AI in Care Services: Restoring the Human Touch
Frontline care workers are the heart of our communities—but many are overwhelmed by paperwork, policies, and burnout. In Australia alone, the care sector faces a 344,000-worker shortage. The question isn’t just how to meet demand—it’s how to care for the caregivers. Two nonprofits—Uniting NSW.ACT in Australia and Parlan in the Netherlands—are showing how AI can do just that. Uniting NSW.ACT: Meet Buddy, the AI Sidekick Serving 148,000 clients annually, Uniting needed a smarter way to work. Enter Buddy, an AI assistant built on Microsoft Azure. What Buddy Delivers: Case notes in 2 minutes (down from 15) Voice-to-text documentation, even in remote areas Instant access to 1,600 policies More time for personal, compassionate care Buddy uses Azure OpenAI Service and a Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) approach to surface accurate policy guidance and streamline compliance. It saves frontline workers nearly an hour per day, improves onboarding, and helps attract and retain staff in a tight labor market. By reducing administrative burdens, Buddy empowers carers to focus on what matters most—human connection. Parlan: Copilot for Mental Health Dutch nonprofit Parlan provides mental health care to children and families with complex needs. To reduce paperwork and improve care, Parlan adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot. What Copilot Delivers: Therapy reports in minutes Faster prep for complex cases Real-time translation in Teams Easy creation of therapeutic tools Copilot helps staff summarize hundreds of pages of client history, draft reports quickly, and even translate conversations during live sessions. It also assists in creating therapeutic stories—tasks that once took hours now take minutes. By streamlining administrative work, Copilot gives practitioners more time for direct care. Why It Matters This isn’t just about speed—it’s about wellness. Less admin means: Lower stress Reduced burnout Higher job satisfaction Better client outcomes The Big Picture AI isn’t replacing care—it’s restoring time, trust, and connection. Tools like Buddy and Copilot help workers do what they do best: care deeply, and serve with purpose. To learn more about their story, please visit Microsoft for Nonprofits: (21) How Technology Is Boosting Worker Wellness and Restoring the Human Touch | LinkedInBeyond the Basics: How to Get More Value from Transcription in Microsoft Teams
This post is a follow‑up to my earlier guide, “How to Enable Transcription in Microsoft Teams: A Quick Guide to Smarter Meetings.” If you’ve already learned how to turn transcription on, this next step will help you get even more value from it. Transcription in Microsoft Teams isn’t just a convenience—it’s a powerful productivity engine hiding in plain sight. If you’ve already mastered how to enable transcription (or read my earlier guide), you’re ready for the next step: turning those transcripts into actionable insights, better collaboration, and smarter workflows. Whether you’re a project manager, educator, team lead, or someone who simply wants cleaner follow‑ups, this guide will help you unlock the full potential of Teams transcription. Why Transcription Matters More Than Ever Meetings move fast. Decisions get made, tasks get assigned, and ideas fly across the screen. Even with the best note‑taking habits, it’s easy to miss something. Transcription solves that by giving you: Searchable meeting history Accurate recall of decisions and action items Accessibility for participants who prefer or require text A single source of truth for follow‑ups But the real magic happens when you start using transcripts strategically. 1. Turn Transcripts Into Actionable Follow‑Ups A transcript isn’t just a record—it’s a roadmap. Here’s how to make it work for you: Use Search to Find What Matters Instead of rewatching an hour‑long recording, search the transcript for keywords like: “deadline” “next steps” “assign” “decision” This instantly surfaces the moments that matter. Extract Action Items Teams Premium or Microsoft 365 Copilot users get AI‑generated action items automatically. But even without premium features, you can: Skim the transcript for verbs (“send,” “review,” “update”) Copy/paste tasks into Planner, To Do, or your project management tool Share a summary with your team to confirm alignment 2. Use Speaker Attribution to Improve Collaboration Teams transcription identifies who said what—unless you choose to anonymize your name. This is incredibly useful for: Tracking ownership of ideas Following up with the right person Clarifying who committed to which task Reviewing feedback from specific stakeholders If your team works cross‑functionally, this feature alone can save hours of back‑and‑forth. 3. Combine Transcripts with Meeting Recordings for Full Context Transcripts are great for scanning, but recordings add tone, nuance, and visual cues. Use them together when: Reviewing complex discussions Revisiting demos or walkthroughs Clarifying tone in sensitive conversations Training new team members Pro tip: Jump directly to a transcript line and Teams will play the recording from that exact moment. 4. Leverage Multi‑Language Support If your team is global, transcription becomes even more valuable. Teams supports multiple spoken languages, and you can confirm the language at the start of transcription. This helps: Multilingual teams collaborate more effectively Non‑native speakers review content at their own pace Organizations maintain accurate documentation across regions 5. Manage Privacy and Compliance Like a Pro Transcription is powerful—but it also comes with responsibility. Here’s how to stay compliant: Know Where Transcripts Are Stored Saved to the meeting organizer’s OneDrive for Business Governed by your organization’s retention and compliance policies Control Who Can Download Admins can restrict transcript downloads to: Organizers only Organizers + co‑organizers Everyone in the meeting Use Anonymization When Needed If you want to participate without your name appearing in captions or transcripts, toggle on “Hide my name in captions and transcripts” in Teams settings (if allowed by your admin). Final Thoughts: Let Your Meetings Work for You Transcription in Microsoft Teams is more than a convenience—it’s a strategic advantage. By going beyond simply turning it on and learning how to use the transcript effectively, you transform your meetings into a powerful source of clarity, accountability, and insight. Every conversation becomes searchable. Every decision becomes traceable. Every meeting becomes more valuable. If you’re ready to take your Teams experience to the next level, start treating transcription as a core part of your workflow—not an optional add‑on. Your future self (and your team) will thank youHow AI Is Helping Patients Access Life-Saving Treatments Faster
Every day counts when patients are waiting for critical medications. For NSF, audits of new drugs are essential to ensure safety and compliance—but these processes can take weeks, slowing time-to-market for therapies that could change lives. NSF partnered with the Cloud Accelerate Factory to build an Azure AI-powered solution that automates document review, compliance checks, and summary generation. The result? Audit times cut by 50%, freeing experts to focus on strategy and enabling treatments to reach patients sooner. With near-perfect accuracy and scalable design, this AI tool is transforming how NSF works—reducing inefficiencies, minimizing human error, and unlocking capacity for global impact. This isn’t just about technology—it’s about accelerating hope. By embracing AI, NSF is proving how nonprofits can leverage innovation to amplify their mission and improve lives worldwide. To learn more about how NSF, an independent, science-based organization, is using AI and to join the conversation, please read their full story on Microsoft for Nonprofits LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7406363128894160896Technology that Gives Time Back to Care
Every minute matters when lives are on the line. For nonprofits like World Vision Germany and Diakonisches Werk Rheinland-Westfalen-Lippe, embracing modern technology wasn’t about going digital—it was about giving people help faster, building trust deeper, and freeing teams to focus on what truly matters: human connection. When an earthquake struck Myanmar, World Vision Germany launched an emergency appeal within hours—because technology cleared the path for action. When floods devastated communities, Diakonie RWL raised €45M and delivered aid in just two weeks—because their systems worked as fast as their compassion. This is the future of nonprofit work: less time wrestling with paperwork, more time changing lives. Technology doesn’t replace care—it amplifies it. To learn more about their stories and how they use technology to accelerate impact. Please read the full story on Microsoft for Nonprofits LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/driving-impact-faster-aid-smarter-fundraising-3udkeWe Want to Hear from You!
We believe the best ideas don’t just come from within—they come from you, our community. Your voice matters, and we’re committed to listening, learning, and growing together. Feedback isn’t just a checkbox for us. It’s how we improve, innovate, and make sure we’re meeting your needs. Whether it’s a suggestion, a story, or a simple thought, every piece of input helps us shape the future. Why Your Feedback Matters • It helps us understand what’s working well. • It highlights areas where we can do better. • It sparks new ideas we may not have considered. We want to make this journey collaborative, and your perspective is the key. Take our quick survey here: Help Us Improve: Share Your Feedback – Fill out form Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Together, we can build something even better!
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.Unlock AI-Ready Insights: Empowering Nonprofits with Microsoft Fabric
Disconnected data slows impact—but it doesn’t have to. Nonprofit data solutions in Microsoft Fabric unify your data, accelerate insights, and create an AI-ready foundation for smarter decisions. Imagine moving from raw donor data to actionable insights in weeks, not months. With Fabric, nonprofits gain: Unified fundraising data in one place Instant insights through ready-made dashboards AI-powered possibilities for predictive analytics and smarter strategies This isn’t just technology—it’s a game-changer for fundraising, volunteer management, and program delivery. Built with nonprofit needs in mind, Fabric helps you reduce complexity and unlock mission outcomes faster. Ready to see how? Read the full article on Microsoft for Nonprofits LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/microsoft-for-nonprofits_disconnected-data-slows-impact-but-it-doesn-activity-7402016549773017088-8cH9#MSIgnite Nonprofit AI Sessions
AI is opening new doors for nonprofits to collaborate, innovate, and drive mission impact. During Ignite, we hosted two sessions designed to show how AI can connect IT, fundraising, program management, and operations teams. These on‑demand sessions highlight practical strategies and real nonprofit experiences you can learn from today: Silo Busting for Nonprofits - bridging gaps between technology and program staff in nonprofit organizations Empowering Nonprofits with Agentic AI - discover how AI agents are driving impact in program management, fundraising, and operations Want to learn more? Head over to the Microsoft for Nonprofits LinkedIn page to read the full article and see how AI is transforming nonprofit missions and driving impact.How AI Is Accelerating the Fight Against Pediatric AIDS
When Data Meets Compassion, Lives Change For over three decades, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) have stood as a lifeline for families, determined that no child should be born with HIV. But as their mission expanded across 12 high-burden countries, one question became urgent: How do you turn mountains of health data into life-saving action—fast? Through Microsoft’s Hack4Good initiative, EGPAF partnered with Squadra Digital to create glAIser, an Azure AI-powered assistant that transforms complex data into clear, actionable insights. From predicting treatment lapses to guiding real-time decisions, glAIser helps clinicians and advocates respond with precision—and compassion. This isn’t just technology. It’s hope in action. It’s a future where stories like Dee Mphafi Tanka’s—a young mother in Lesotho who gave birth to an HIV-free daughter—become the norm, not the exception. Discover how AI is helping EGPAF turn vision into reality. Read the full story on Microsoft for Nonprofits LinkedInTransitioning 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.
