Calling ALL Charities & Non-profits using Microsoft 365
A couple of weeks ago, I made a post regarding Microsoft withdrawing their free donations of Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Microsoft 365 E1. If you aren’t already aware – I’d certainly recommend reading my original post here.
However, we need to talk about how this will effect your charity or non-profit organisation and how you can plan and prepare for these changes from the 1st July 2025.
What’s Changing?
Microsoft has announced that from 1st July 2025, they will retire the free 10-seat donation offers for Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Microsoft 365 E1. These were previously available to eligible charities and non-profits through the Microsoft for Nonprofits programme.
While discounted rates will remain available, this marks the end of fully subsidised Microsoft 365 cloud licensing for many smaller organisations that have come to rely on them for day-to-day operations, collaboration, and security.
How Will This Impact Your Organisation?
If you’re currently using donated Microsoft 365 Business Premium or E1 licences:
- You will no longer be able to renew these free licences after 1st July 2025.
- You’ll need to transition to paid non-profit discounted licences or consider alternative setups to maintain your services.
- Features like Microsoft Teams, Exchange Online, SharePoint and advanced security (especially in Business Premium) may become unavailable if action isn’t taken.
Without a plan, there is a real risk of disruption to:
- Communications (email, calendars, Teams)
- Data access and document collaboration
- Security and compliance (especially important for organisations handling sensitive data or regulated services)
What You Can Do Now to Prepare
Here’s how you can plan for a smooth transition:
✅ Review Your Current Licences
Check your Microsoft 365 Admin Centre to see:
- How many donated seats you’re using
- Which plans you have (Business Premium, E1, or a mix)
- When your renewal date is
✅ Audit Your Users
Take this opportunity to:
- Remove inactive or duplicate users
- Reassign licences based on actual needs (e.g. not everyone may need Business Premium)
✅ Explore Microsoft’s Discounted Nonprofit Plans
Microsoft offers discounted pricing for eligible non-profits, typically around 60-75% off commercial rates. Examples:
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium (nonprofit price)
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic or E1 discounted plans
- Exchange Online Plan 1 for email-only users
You may be able to mix and match plans to optimise cost and functionality.
✅ Get Support with Licensing & Migration
Licensing can get complex – especially with changing nonprofit rules. This is where a trusted IT partner like CloudHost can help:
- Review your current environment
- Provide clear licensing advice and options
- Assist with tenant clean-up, licence transitions and ensuring compliance
- Explore hybrid or cost-saving strategies tailored to your setup
We’re Here to Help You Stay Secure, Compliant and Productive
At CloudHost, we understand the budget pressures and compliance responsibilities that charities face. We’ve supported numerous organisations – from local community groups to national charities – through IT transitions like this.
As a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider and a registered partner with Microsoft for Nonprofits and Charity Digital Exchange, we can help you:
- Secure the best pricing
- Access optional grants and support
- Maintain your existing services with minimal disruption
Book a Free Consultation
If you’re unsure what to do next, don’t wait until the last minute. Let’s discuss your current setup and how to prepare before the 1st July deadline.
📅 Book a free consultation today by dropping either myself Adam Smith or our Company LinkedIn page a message.
Alternatively, feel free to email me and let’s arrange a meeting.
Make sure your charity continues to thrive – securely, affordably and without IT headaches.
