Octobits Blog – Microsoft Azure nonprofit pricing is a one-of-a-kind deal that helps charities, NGOs, and other non-profit organisations get the cloud computing power they need to achieve their missions without breaking the bank.
As we can see, over the past few years, non-profits have been using Azure more and more to make their operations more efficient, scale their impact, and keep their data safe.
This trend shows how nonprofits are moving towards digital transformation, driven by the need to do more with less and address complex global challenges effectively.
What is Microsoft Azure Non-Profit Pricing?
Microsoft Azure offers special pricing for non-profit organisations, with big discounts and grants to make advanced cloud technologies accessible.
Nonprofits can get up to $2,000 USD in annual Azure credits, which they can use on any of the Azure services.
This includes things like infrastructure services, AI and machine learning tools, and security solutions.
These discounts are designed to help non-profits get the most out of their operations, whether that’s moving on-premises workloads to the cloud or implementing sophisticated data management solutions.
This Azure for non-profit is part of Microsoft’s nonprofit pricing package. As well as Azure, you can also get Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, and more.
For more details on Azure types, please refer to “Confusion to Cloud Clarity: Journey to Microsoft Azure Subscription Types.”
Importance of Cloud Services for Non-Profits
Cloud services like Microsoft Azure are great for charitable organisations because they can scale up and down as needed. Moving to the cloud can help nonprofits cut costs on hardware and maintenance.
With pay-as-you-go models, organisations only pay for what they use, which helps them manage their budgets better and use their resources more efficiently.
Azure has some pretty solid security features in place to keep your sensitive data, like donor info and beneficiary details, safe and sound.
Microsoft’s got built-in security tools and compliance certifications that make sure your data is protected and you’re following the rules, which is really important for keeping people’s trust and meeting legal requirements.
Another great thing about this is that it gives you more operational agility. Cloud services let non profits get up and running with apps, manage big data sets, and improve collaboration with staff and volunteers, no matter where they are.
This flexibility is essential for being able to respond to emergencies or scale up successful programmes quickly.
How to Apply for Microsoft Azure Non-Profit Discounts
If you want to apply for Microsoft Azure discounts for nonprofits, you’ve got to first check with TechSoup to make sure you’re eligible.
They’ll look at your non profit’s mission and activities against Microsoft’s criteria. This process usually takes about 10 business days.
Once they’ve been confirmed as eligible, non-profits can register on the Microsoft Nonprofit Portal.
When you register, you’ll need to provide the necessary documentation and details about how you operate.
Be ready to share some info about your organisation’s mission, legal status and relevant contact details.
You can apply for Azure credits directly through the portal. These credits are basically a financial grant that lets your non-profit use Azure services.
The amount of credits depends on whether you’re eligible and what the programme details are.
You can use these credits for anything in the Azure portfolio, from infrastructure services to AI tools and security solutions.
Microsoft offers a handy Azure Onboarding Concierge service to help new users get started. This personalized service makes the transition to the Azure platform a breeze.
The concierge can help you set up grant subscriptions, share best practices for governance and cost management, and guide you in optimising your use of Azure services.
Eligibility for Microsoft Azure Non-Profit Pricing
If you want to get an idea of how much Microsoft products cost, including Azure, you can read this Microsoft products comparison list.
If you want to get Microsoft’s non-profit pricing, your organisation needs to meet a few criteria.
Firstly, your organisation has to be a registered charity or non-governmental organisation with a mission to benefit the wider community.
This means having a legal charitable status in their respective countries, or being a public library or public museum.
Also, the organisations have to stick to Microsoft’s non-discrimination policy, which means they can’t discriminate against anyone based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or anything else.
Yes, the work you do at your organisation should fit in with Microsoft’s focus on philanthropy.
Validation is handled by TechSoup, which checks that the non-profit meets the criteria based on its mission and operations.
What are the Benefits of Microsoft Azure for Non-Profits?
One of the best things about Azure for non profits is that it can save you a lot of money. You can get discounts and grants worth up to $2,000 USD a year in Azure credits.
This financial relief means more funds can be directed towards mission-critical activities, which helps the organisation to have a bigger impact.
Azure’s cloud services let non-profits grow their IT infrastructure as they need to, without having to spend money upfront.
This flexibility is really important for managing different workloads and adapting to changing operational needs.
Gaining access to the latest tech like AI, machine learning and advanced data analytics helps non-profits to innovate and improve their impact.
For instance, AI tools can make processes more efficient, improve how we engage with donors, and help us allocate resources in the best way possible, which in turn leads to more effective programme delivery.
Security is also a big plus. Azure has got all the security features you could need to keep your data safe from cyber threats.
This includes built-in security tools and compliance certifications that make sure data is protected and that we stick to the rules.
As reference, you can find out more about Azure VM in the article “Worried About Microsoft Azure VM Pricing? Take Control & Save Money!“
How Octobits Can Support Your Azure Implementation
It can be tough to keep up with all the different options in Azure, especially for non-profits with lots of different subscriptions.
We know how your time is best spent on your mission, not on wrestling with cloud infrastructure.
That’s why we’re here to help. We’ll get you set up on Azure and then we’ll manage it for you, making sure everything is running smoothly.
We know a thing or two about subscription management, so we can help you get the most out of your resources without overspending.
And if you ever run into any technical issues, our experienced support team is ready to jump in and sort them out quickly.
But we’re more than just tech support. We work with you to understand your nonprofit’s goals and challenges.
We’ll show you how to make the most of Azure, turning it into a tool that helps you achieve your goals and make a bigger impact.
So, kindly take a look at Octobits website to find out more about the services we offer.
In Closing
Microsoft Azure’s non-profit pricing is a great way for charities to get their hands on cutting-edge cloud technology without breaking the bank.
This means your non-profit can work more effectively, keep sensitive data secure, and even explore new solutions that might have seemed out of reach before.
To make the most of this opportunity, it’s important to understand the application process, eligibility criteria and the full range of benefits available through Microsoft Azure non profit pricing.
