Today we’re sharing news from Microsoft and an update on planned changes to their program on Connecting Up:

• A blog post from Microsoft’s Tech for Social Impact group recently laid out improvements and changes to their nonprofit offers and donation model, and

• Some of these changes will impact the current Microsoft Software Donation Program on Connecting Up, and may be of interest to your NFP or charity.

The recent blog post from Microsoft Philanthropies’ Tech for Social Impact group shares their vision and commitment to ensuring that not-for-profits, and those they serve, are not left behind as technology advancements accelerate.  Microsoft’s longstanding software donation program on Connecting Up is evidence of their commitment to the sector.  Connecting Up is engaging with Microsoft and more than 100 other technology providers to expand the ways we support access to technology solutions and services for NFPs and charities to help ensure you can affordably adopt and use the most effective technology to deliver your mission.

We’ve summarised below the Microsoft changes announced in their blog post that may influence your Connecting Up experience.  Please take a few minutes to review, so that you can plan effectively for your technology needs. 

We are interested in your feedback and questions and wish to support you well during this transition – contact us at dev7.cisa.asn.au/contact for questions or comments.

How will the current Microsoft Software Donation Program on Connecting Up change on April 1st?

• Product Selection:  Microsoft is optimising its ‘on-premises’ product donations on meeting the needs of smaller organisations.  Standard versions of all Microsoft 'on-premises' products will continue to be available as donations to eligible NFPs and charities through Connecting Up.  Premium versions of Microsoft 'on-premises' products will no longer be available as donated offers on Connecting Up, but will be available with the same eligibility at a not-for-profit discount.  There are no changes to donated cloud offers available from Microsoft.

• Choice across all Donated Products on Connecting Up:  Starting April 1st, you can choose among any Microsoft donated products for your licensing without being limited by 10 title groups.

• Program Rules and Eligibility Stay the Same:  Microsoft eligibility for donated offers through Connecting Up remains the same.  These same eligibility rules are standardised across any source of Microsoft nonprofit discounts.  Donated license limits available over a 2-year cycle remain the same through Connecting Up.

• Assistance Learning About & Accessing Options:  Microsoft’s improvements and changes offer NFPs a range of donations, discounts and licensing options.  Connecting Up is committed to helping you understand the best options for your needs – whether donated or discounted, ‘on-premises’, cloud or hybrid.  Where possible, we will provide direct access in one easy place.

• New and Noteworthy at microsoft.com/nonprofits:  In case you missed it in the blog post by Microsoft, we’re ‘calling out’ these exciting new direct offers for not-for-profits you can get from Microsoft -- an Office 365 volunteer SKU, an expansion of Microsoft 365 with E3 and E5 offers, and Microsoft Surface to 10 new markets.

Thank you for all you do for your communities.