest challenges to organizations of any size is effective project management. Projects can have multiple moving parts which require a myriad of tools. This can lead to siloed conversations, miscommunication, and poor lead scoring. This can hamper business critical goals. Users need tools that are going to give them transparency and empower them to maneuver and adapt. That’s where Microsoft Loop comes in. Loop is a real-time unified environment that allows teams to work on content, prioritize tasks, and communicate no matter the circumstances. Say goodbye to fragmented conversations and hello to a smarter, more connected way to manage stakeholders and drive productivity forward. Key Features & Capabilities Managed Workspaces – Organize projects, tasks, and content in one place for seamless collaboration. Keep everything accessible and structured for your team. Templates – Get started quickly with ready-made, customizable templates for planning, brainstorming, and tracking progress. Pages – Create flexible, interactive workspaces where teams can collect, edit, and share ideas, documents, and tasks in real time. Components – Share live, portable elements like lists, tables, and task trackers across Microsoft 365 apps (Teams, Outlook, Word, and Planner) with instant updates. App Integrations – Work effortlessly across Microsoft 365 and third-party tools, keeping everything in sync without switching apps. Recaps – Stay updated with AI-generated summaries that highlight key discussions, decisions, and action items, so you never miss important updates. Enabling for Your Organization So how does Loop work? How do I get started with enabling my workforce to utilize such a powerful tool. Enable users to create and share portable components that stay updated across Microsoft 365 applications like Teams, Outlook, Word, and Planner. Adopting Microsoft Loop is a game-changer for nonprofits aiming to enhance productivity and streamline collaboration. Enabling Microsoft Loop for Your Organization Ensure your Microsoft 365 plan supports Loop. Learn which Microsoft 365 Accounts support Loop here: Loop access via Microsoft 365 subscriptions - Microsoft Support Your organization's Administrator will need to enable Microsoft Loop in your Microsoft 365 Admin Center. Sign into Microsoft 365 Admin Center with Administrator credentials. In the left-hand menu, click on show all settings. Select "Settings," tab then click on "Org settings." Under the "Services" window, scroll down and select Microsoft Loop. In the new pane, select the "Microsoft Loop workspaces are available to all users in my organization." Click "Save." Key Features and Scenarios for Nonprofits Real-Time Collaborative Notes: Nonprofit teams frequently hold brainstorming sessions, planning meetings, and strategic discussions. Loop components can be used in Microsoft Teams to take real-time notes, assign action items, and track progress across different departments. Fundraising and Grant Proposal Writing: Writing grant proposals requires input from multiple stakeholders. With Loop pages, teams can draft and refine content collaboratively, ensuring consistency and accuracy before submission. Volunteer Coordination and Task Assignments: Managing volunteers effectively requires a centralized system for assigning tasks, tracking completion, and updating schedules. Microsoft Loop allows nonprofits to create structured task lists that stay synchronized across all platforms. Event Planning and Stakeholder Engagement: Whether planning a fundraiser or a community outreach event, nonprofit teams can use Loop components to manage agendas, track RSVPs, and centralize critical details in one shared space. In Conclusion Microsoft Loop is transforming the way nonprofit organizations collaborate, plan, and execute their missions. By integrating Loop into daily workflows, nonprofits can improve efficiency, ensure seamless communication, and enhance impact. With its real-time synchronization, cross-platform accessibility, and AI-powered assistance, Microsoft Loop is an invaluable tool for mission-driven teams. Start leveraging the power of Microsoft Loop today and elevate your nonprofit’s collaboration to new heights! Hyperlinks Microsoft Loop: Collaborative App | Microsoft 365 Microsoft 365 Copilot in Loop help & learning Draft and add content with Microsoft 365 Copilot in Loop - Microsoft Support Microsoft Loop Guided SimulationTransitioning from Microsoft 365 Business Premium to Business Basic: What Nonprofits Need to Know
As Microsoft begins transitioning out the Business Premium grant for nonprofits, many organizations are reassessing their licensing needs therefore this is an opportunity to streamline operations and continue leveraging powerful tools with Microsoft 365 Business Basic. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ What Is Microsoft 365 Business Basic? Microsoft 365 Business Basic is a cloud-first productivity suite designed for organizations that don’t need desktop Office apps but still want access to essential collaboration and communication tools. It includes: ✅Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook ✅Microsoft Teams for meetings, chat, and collaboration ✅Exchange Online with a 50 GB mailbox per user ✅OneDrive for Business with 1 TB of cloud storage ✅SharePoint Online for document management and team sites It’s a cost-effective solution for nonprofits looking to maintain productivity while reducing licensing expenses. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Change Microsoft has announced the retirement of the Business Premium grant, which previously provided eligible nonprofits with free access to premium features like desktop Office apps, Intune, and advanced security tools. As a result, many organizations are now exploring Business Basic as a cost-effective alternative. Note: If your organization decides to continue using Microsoft 365 Business Premium, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 75% through Microsoft’s nonprofit pricing. This can be a great option if you still need access to advanced features. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ How to Transition from Business Premium to Business Basic Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the switch smoothly: Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Usage Identify users who don’t need desktop apps or advanced security features. Use the Microsoft 365 admin center to review license assignments and usage patterns. Step 2: Purchase Business Basic Licenses Go to Microsoft 365 admin center > Billing > Purchase services. Select “Details” next to Microsoft 365 Business Basic and buy the number of licenses you need. Important: Although the process says “purchase,” eligible nonprofits receive the first 300 Business Basic licenses for free. You will not be charged for these licenses, even though they are added through the purchase flow. Step 3: Reassign Licenses Navigate to Users > Active users. For each user, go to Licenses and Apps, uncheck Business Premium, and check Business Basic. Save your changes. Step 4: Remove Unused Premium Licenses Once all users are reassigned, reduce or cancel your Business Premium licenses to avoid unnecessary charges. Go to Billing > Your Products Click on Microsoft 365 Business Premium, then click remove licenses Ensure that users have been unassigned licenses or that may cause an error Step 5: Communicate the Transition Let your team know what’s changing and what tools they’ll still have access to. Offer training or resources to help them adapt to web-based tools. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Business Premium vs Business Basic Comparison Feature Business Premium Business Basic Desktop versions of Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) ✅ ❌ Advanced security features (Microsoft Defender for Business, Microsoft Purview) ✅ ❌ Device management (via Microsoft Intune) ✅ ❌ Access and Publisher (PC only) ✅ ❌ Webinar hosting and attendee tools in Teams ✅ ❌ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ What You’ll Still Have with Business Basic Despite the changes, you’ll retain access to essential tools that support collaboration and productivity: Web and mobile versions of Office apps Microsoft Teams (chat, call, meet with up to 300 attendees) Business-class email with Exchange 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage SharePoint Standard security and support ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Making the Most of Microsoft 365 Business Basic Even without desktop apps, Business Basic offers a robust suite of tools to keep your team connected and productive: ✅ Web-Based Office Apps Use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook directly in your browser. Collaborate in real-time with colleagues on shared documents. ✅ Microsoft Teams Host virtual meetings, chat, and collaborate on files. Create channels for departments or projects to streamline communication. ✅ OneDrive and SharePoint Store and share files securely in the cloud. Use version history and co-authoring to improve productivity. ✅ Email and Calendar Access professional email with a 50 GB mailbox via Outlook on the web. Manage calendars and schedule meetings with ease. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Final Thoughts While the retirement of the Business Premium grant may require some adjustments, Microsoft 365 Business Basic still provides essential tools to help your nonprofit thrive. With thoughtful planning and a focus on cloud-based collaboration, you can continue to operate efficiently and make a meaningful impact—without breaking your budget.Battle of the Apps: Canvas vs. Model-Driven Apps in Power Apps
In the dynamic world of app development, Microsoft Power Platform offers two powerful approaches: Canvas apps and Model-Driven apps. Each has its unique strengths and use cases, making the choice between them crucial for developers and businesses alike. Let's dive into the battle of the apps and explore which one might be the best fit for your needs. What are Canvas Apps? Canvas apps are all about flexibility and customization. They allow Nonprofits to design the app's user interface from scratch, providing a blank canvas to place controls, images, and other elements wherever desired. You can also design the interface using available templates, providing you with a solid starting point. Key Features: Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily design the app layout with a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. Custom Logic: Implement custom business logic using Power Fx, a powerful formula language. Integration: Seamlessly integrate with various data sources, including SharePoint, SQL Server, and more. Responsive Design: Create apps that work on different devices, ensuring a consistent user experience. Use Cases: Field Service Apps: Perfect for mobile workers who need a customized interface to capture data on the go. Customer Engagement: Tailor the app to meet specific customer interaction needs, enhancing user satisfaction. What are Model-Driven Apps? Model-Driven apps focus on data and processes. They are built on top of Dataverse, leveraging a data-first approach. This means the app's design is driven by the underlying data model, ensuring consistency and standardization across the application. Key Features: Data-Centric: Automatically generate forms, views, and dashboards based on the data model. Business Processes: Implement complex business processes with built-in workflows and business rules. Security: Robust security model with role-based access control to protect sensitive data. Scalability: Easily scale the app as your business grows, thanks to the structured data model. Use Cases: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Ideal for managing complex business processes and data across the organization. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Streamline customer interactions and data management with a standardized approach. Choosing the Right App for Your Needs The choice between Canvas and Model-Driven apps depends on your specific requirements and goals. Here are some factors to consider: Customization vs. Standardization: If you need a highly customized user interface, Canvas apps are the way to go. For standardized, data-driven applications, Model-Driven apps are more suitable. Complexity of Business Processes: Model-Driven apps excel in handling complex business processes and workflows, while Canvas apps offer more flexibility for simpler, user-centric applications. Conclusion In the battle of Canvas vs. Model-Driven apps, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each approach has its strengths and is best suited for different scenarios. By understanding your business needs and the capabilities of each app type, you can make an informed decision that maximizes the potential of Microsoft Power Platform. Additional Resources Overview of building canvas apps - Power Apps | Microsoft Learn Overview of building a model-driven app with Power Apps - Power Apps | Microsoft LearnHow to Re-Register MFA
Working closely with nonprofits every day, I often come across a common challenge faced by MFA users. Recently, I worked with a nonprofit leader who faced an issue after getting a new phone. She was unable to authenticate into her Microsoft 365 environment because her MFA setup was tied to her old device. This experience highlighted how important it is to have a process in place for MFA re-registration. Without it, even routine changes like upgrading a phone can disrupt access to your everyday tools and technologies, delaying important work such as submitting a grant proposal. Why MFA is Essential for Nonprofits Before we discuss how to reset MFA, let’s take a step back and discuss why MFA is a necessity for nonprofits the way it is important for any organization. In the nonprofit world, protecting sensitive or confidential data—like donor information, financial records, and program details—is a top priority. One of the best ways to step up your security game is by using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of protection on top of passwords by requiring something you have (like a mobile app or text message) or something you are (like a fingerprint). This makes it a lot harder for cybercriminals to get unauthorized access. If your nonprofit uses Azure Active Directory (AAD), or Microsoft Entra (as it is now called), with Microsoft 365, MFA can make a big difference in keeping your work safe. Since Microsoft Entra is built to work together with other Microsoft tools, it’s easy to set up and enforce secure sign-in methods across your whole organization. To make sure this added protection stays effective, it’s a good idea to occasionally ask users to update how they verify their identity. What Does MFA Re-Registration Mean for Nonprofits? MFA re-registration is just a fancy way of saying users need to update or reset how they authenticate, or verify, themselves. This might mean setting up MFA on a new phone (like the woman in the scenario above), adding an extra security option (like a hardware token), or simply confirming their existing setup. It’s all about making sure the methods and devices your users rely on for MFA are secure and under their control. When and Why Should Nonprofits Require MFA Re-Registration? Outside of getting a new phone, there may be other situations that raise cause for reason to re-register your MFA. A few scenarios include: Lost or Stolen Devices: Similar to the scenario above, if someone loses their phone or it gets stolen, you will have to re-register the new device. Role Changes: If someone’s responsibilities change, their MFA setup can be adjusted to match their new access needs. Security Enhancements: Organizations may require users to re-register for MFA to adopt more secure authentication methods, such as moving from SMS-based MFA to an app-based MFA like Microsoft Authenticator Policy Updates: When an organization updates its security policies, it might require all users to re-register for MFA to comply with new standards Account Compromise: If there is a suspicion that an account has been compromised, re-registering for MFA can help secure the account by ensuring that only the legitimate user has access With Microsoft Entra, managing MFA re-registration is straightforward and can be done with an administrator to the organization’s tenant. How to require re-registration of MFA To reset or require re-registration of MFA in Microsoft Entra, please follow the steps below. Navigate to portal.azure.com with your nonprofit admin account. Select Microsoft Entra ID Select the drop-down for Manage In the left-hand menu bar select Users > Select the user's name that you want to reregister to MFA (not shown). Once in their profile, select Manage MFA authentication methods Select Require re-register multifactor authentication Congratulations! The user will now be required to re-register the account in the Microsoft Authentication app.Create an Internal Support Ticket Hub with Microsoft Lists, Forms & Power Automate
Setting Up the Support Ticket Portal First, we will set up the support ticket portal. This is where ticket requests will populate, be triaged, assigned and managed. It's a central location where the support team members can keep track of their tasks as well as keep the client informed through automated notifications upon status changes. Let's get started! 1. Create the Microsoft List: Navigate to Microsoft Lists from the Microsoft365.com App launcher in the upper left. Select the “+ New list” and choose the “Issue Tracker" template. Fill out the list information (name, description*, color*, icon*, and associate it with a team or save to your lists) and select create to make your form (*optional). In this case, associating the list with a team is required as it is needed for notification purposes later on in the tutorial. Review the list items from the template and customize the list to what your organization needs. Include columns that capture essential details such as issue description, priority level, assigned to, and status. Ensure the list is set up to store all necessary information for managing support tickets. There will be items you need captured from the person submitting the form as well as items to triage, assign, and track the status of the case. 2. Creating the Support Ticket Form In the list menu, select the "Forms" tab to create a new form. Customize the form by removing or unchecking questions that are designed for the support team, leaving only the questions needed from the person submitting the ticket. For example, you’d remove the Priority, Status and Assigned To fields from the form because those items are not determined by the submitter, but by the internal staff triaging the case. Ensure the form captures essential details such as the issue description, associated files, and contact information. 3. Enabling Notifications and Assigning Tickets In the form settings, select the toggle next to "Notify me" so that whenever a new item (support ticket) is submitted, you are immediately notified. This ensures that you don't miss an urgent request. Preview your form Check for changes or adjustments you’d like to make. If everything is good, congratulations! You’ve made your support ticket form! 4. The Workflow Process: Now that your form and list are created you can test out your new form and ticket portal. Grab the link to your new form by selecting the forms button again in the menu. Select the link sign to copy the link. Let's test things out. Fill out the form with information as if you are an employee submitting a ticket about an issue. Refresh and check your Microsoft List to make sure the form responses were automatically added. Triage the case. In the Microsoft List, double click on the form submission list item. Here, the support admin will triage the case by assigning it to a member of the support team, updating the status of the ticket to "In Progress" and assigning it a priority status. When a ticket is assigned, the assigned staff member receives a notification, ensuring they are aware of their new task. If they need to get in contact with the employee that submitted the case, they are able to come to the list item, and check for contact/email details in the email column. Team members can update the status of the ticket to "In Progress" when they start working on it and then to "Completed" once the issue is resolved. These status updates help track the progress of each ticket and ensure timely resolution. Congratulations! You have an internal support ticket portal and form. To further enhance the transparency and efficiency of your internal support ticket system, you can implement additional notifications to keep the requester informed about the status of their ticket. By setting up automated notifications in Power Automate for when a ticket is marked as "In Progress" and "Completed," you ensure that the requester is always aware of the current status of their issue. This not only improves communication but also boosts confidence in the support process, as employees feel assured that their concerns are being actively addressed and resolved. 5. Automating Notifications with Power Automate Create a Flow: From the Microsoft365.com app launcher, open Power Automate. Click "+ Create" and select "Automated Cloud Flow". Choose a flow name and set the trigger to "When an item or file is modified". Configure the Flow: On the canvas, select the trigger to enter the required data. The site address your Microsoft List is attached to and the list or library name. Next, we must add a trigger condition in order for the flow to only trigger when the status column has been changed. In the settings tab add the following trigger condition NOt(equals(triggerOutputs()?['body/Status'], triggerOutputs()?['body/PreviousStatus'])) Return to the canvas to create a new action. Select the + sign under your trigger. In the search menu, search for the condition action. For the value of the condition, we want to choose the Status Value from the dynamic field (the lightning bolt). We want to make sure the condition states “Status Value is equal to In progress”. (Capitalization matters here so make sure the capitalization of “In progress” matches the way it is spelled on your Microsoft List”. In the "True" column of your condition we will add a new action. Select “Send an email (V2) Inside of your action select, “Switch to Advanced Mode” to be able to enter dynamic fields or fields directly associated with your form submission. In the "To" field, select the lightning bolt for a dynamic entry. And select the “Issue logged by Email”. This will add the email address of the form sender to the “To” field and who the notifications will be sent to. In the Subject field type and appropriate title such as “Support Ticket Status Update”. In the Body field type a message to the requester. For example, "Hello, you are receiving this message to notify you that your support ticket for" (dynamically insert the name of the issue) “has been changed to “In Progress”. At this point, the flow now sends notifications for when the status column has been modified to “In Progress. Now, let's do the same and send a notification for when the status has been changed to “Completed”. In the False column, we are going to add another condition. The values for the condition will be the same except where it once said, “In Progress” it will say “Completed”. You want the statement to read “Status value is equal to Completed”. In the true column add the same action for sending an email and fill out the details accordingly. Save and test your flow. Test and Deploy: Test the flow to ensure it works as expected. Select Test and choose Manually. This specific flow is triggered when the status column has been modified to “In Progress” or “Completed”. Test both separately to make sure both works. You will see green check marks and receive a notification to the email you provided earlier when filling out the form with sample data. In this example, I tested the flow by updating the status to “In Progress” so in this case I have green check marks along the left side because that follows the first conditions. The green check marks will follow the right-side path if I choose to test the “Completed” status. Here is a copy of the email that was sent to the inbox. Once satisfied, deploy the flow to automate the notification process, enhancing communication and satisfaction. Conclusion By leveraging Microsoft Lists and Forms, you can create a robust internal support ticket system that streamlines the process of submitting, triaging, and resolving support requests. The integration with Power Automate further enhances this system by automating notifications, ensuring that all parties are kept informed throughout the process. This setup not only improves efficiency but also boosts employee satisfaction by providing a transparent and responsive support system.Now that I've secured approval for the Nonprofit Granted Offerings, what should be my next steps?
Curious about the next steps after securing Nonprofit Granted Offerings approval? Explore our tailored guide that unveils M365 as more than just a suite of tools—it's your gateway to a robust ecosystem. Learn how to activate licenses, empower your team with seamless collaboration, and harness cloud capabilities to drive your organization forward.
