Microsoft has a program for the nonprofit that allows the organization to access tools as well
as technologies at little or no cost. This leadership initiative is conceived to enhance the
capacity of organizations to do more for their constituencies, through harnessing information
technology in work delivery and collaboration. These services are free to use and if your
organization is a nonprofit you are eligible for a Microsoft Nonprofit account. Here follows a
plan that might be very useful should you be in a similar situation once more or in case this
is going to be your first go at it.
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
To avoid such scenarios, it is only wise to first of all ensure that your organization qualifies to
apply to Microsoft.
Nonprofit Status: To participate in any competition a member must be a registered
nonprofit or a non-governmental organization (NGO) and must possess legal recognition in
his/her country.
Mission Alignment: Your organization must be compatible with Microsoft’s policies, for
example, deliver community service through education, health, public services or any
charitable work.
Excluded Organizations: Usually, political, labour or commerce oriented organizations, and
so on, are usually left out.
For full details on the eligibility criteria, please go to the Microsoft website.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Assemble all the paperwork you need to provide that you belong to this category of an
organization. Commonly required documents include:
- Record of your organization’s registration certificate.
- Evidence of tax-exemption (for example use of the organisation certificate/proof of
recognition as a 501(c)(3) in the United States). - Further specifics with regards to the activities of your organization, its goals and
aims.
Step 3: Create a Microsoft Account
If your organization has no account on Microsoft, create one if you don’t have any.
● Visit the Microsoft Account Signing Up site.
● Select “Create Account” and the subsequent tabs will help you create an account for
the organization.
● Make sure that the email address used for sign up is appropriate for your
organization (e.g., contact@yournonprofit.org).
Step 4: Apply for a Nonprofit Account
- To register to be a partner of Microsoft Nonprofits, proceed to the Microsoft
Nonprofits Registration Page. - Go to the next step by clicking on “Get Started” or “Register Now”.
- Fill in the registration form with your organization’s details:
a. Organization name and address….
b. Website URL (if applicable).
c. Primary contact information.
Step 5: Submit Verification Documents
While using the application, you will be asked to provide the documents which you stand to
have prepared in the process outlined in step two. See that your documents are
decipherable and well-formatted (PDF or image submissions are often used).
Microsoft working with TechSoup to make any nonprofit check. Users who have an account
with TechSoup should do so and apply for a validation token which will fasten your
verification process.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
The review process varying between 3 to 10 business days is expected. At any one point,
Microsoft or TechSoup may require further information from you or clarification on some
points. In the meantime, once you receive the approval notification email, you’ll be granted
access to Microsoft’s nonprofit resources.
Step 7: Access Microsoft Nonprofit Benefits
Free and Discounted Software: Office 365, Azure as well as Dynamics 365.
Productivity Tools: Microsoft Teams, Outlook and SharePoint for instance in the effective
communication and collaboration among the employees.
Training and Support: Tools that managers can use to assist your team with interacting
effectively with Microsoft solutions.
Sign in to your nonprofit account to look for the tools that are offered and start implementing
them into the work of your organization.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
● Double-check your documents: Make sure the formats of all the files are right and
all the writings are clear.
● Respond promptly to inquiries: If Microsoft or TechSoup requires more details
after that, one should not procrastinate to provide the details.
● Use an official email domain: Just incorporating your nonprofit’s domain brings
about reliability of the link.
Conclusion
Getting enrolled with Microsoft as a nonprofit account is easy and has amazing useful tools
that can enable organizations . Your organization can benefit from Microsoft’s nonprofit
program while at the same time cutting on costs and redesigning your working processes
towards better organizational development. Begin your application now and transform
technology to advance your cause.