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 NonprofitsCybersecurity 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.Know Your Risk: Using Microsoft Purview to Protect Sensitive Data
In today’s digital-first world, data is everywhere—and so are the risks. From donor records to financial reports, sensitive information flows across emails, documents, and cloud platforms. In keeping with the Cybersecurity Awareness Month theme, this is the perfect time to ask: Do you know where your sensitive data lives—and how well it’s protected? Enter Microsoft Purview, a unified data governance and compliance solution designed to help organizations discover, classify, and safeguard sensitive information across Microsoft 365 and beyond. Why Knowing Your Risk Matters Data breaches don’t just cost money—they erode trust. Whether you're a nonprofit, healthcare provider, or public sector agency, protecting sensitive data is essential to maintaining credibility and fulfilling your mission. But you can’t protect what you can’t see. That’s where Microsoft Purview comes in. What Microsoft Purview Can Do for You Discover Sensitive Data Automatically: Purview uses built-in AI and machine learning to scan your environment—emails, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, and more—to identify sensitive content like PII, financial data, and health records. Classify and Label Content Intelligently: With sensitivity labels and data classification policies, Purview helps you tag and track sensitive data based on its risk level and regulatory requirements. Prevent Data Loss Before It Happens: Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies allow you to block or warn users before sensitive data is shared externally or stored in risky locations. Monitor Insider Risk and Compliance: Purview’s Insider Risk Management and Compliance Manager tools help you detect risky behavior, enforce policies, and stay audit-ready. Extend Protection Beyond Microsoft 365: Purview integrates with third-party apps and on-premises data sources, giving you a holistic view of your data landscape. Real-World Impact A global nonprofit recently used Microsoft Purview to scan thousands of documents and emails for donor information. Within days, they identified exposure risks, applied sensitivity labels, and implemented DLP policies—reducing their compliance risk by over 40%. Getting Started with Microsoft Purview 1. Set Up Your Purview Account Sign in at portal.azure.com, search for “Microsoft Purview accounts,” and click Create to begin setting up a new Purview account. Click Create to start a new Purview account. Choose your subscription, resource group, region and account name. Click Review + Create, then Create Click on Go to resource once your deployment is complete to go to the Purview account’s overview page. From there, click “Open Microsoft Purview Governance Portal” and choose either the New or Classic experience, depending on your preferred interface, to launch Purview Studio. 2. Connect and Scan Data Sources Once inside Purview Studio, navigate to the left-hand menu and select “Data Map” to open the Data Sources page. Click “Register” to add a new data source Choose from supported sources such as Azure Data Lake, SQL databases, SharePoint, Amazon S3 and more. 3. Define Governance Policies Once your data sources are connected and scanned, it's time to establish governance policies to protect and manage your sensitive information. You Can: Use sensitivity labels to classify and protect data across Microsoft 365 - Create and publish sensitivity labels | Microsoft Learn Manage access using role-based permissions in Purview’s governance portal - Access control in the classic Microsoft Purview governance portal | Microsoft Learn Create DLP policies to monitor and prevent the sharing of sensitive data - Learn about data loss prevention | Microsoft Learn Detect and respond to risky user behavior with built-in analytics and privacy controls - Learn about Insider Risk Management | Microsoft Learn Manage metadata, lineage, and governance domains across your data estate - Learn about Microsoft Purview Unified Catalog | Microsoft Learn Track regulatory requirements, assess risk, and manage improvement actions- Get started with Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager | Microsoft Learn Conclusion Cybersecurity Awareness Month is more than a reminder—it's a call to action. In a world where data moves faster than ever, visibility and control are no longer luxuries—they're necessities. Microsoft Purview empowers organizations to take charge of their data, uncover hidden risks, and build a culture of trust and resilience. Whether you're just starting your governance journey or looking to strengthen existing policies, Purview offers the tools to discover, classify, and protect sensitive information across your entire digital estate. From automated scans to intelligent labeling and real-time risk management, it's your partner in proactive data defense. This month, make cybersecurity more than a priority—make it a practice. Start with Purview. Stay secure. Lead with confidence.Strengthen Your Security Posture This October with Smarter Endpoint Protection
As organizations accelerate digital transformation, endpoints have become the frontline of defense—and the most frequent target. From phishing emails to fileless malware, attackers are exploiting gaps in visibility and response. It’s no longer enough to react after the fact. You need security that’s proactive, intelligent, and built for scale. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint delivers exactly that—combining real-time detection, automated remediation, and deep threat analytics to help you stay ahead of adversaries. Detection: Smarter Than Signature-Based Security Defender for Endpoint uses a multi-layered detection strategy that goes far beyond traditional methods: Behavioral Analysis: It monitors how apps and users behave, flagging anomalies like privilege escalation or lateral movement. Machine Learning & AI: Defender analyzes trillions of signals daily to identify patterns that indicate emerging threats—even zero-day attacks. Threat Intelligence: Backed by Microsoft’s global security graph, it detects known malware, ransomware, and nation-state tactics in real time. Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR): It continuously collects and analyzes endpoint data to surface suspicious activity and indicators of compromise. Response: Automated, Precise, and Scalable Once a threat is detected, Defender doesn’t just alert—it acts: Automated Investigation & Remediation: Defender uses AI to investigate alerts, determine root cause, and automatically contain or remove threats. Attack Timeline: Security teams get a visual map of the attack’s progression, helping them understand how it started and spread. Live Response: Analysts can remotely connect to compromised devices, run scripts, collect forensic data, and take corrective action. Integration with Microsoft Sentinel: Defender feeds threat data into your SIEM for broader visibility and correlation across your environment. Real-World Impact Take the example of a nonprofit organization targeted by a phishing campaign. Defender for Endpoint detected unusual PowerShell activity, isolated the device, and triggered an automated investigation. Within minutes, the threat was neutralized—no data loss, no downtime. Why It Matters During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to evaluate your endpoint security. Defender for Endpoint doesn’t just detect threats—it empowers your team to respond with speed and confidence. Getting Started with Microsoft Security 1. Review Your Microsoft Secure Score - Start by assessing your current security posture in the Microsoft 365 Defender portal. Secure Score provides a prioritized list of recommendations to improve your organization's security based on real usage and configurations. Link: Assess your security posture through Microsoft Secure Score - Microsoft Defender XDR | Microsoft Learn 2. Enable Automated Investigation & Remediation (AIR) - Reduce response time and manual effort by turning on AIR. It automatically investigates alerts, determines root causes, and takes remediation actions—helping you contain threats faster. Link: Use automated investigations to investigate and remediate threats - Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Microsoft Learn 3. Explore Threat Analytics in Defender - Threat Analytics provides expert-driven insights into emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques—tailored to your environment. Use it to stay ahead of adversaries and understand how global threats impact your organization. Link: Threat analytics in Microsoft Defender XDR - Microsoft Defender XDR | Microsoft Learn 4. Connect Microsoft Defender to Sentinel - Integrate Defender with Microsoft Sentinel to unify your security operations. This enables centralized monitoring, advanced hunting, and automated incident response across your entire digital estate. Link: Connect Microsoft Defender XDR data to Microsoft Sentinel | Microsoft Learn This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, empower your organization to stay one step ahead of evolving threats. With Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, you gain intelligent, automated protection and deep visibility—so you can detect, respond, and neutralize risks before they turn into breaches.From Chalkboards to Cloud: How the Greater Austin YMCA Is Transforming Child Care Through Technology
How do you launch a first-of-its-kind childcare model in a rapidly growing city? For the Greater Austin YMCA, the answer was bold: a sweeping digital transformation powered by Microsoft tools like Teams, OneNote, and PowerApps. The result? Seamless collaboration across departments and the successful launch of two YMCA Tomorrow Academy TM early education centers—innovative, tech-enabled learning environments designed to meet one of the community’s greatest needs. A New Vision for Early Childhood Education The YMCA Tomorrow Academy is more than just childcare. It’s a nurturing, purpose-built space where children from six weeks to five years old can thrive. The curriculum emphasizes early literacy, STEM, creative arts, and nature play—supported by the YMCA’s holistic Constellation of Care TM model, which includes family wellness, nutrition, hygiene, and parent-teacher engagement. But building these centers require more than vision—it demanded real-time contributions and detailed collaboration from every department across the Greater Austin YMCA. The Digital Pivot That Made It Possible Before 2021, the YMCA’s operations still included many cumbersome analog components. Staff drove to meetings, shared paper documents, and relied on walkie-talkies that often failed. That changed when Kathy Kuras became President and CEO in February 2021 and brought her experience from the YMCA of Greater Boston, where she had helped modernize operations with Microsoft’s support. Kuras and her leadership team partnered with Microsoft to overhaul the Y’s technology footprint, introducing tools like Teams, OneNote, and BizApps to connect staff across locations and streamline workflows. “These tools are central to the hub of the work that gets done,” says Kuras. “They make work more efficient, respectful of people’s time, and intuitive.” From facilities to marketing to classroom staff, everyone became part of a unified digital ecosystem. “Our staff would say, ‘Our CEO uses this, our CMO uses this, and I’m a teacher and I’m using it now,’” says COO Shaq Brown. “That togetherness was a big culture shift.” A Child’s Words That Say It All When 4-year-old Lennon Pool told his mom, “I love it here,” after his first day at the Dove Springs YMCA Tomorrow Academy, it was music to her ears. His mom, Andie Connors-Pool, is also the Director of People at the Greater Austin YMCA—and deeply involved in the Academy’s development. “There have been times my kids don’t want to leave at the end of the day,” Connors-Pool says. “They’re just hugging on their teachers. You don’t get that everywhere.” Thanks to Microsoft tools, teachers can now update curriculum, track enrollment, and communicate instantly. “Gone are the days of broken walkie-talkies,” Connors-Pool adds. “Now, if someone needs a break, they just send a quick Teams message.” A Model for the Nation The success of the YMCA Tomorrow Academy has already sparked interest from other YMCAs across the country. “They’re knocking on our door,” says Brown. “We’re still iterating, but the interest is real.” With plans to launch four to five more academies by 2030, the Greater Austin YMCA is focused on placing them in communities with the greatest need. The challenge now is securing funding and building partnerships to scale the model. “It’s a first-of-its-kind for us in Greater Austin,” says CMO Sarah Inbau, “with the potential to scale across Texas—and nationally.” Technology That Feels Like Home At the heart of this transformation is a simple goal: to make families feel supported, safe, and connected. The YMCA Tomorrow Academy is proof that when technology, teamwork, and heart come together, extraordinary things can happen. From chalkboards to cloud-based collaboration, the Greater Austin YMCA is building a future where every child has a place to thrive—and where a child’s joyful “I love it here” is the ultimate measure of success. To learn more about the YMCA Tomorrow Academy and its impact, visit: How a technology overhaul helped the Greater Austin YMCA fill a childcare gap - SourceEmpowering Nonprofits to Strengthen Digital Defenses
Did you know October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? It’s the perfect time for nonprofits to strengthen their digital defenses and build a culture of security. This year’s theme— “Cybersecurity first, stay safe always”—is a powerful reminder to prioritize digital safety in every aspect of your mission. Whether you're protecting donor data, securing service delivery systems, or educating your team, cybersecurity is foundational to trust, resilience, and impact. What to Expect in October Throughout the month, Microsoft Elevate will be sharing a curated collection of resources designed to help nonprofit organizations build awareness, strengthen defenses, and elevate cybersecurity capabilities across their teams. Please see the resources below to explore and share with your teams: Cybersecurity Awareness Month Website - Explore best practices, infographics, videos, guidance tailored for organizations and individuals—and discover training and learning resources to build cybersecurity skills. Live: October 1, 2025 Link: https://aka.ms/CybersecurityAwareness Be Cybersmart Kit: - Infographics and tips to help your team stay secure in the age of AI. Live: October 1, 2025 Link: https://aka.ms/BeCybersmartKit Skilling Opportunities for Nonprofit Teams Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. These free learning pathways and scholarship programs are designed to build skills and confidence across your organization: Career Essentials in Cybersecurity – LinkedIn Learning pathway with certification Link: https://aka.ms/Cyber-Pathway Securing You – MS Learn Pathway – Basics and Zero Trust modules Link: https://aka.ms/Cybersecurity_PreFundamentals Women in Cloud – Coursera access, mentorship, and certification vouchers for women in the US Link: https://aka.ms/WiC Last Mile Education Fund – Scholarships for US community college students pursuing cybersecurity careers Link: https://aka.ms/Cyber-Scholarship Why It Matters for Nonprofits Nonprofits are trusted stewards of sensitive data and critical services. Cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s essential. By participating in Cybersecurity Awareness Month, you’re not just protecting your systems—you’re protecting your mission. A Final Word Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical priority—it’s a mission-critical responsibility. For nonprofits, safeguarding digital assets means protecting the communities you serve, the trust you’ve built, and the impact you strive to make every day. This October, let’s move beyond awareness and into action. With the right tools, training, and support, your organization can lead with confidence and resilience in an increasingly digital world. Together, we can make cybersecurity second nature—because when nonprofits stay secure, missions thrive. What’s Next As Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues, we’ll be spotlighting key insights from the upcoming Microsoft Digital Defense Report - a trusted annual resource that dives deep into emerging threats, evolving attack patterns, and actionable strategies tailored for nonprofits. This follow-up feature will offer timely intelligence to help your organization refine its security posture and stay ahead of the curve. Together, we can ensure nonprofits stay secure—so their missions continue to change lives.How to Enable Transcription in Microsoft Teams: A Quick Guide to Smarter Meetings
Transcription in Microsoft Teams transforms your meetings into searchable, readable text—making it easier to review conversations, follow up on decisions, and stay organized. Whether you're using it for accessibility, documentation, or productivity, enabling transcription is simple once a few key requirements are met. Requirements Before Enabling Transcription: Scheduled Meetings Only: Transcription is available only in meetings scheduled through the Teams Calendar—not ad-hoc calls. Desktop App Required: You must use the Windows or macOS desktop version of Microsoft Teams. Transcript Storage: Transcripts are automatically saved to the meeting organizer’s OneDrive for Business. Premium Features: If your organization has Teams Premium or Microsoft 365 Copilot, you may also gain access to Intelligent Recap and auto-generated meeting summaries powered by AI. Once these requirements are met, you can enable transcription during your meeting or configure it to start automatically by adjusting settings beforehand. Enable Transcription and Recording Before the Meeting Step 1: Schedule Your Meeting in Teams Go to the Calendar tab in Teams. Click New Meeting. Add title, participants, and time. Click Send to schedule. Step 2: Enabling Transcription and Recording: Open the scheduled meeting in your calendar. Click Meeting Options. Toggle Recording & Transcription toggle to On. This will automatically start recording and transcription when the meeting begins. Step 3: Start the Meeting Join the meeting using the Teams desktop app. Step 4: Access Notes After the Meeting Go to the meeting chat or calendar event. Click the View Recap button and go to the Transcription tab. Enable Transcription and Recording During the Meeting Step 1: Start the meeting Join the meeting with the Teams desktop app. Step 2: Start Live Transcription Only Select More actions *** in your meeting controls. Select Record and transcribe > Start transcription Confirm the language everyone is speaking in the meeting. Select Confirm. All participants will see a notification that the meeting is being transcribed Step 3: Access Notes After the Meeting Go to the meeting chat or calendar event. Click the View Recap button and go to the Transcription tab. Downloading a Transcript After the meeting ends, the transcript is available in the meeting event on the calendar. By default, organizers and co-organizers can download it as a .docx or .vtt file. You may also be able to give others permission to download a transcript, depending on policies set by your IT admin. To download a transcript: Select Chat in Teams Open the past meeting chat. Select View Recap. Go to the Transcript tab and click Download. Choose the file format you prefer. Want to Hide Your Identity in Captions or Transcripts? No problem! Microsoft Teams allows users to anonymize their name in meeting captions and transcripts. This can be configured in your Teams settings or by your IT admin, depending on your organization's policies. In conclusion, make Every Word Count with Teams Transcription! Whether you're leading a project, hosting a training session, or simply trying to stay organized, enabling transcription ensures that every word is captured, searchable, and actionable. From setting it up before your meeting to downloading transcripts and customizing privacy settings, Teams make it easy to turn conversations into lasting insights. So go ahead—start transcribing and let your meetings work smarter for you.From Handshakes to AI: Toastmasters Evolves for a Global Future
For over 100 years, Toastmasters International has helped millions conquer glossophobia—the fear of public speaking—through live practice, structured feedback, and a strong sense of community. From local club meetings to international conferences, the nonprofit has built a legacy of empowering voices. Now, it’s embracing a new chapter: AI-powered transformation. Tradition Meets Technology Toastmasters is proving that tech and tradition can thrive together. With clubs in 150 countries and a growing global membership, the organization is modernizing how it connects, supports, and grows. From streamlining call center operations with Microsoft Omnichannel to editing educational materials with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Toastmasters is leveraging digital tools to enhance—not replace—the human touch. “Toastmasters is about human beings connecting with human beings and technology is helping us do that.” — Jason Caldwell Club Quality and Member Support Manager Smarter Support, Seamless Experience With just 30 call center staff serving 270,000 members worldwide, Toastmasters needed a smarter way to manage interactions. Enter Dynamics 365 Customer Service and Copilot-enabled Contact Center—a unified platform that centralizes calls, chats, and emails, giving staff a complete view of each member’s journey. Generative AI now summarizes conversations, manages cases, and even frees staff from typing during calls, allowing them to focus fully on the person behind the question. “It connects all the dots, giving everybody the information they need when they need it.” — Jason Caldwell Self-Service That Scales Toastmasters also adopted Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations, enabling members to join and pay dues online for the first time. This shift improves security, accuracy, and accessibility, especially for younger members who expect digital-first experiences. “It the twenty-first century, so we need to digitize the experience for our members.” — Heidi Hollenbeck, COO and CIO Meet Ora Tor: AI That Listens and Learns To further enhance member support, Toastmasters built Ora Tor, a generative AI chatbot using Microsoft Copilot Studio. Ora Tor draws from a rich knowledge base curated by staff, offering 24/7 answers to common questions and reducing barriers to engagement. Opening Doors to the Future Digitization isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about inclusion and growth. By offering a modern, tech-enabled experience, Toastmasters is attracting a younger, more diverse demographic, while making it easier for current members to stay involved. “Digitizing helps us open our doors to more people.” — Diana Passow, Marketing and Communications Director A Century of Impact, Powered by Innovation From handshakes to AI, Toastmasters is evolving to meet the needs of a global future. With Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Copilot technologies, the organization is scaling its mission, strengthening its brand, and continuing to empower speakers worldwide. To learn more about how they’re using AI to empower speakers worldwide, please visit: https://www.microsoft.com/en/customers/story/23396-toastmasters-international-dynamics-365-customer-service
