Octobits Blog – Microsoft 365 Nonprofit pricing is a total differentiation for organizations working towards a greater good.
Microsoft 365 gives nonprofits the tools they need to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and make a bigger impact.
However, it can be tricky to figure out the different pricing options.
So, this guide is here to help you understand the ins and outs of Microsoft’s nonprofit pricing model.
What is Microsoft for Nonprofits?
Microsoft for Nonprofits is a program that gives eligible nonprofit organizations access to discounted or donated Microsoft software and services.
This program offers discounted or donated Microsoft products and services, including Microsoft 365, Azure, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform.
The idea is to help nonprofits become more productive, work better together, and keep their data safe, all while spending less money.
You might want to read “Your Guide to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Cost Savings,” for more info on dynamic and nonprofit plans.
Microsoft 365 Nonprofit Plans
Microsoft has come up with a bunch of Microsoft 365 plans that are perfect for nonprofits.
Each plan has different features and pricing models to fit the needs of different organizations. Now, let’s take a look at some of the main options.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic for Nonprofits
The Microsoft 365 Business Basic plan is perfect for nonprofits that need essential productivity tools that they can access from anywhere, on any device.
This plan includes web and mobile versions of Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Plus, it offers email hosting with a whopping 50 GB mailbox per user, so you’ve got plenty of space for all your communication needs. Plus, each user gets 1 TB of OneDrive storage.
This plan is really easy to get your hands on because it’s free for up to 300 users. It’s a great, cost-effective choice for many nonprofit organizations.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard for Nonprofits
For nonprofits looking for more advanced features, the Microsoft 365 Business Standard plan builds on the offerings of the Business Basic plan.
This plan also includes desktop versions of Office applications, which let users work offline and use more of the Office suite’s features.
Business-class email hosting is still a big deal, with the same 50 GB mailbox per user. The plan still gives you 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user.
This upgraded plan costs just $3 per user per month, which is a pretty good deal considering all the extra benefits, like desktop application access and other advanced features.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium for Nonprofits
The Microsoft 365 Business Premium plan for nonprofits encompasses all the features available in the Business Standard plan but elevates the offering with advanced security and device management capabilities.
This includes Microsoft Defender for Business which provides comprehensive endpoint protection against cyber threats.
Additionally, Intune for device management allows administrators to manage devices more efficiently.
This plan is particularly cost-effective for small to mid-sized nonprofits, as it is free for up to 10 users. For organizations that require more than 10 users, the cost is $5.50 per user per month.
Microsoft 365 E3 for Nonprofits
The Office 365 E3 plan for nonprofits is all about giving you more robust tools and capabilities. This plan is suitable for larger organizations or those with more complex needs.
It includes desktop versions of Office apps, so users can use the full suite of Office tools offline.
This plan also puts a big focus on data protection and compliance tools. It makes sure that sensitive information is handled securely and in line with relevant regulations.
Plus, it’s got Microsoft Intune for device management, which gives you complete control over your organization’s devices.
This plan costs $9.00 per user per month and is designed for nonprofits that need more functionality and security.
Microsoft 365 E5 for Nonprofits
The Office 365 E5 plan is the top-tier offering for nonprofits that need the most advanced features.
It’s got all the features of the E3 plan plus some extra goodies in the security, analytics, and voice services departments.
This plan integrates Microsoft Defender for Office 365, which offers advanced protection against sophisticated cyber threats.
Plus, it’s got some pretty advanced compliance features that’ll help you meet all those rigorous regulatory requirements and keep your sensitive data safe.
The Office 365 E5 plan is priced at $22.80 per user per month, which makes it ideal for large nonprofits or those with critical security and compliance needs.
The advanced analytics and voice capabilities also help improve communication and operational efficiency, making it a great all-in-one solution for complex nonprofit environments.
Criteria for Nonprofits to Qualify for Discounted Pricing
To get Microsoft’s nonprofit pricing, organizations have to meet certain criteria. They basically have to be recognized as a charity in their country, like the 501(c)(3) designation in the United States.
In Australia, you get the same thing by registering with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
To get certain tax perks from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), you have to be registered as a charity.
The specific tax concessions include being a Charitable Institution or Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) or a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).
They also need to sign Microsoft’s non-discrimination policy and provide documentation verifying their nonprofit status.
To qualify, you need to have a mission that benefits the broader community. This could be anything from providing relief to the poor, advancing education, or improving social welfare.
Please keep in mind that not all nonprofit types qualify, and the criteria can vary by country.
Also, Microsoft can review and approve applications at their discretion, and organizations must regularly complete attestations to keep their eligibility.
If you’re interested in learning more about the costs associated with Microsoft 365 email accounts, kindly read “Breaking Down the Microsoft 365 Email Account Cost for Hidden Benefits.”
Features of Microsoft Nonprofit Plans
Microsoft 365 nonprofit plans are all about making it easier for organizations to work together, communicate, and stay secure.
Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive are some of the key collaboration tools that help people work together in real time and share files.
Teams is a great platform for online meetings, chats, and collaborative workspaces. It lets staff and volunteers work together seamlessly from anywhere.
SharePoint is a great way to manage and share documents, while OneDrive ensures everyone has access to essential files with 1 TB of storage per user.
Communication tools include integrated email services through Outlook, calendaring, and conferencing capabilities, which help make it easier for everyone to communicate with each other. Security is also a big part of these plans.
We’ve got advanced threat protection, data loss prevention, and compliance tools to keep your sensitive information safe.
These security measures are essential for protecting donor information, confidential documents, and keeping the organization’s data safe and secure.
Factors Influencing Nonprofit Pricing
There are a few things that affect how much Microsoft 365 for nonprofits costs. The size of the organization is a big factor.
Larger nonprofits might need more comprehensive plans with extra features to support their operations.
Security needs also play a big part, especially for organizations handling sensitive data.
If your nonprofit needs extra security features, like Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and data loss prevention tools, you can choose a higher-tier plan.
Another thing to think about is how the software will be used. It’s important for nonprofits to think about how often and in what ways their staff will use the tools.
For instance, if your team is spread out or works remotely, you’ll probably want to prioritize robust collaboration tools and higher storage capacities.
Knowing these things helps nonprofits choose the most cost-effective plan that meets their specific needs.
Cost Comparison with Other Nonprofit Solutions
Comparison with Google for Nonprofits
Google Workspace for Nonprofits, which used to be called G Suite for Nonprofits, is a popular choice for nonprofits because it’s affordable and comes with a lot of useful tools.
This plan includes all the essential apps you need, like Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Google Meet, all at no extra cost.
Just a heads-up: the free tier has some limitations, like 100 GB of cloud storage per user and video meetings capped at 100 participants.
If you need more advanced features, you can go for the Business Standard plan at $3 per user per month. This includes 2 TB of storage and video conferencing for up to 150 users.
Or, you can go for the Business Plus plan at $5.04 per user per month, which gives you 5 TB of storage and video conferencing for 250 users.
Comparison with Zoho One for Nonprofits
Zoho One has a whole bunch of apps for nonprofits, including tools for customer relationship management (CRM), project management, and office productivity.
Zoho One is available at a discounted rate for nonprofits, but it doesn’t have as many security features or seamless integrations as Microsoft 365.
Zoho One is great for organizations that need one place to manage all their admin tasks, but might not have the same needs as those who need more advanced security and compliance features.
Comparison with Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is a CRM platform that’s perfect for nonprofits.
It’s really strong in donor management, fundraising, and engagement tools, so it’s a great choice for organizations that are focused on managing relationships and tracking donations.
However, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud doesn’t include office productivity tools like word processing or spreadsheets, so organizations often use it with other solutions like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.
This makes Salesforce a great addition to your Microsoft 365 setup, rather than a direct competitor.
For a more in-depth comparison of the Microsoft 365 Nonprofit plans and purchasing options, we suggest checking out the official Microsoft 365 Nonprofit product comparison page.
We want to make sure you know that we don’t get any affiliate benefits or incentives for sending you there. Our goal is to give you the facts and access to reliable products.
In fact, Microsoft 365’s reputation for reliability has been a major inspiration behind the development of Octobits.
Just as Microsoft gives businesses the tools they need, Octobits is here to help you manage your SaaS more easily.
We’ll help you track usage, make sure you’re staying on top of compliance, and get a better understanding of your software landscape.
We’re dedicated to helping you manage SaaS subscription more effectively, inspired by Microsoft 365’s rock-solid and dependable nature.
If you want to know more about how Octobits can help your company manage SaaS solutions, just kindly visit our website.
We’re also offering our services free of charge until the end of June 2024. This is your chance to try out our platform without any risk.
In Closing
Microsoft 365 has a bunch of plans just for nonprofits. They’ve got all the essential tools for productivity, collaboration, and security at reduced rates.
Once you know what’s included in these plans and how much they cost, you can make smart choices to improve your operations and achieve your goals.
If you’re looking to manage your SaaS subscriptions more efficiently, options like Octobits can help you make the most of your Microsoft 365 Nonprofit pricing.
