Microsoft Donation Program Update: Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is changing on April 4, 2022?

Answer: With a few exceptions noted below, donated or granted licenses of on-premises software will no longer be available to nonprofits as of April 4, 2022. On-premises software are those licenses that you request, download to a device, and then own on your machine, such as Office Standard. After April 4, 2022 nonprofits will only have access to Windows Pro operating system option. Nonprofits operating public-access computer labs with shared-access necessary for one device will still have donation offers available to them.

Question: How can I get on-premises products after April 4, 2022?

Answer: The same set of products currently available as donations and some previously available will still be available as a charity discount and can be requested through Charity Digital. Other nonprofit resellers may also offer these discounted products with similar charity pricing. Charity discounts typically range from 60-75% from commercial pricing, resulting in an increase of pricing about 3-5 times more than the current offers available as a donation. Charity discounts do not have any quantity allotments, but do require a minimum of at least 5 licenses.

Question: What Microsoft software is available as a donation after April 4, 2022?

Answer: The chart below matches products which are being taken out of the Microsoft Donation program on Charity Digital to alternative donated Microsoft licensing options that should be possible replacements for what you would have used on-premises products for. Note: All products can still be purchased as an on-premises product at charity discount pricing.

Question: Why is Microsoft making this change now?

Answer: Microsoft has been moving to a cloud-first model as a company for many years. Microsoft believes that to truly help nonprofits take advantage of the promise of technology, they need to update their own grant and discount program to better align the comprehensive capabilities and security that the Microsoft Cloud can provide with the needs of nonprofits around the globe. You can read more in their words here: (Link to blog)

Question: What if I do not have access to reliable internet? How can I use cloud technologies effectively?

Answer: Microsoft understands that not all organizations can move to the cloud right now, and there are significant access and hardware challenges in many parts of our world. The Microsoft 365 Business Premium license includes downloadable Office applications that can be accessed on your desktop whether or not you are connected to the Internet providing you the ability to continuing working either way. When you do have internet connectivity, you can connect your device and the information will update and save to the cloud. Organizations will still also be able to purchase on-premises products at a charity discount as well.

Question: What is the donation program for computer labs?

Answer: On-premises product donations will still be available for those organizations that require software for shared-access devices only. Organizations, such as those operating computer labs, training centers, or providing public-access computers will be able to apply for this program and request on-premises products to support their public-access needs. This program will launch on April 4, 2022.

Question: How will this impact libraries?

Answer: Libraries will be able to continue to request on-premises donations until December 31, 2021. We are actively working with the Microsoft Education team to ensure continuity of the program offers beyond this date to support public-access computers, and will have updates to share within the next few weeks.

Question: Will Microsoft end support for my current on-premises products? What impact will it have on the products I have now?

Answer: You will still be able to use your on-premises products, as these are perpetual licenses. Microsoft publishes end of support for these products here: docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/overview/product-end-of-support-overview which will indicate at what point Microsoft would stop providing product and security updates for these licenses.

Question: Will I still be able to get new versions of Windows and Office?

Answer: Microsoft on-premises donations provide you licenses for the latest version of products that are available. We expect Windows 11 and Office 2021 to be available later in October. Organizations who have older versions of these products can upgrade for free if they have a valid Software Assurance. Software assurance is provided for up to 2-years and was included with previous donation program requests.

Question: What does this mean for Charity Digital and the TechSoup Global Network?

Answer: As part of the TechSoup Global Network, we work with over 400+ corporations and foundations to ensure nonprofits and libraries have access to all the tools and solutions they need and to create the support services and resources required to use them effectively to meet their missions. The TechSoup Global Network is committed to continuing to provide all available Microsoft solutions, including cloud donations and discounts and on-premises discounts which we know are frequently requested by our community. TSGN also has plans to enable access to more purpose-built low-code solutions built on Microsoft and other technologies that will help organizations bring their technology investments to the ‘front office’ and communities of practice that will help organizations collaborate and learn from each other with digital enablers.

Question: What are other offers outside of Microsoft may be available to me?

Answer: We have several other solutions that may be available to your organization to support your needs that can be detailed here: charitydigital.org.uk/products. These include the following (subject to availability):

• Productivity Suites: G Suite for Nonprofits
• Communication and Collaboration Tools: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, Asana, DocuSign, Slack, Workplace from Facebook, Zoom
• Cloud File Storage: Box, DropBox, Google Drive
• Remote Access Tools: Team Viewer, Cisco
• Hardware & Connectivity: Dell, Lenovo,
• Security: Avast, Bitdefender, NortonLifeLock, Veritas
• Marketing: dot digital
• Fundraising: Bopp, Enthuse, GivePanel

Question: Is eligibility changing for programs?

Answer: Eligibility is not changing at this time for Microsoft programs. Eligibility can be found here: www.microsoft.com/en-us/nonprofits/eligibility

Question: Will on-premises licenses still have software assurance?

Answer: Currently, on-premises software donations include software assurance. Software assurance benefits include free software upgrades, Office Multi-Language Packs, Office suites for use at home, and more. (Details can be found here: www.charitydigitalexchange.org/partners/microsoft/microsoft_overview) As of January 1, 2022, software assurance will no longer be bundled with donation offers. Software assurance can only be purchased at a discount as a separate license or license bundle.

Question: What is the Microsoft utilization requirement for cloud donation offers?

Answer: Microsoft currently requires that 85% of licensed users need to be using at least one Microsoft 365 cloud service within the past 90 days. These cloud services include Exchange Online, Yammer, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft 365 Apps. This does not include installed or on-premises solutions. Licensed users refer to those licenses that have been assigned to a specific user. This requirement is in effect for all cloud licenses that are available at no cost to users, which Microsoft refers to as granted licenses.

Question: What are the right next steps for nonprofits and how can Charity Digital help?

Answer: We understand that this may have impact on your technology planning and budget for the next year.

• Hosting webinars to answer your questions. We will host two webinars in the next month to answer any questions you may have. Register for these events here.
• Start thinking about the cloud. We understand these changes may impact on your budget and planning, and we want to support you in making the right decisions for your tech needs. If you need more on-premises licensing, consider an easy transition to Microsoft’s cloud offering, which is available at a discount on the Charity Digital Exchange
• Schedule time to talk about your Cloud Strategy with us. We are here to help. Book some time with us and we can help answer your questions and provide you with recommendations.
• Build up your team’s skills. As part of the TechSoup Global Network, Charity Digital can give organisations access to the TechSoup Microsoft Digital Skills Center. This part of the TechSoup Courses offerings has already supported over 40 thousand nonprofit learners worldwide with access to training and skills to help adopt new solutions and maximize the value of the existing solutions you have.
• Check out further information from Charity Digital. We are planning to host two webinars to discuss further changes and answer any questions you might have. And we will have plenty of information available on our website to help you through the transition. For those who want to switch to cloud Microsoft donated software, check out the below video:

• A complete guide to Microsoft 365
• How to choose the right Microsoft Nonprofit Subscription