Transitioning 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.
Reimagining Healthcare Through Data: Lessons from the Frontlines
Healthcare systems are under immense pressure from aging populations, rising costs, and workforce shortages. When data is unified and powered by AI, care transforms from reactive to proactive, predictive, and personalized. Two nonprofits—Operation Smile and Arcare—are proving what’s possible with Microsoft Fabric and Azure AI, turning data into action and impact: Global care with local insight Real-time rural healthcare improvements AI-powered tools for efficiency and equity This isn’t just about technology—it’s about building a more humane healthcare system where every patient matters. Why it matters: Data is now the infrastructure of modern healthcare. Unified, intelligent, and scalable platforms are the blueprint for healthier communities worldwide. To learn more and discover how these nonprofits are leading this transformation. Read their full story by visiting Microsoft for Nonprofits LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reimagining-healthcare-through-data-lessons-from-c6e2eFrom Strategy to Execution: Operationalizing Microsoft Entra for Real-World Impact
In a previous blog, we explored how Microsoft Entra is redefining identity and access management in a borderless digital world. Now, let’s take the next step: turning strategy into action. How can organizations harness the full power of Microsoft Entra to drive security, agility, and compliance at scale? The answer lies in operationalizing Entra’s capabilities across your identity lifecycle, access policies, and multicloud environments—while aligning with your Zero Trust journey. Identity in Action: Real-World Scenarios with Microsoft Entra 1. Onboarding and Offboarding at Scale With Entra ID Governance, HR-driven provisioning and automated access reviews ensure that employees, contractors, and partners receive the right access on Day 1—and lose it on Day Last. This reduces risk and administrative overhead. Example: A global manufacturing firm significantly accelerated user provisioning and successfully eliminated orphaned accounts by integrating Microsoft Entra with Workday and ServiceNow. 2. Securing Multicloud Workloads Microsoft Entra’s identity protection extends beyond Microsoft environments. Organizations can enforce Conditional Access and MFA across their entire digital estate, including on-premises and third-party applications. Example: A fintech company used Entra Internet Access to apply identity-aware web filtering across cloud-native and legacy apps—without a VPN. 3. Empowering External Collaboration With Entra External ID, organizations can securely collaborate with customers, vendors, and partners—without creating friction. Personalized sign-in experiences and granular access controls keep data safe and user journeys smooth. Example: A healthcare provider enabled secure access for 20,000+ external researchers while maintaining HIPAA compliance. Integrating Entra Across the Microsoft Ecosystem Microsoft Entra doesn’t operate in a silo. It integrates seamlessly with: Microsoft Defender for Identity: Detect identity-based threats like lateral movement and credential theft. Microsoft Sentinel: Correlate identity signals with broader threat intelligence for proactive response. Microsoft Purview: Enforce data access policies based on identity and risk. Together, these tools form a unified security fabric that protects identities, data, and infrastructure. Measuring Success: KPIs That Matter To ensure your Entra deployment is delivering value, track metrics like: Access Review Completion Rates Time to Provision/Deprovision MFA Adoption Rates Reduction in Risky Sign-ins Compliance Audit Pass Rates These KPIs help quantify the impact of identity governance and Zero Trust enforcement. What's Next: Future-Proofing with Entra As identity becomes the new perimeter, Microsoft Entra is evolving to meet tomorrow’s challenges: AI-powered access insights to detect anomalies and recommend policy changes Decentralized identity models for privacy-preserving authentication Continuous access evaluation to adapt in real time to changing risk signals Conclusion Microsoft Entra is more than a suite of tools—it’s a strategic enabler for secure digital transformation. By operationalizing its capabilities across your organization, you can build a resilient identity foundation that scales with your business and adapts to an ever-changing threat landscape. Identity is no longer just an IT concern—it’s a business imperative. And with Microsoft Entra, you’re ready for what’s next.How Copilot Technologies Are a Force-Multiplier for Global Opportunities or for Inclusive Growth
AI isn’t just a tech upgrade. It’s a lifeline for mission-driven organizations navigating rising demand with limited resources. In today’s nonprofit landscape, the question is no longer if we use AI, but how we use it—with care, intention, and humanity. Microsoft Copilot is helping nonprofits do just that: At the National Zakat Foundation, an AI-powered triage assistant now surfaces urgent cases in real time, cutting wait times by 80% and allowing staff to focus on what matters most—rebuilding lives. At Malteser International, Copilot automates reporting and grant writing, freeing up precious hours for mentoring, innovation, and frontline care. This isn’t just automation—it’s empathy at scale. It’s the power to reclaim time, restore dignity, and respond with compassion. And it’s only the beginning. You can read their full story on Microsoft for Nonprofits LinkedIn and discover how AI, when guided by purpose, can amplify the human impact: (28) How Copilot Technologies Are a Force-Multiplier for Global Opportunities or for Inclusive Growth | LinkedInMicrosoft 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.
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 Nonprofits
