We're sharing important news regarding planned changes to the Microsoft program on TechSoup that may influence your organization's IT budgeting and planning.
We call your attention to the recent blog post from Microsoft's Tech for Social Impact group, which explains their continued focus on a Microsoft cloud-first strategy for nonprofits. The changes announced will take effect April 4, 2022, and are propelled by Microsoft's goal of better aligning their philanthropic offers to the comprehensive capabilities and security that the Microsoft Cloud can provide nonprofits.
TechSoup's partnership with Microsoft has enabled more than 394,000 organizations globally to access world-class technology solutions, both on-premises and in the cloud, to better achieve their missions. Our partnership will continue to prioritize supporting the needs of nonprofits so that they access and use the tools they need.
We've summarized below the changes that will impact Microsoft's long-standing software donation program on TechSoup. We recognize that the planned changes may influence your IT budgeting and your TechSoup experience. We are here to answer your questions and to help you understand options and resources to help you set or reset plans. Feel free to ask questions and provide feedback.
How Will the Current Microsoft Offers on TechSoup Change?
- With a few exceptions noted below, on-premises products will no longer be available to nonprofits as a donation beginning April 4, 2022. Much of the functionality of on-premises solutions will continue to be available through donated cloud offers, including downloadable desktop applications.
- The term on-premises software refers to standalone, perpetual licenses that users install on specific computers and that can be used without an internet connection (e.g., Office Standard). On-premises products can still be requested through TechSoup until April 4, 2022. After that date, these products will be available as discounted offers, which typically range from 60 to 75 percent off commercial pricing. This may mean that your cost for on-premises products will be three to five times higher than the current donation program administrative fees.
- The following on-premises Microsoft software will continue to be part of TechSoup's catalog after April 4, 2022:
- On-premises Windows Pro licenses as a donation
- Windows Server and SQL Server as a donation in those limited countries where Azure is not available (See current Azure availability.)
- On-premises product donations will be available for organizations that require software for shared-access devices. Organizations such as those operating computer labs, training centers, or providing public-access computers will be able to access specific donation offers to support these scenarios. We understand that many organizations still need device-based access, and we are delighted to work with Microsoft to offer this new program to the nonprofits we serve.
- Organizations will continue to have access to Microsoft cloud donation offers through TechSoup. Some donation offers include the downloadable applications found in on-premises offers, often with more robust, secure, and resilient features. Cloud donation offers are subject to eligibility and utilization requirements.* These cloud donations are available:
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium will continue to be free for up to 10 users. It includes email, downloadable desktop applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive), cloud file storage and sharing, web conferencing with messaging, audio, high-definition video, and simple device management and advanced security features.
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic licenses will continue to be free for up to 300 users. The licenses include email, cloud file storage and sharing, web conferencing with messaging, audio, high-definition video, and other services.
- The Power Apps Per App plan to build low-code and no-code custom workflows is available for free for up to 10 seats.
- Organizations can also leverage up to $2,000 in Azure services yearly directly from Microsoft in those markets where Azure is available.
*Please note: Microsoft refers to donated offers as "granted offers." See the eligibility and utilization requirements.
What Can TechSoup Do to Help You?
We've been through many program changes as software delivery models have changed — from distributing floppy disks and CDs to organizations to supporting them as they transitioned to the cloud — and TechSoup will continue to focus on supporting. As you identify new needs and advance your adoption of digital tools, we'll adapt our services. For now, we want you to know that we are here to
- Answer your questions and understand your feedback. Reach out to us for help and send us your thoughts on how we can best support you. You can also read our new FAQ about these changes.
- Host webinars to answer your questions. We will host two webinars this month to answer any questions you may have. Register for these events.
- Talk with you about your cloud strategy. We are here to help. Book some time with us, and we can help answer your questions and provide you with recommendations.
- Support you as you adopt your hybrid solutions. We understand that these changes may impact your budget and planning, and we want to support you in making the right decisions for your IT needs. If you need more on-premises licensing, consider also adding a donated cloud offer to ensure that your team can start saving documents to the cloud and get familiar with using Teams for collaboration. We also have hundreds of other product offers and solutions available to ensure that your organization can be digitally resilient. The following resources can help in understanding what is available and how we can help:
- Help build up your team's skills. The TechSoup Microsoft Digital Skills Center, a part of our TechSoup Courses offerings, has already supported over 40,000 nonprofit learners worldwide with access to training and skills to help adopt new solutions and maximize the value of the existing solutions that they have.
No matter where you are in your tech journey, we are here to support you.
Top photo: Shutterstock
