Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt it was easier to just pay the bill than research if there is a less expensive alternative? I’ve been there thinking, “I don’t have time to research and learn new tools. I need to be helping people and increasing my organization’s impact.” Well, there’s good news: Microsoft has made it simple to apply for nonprofit donated and discounted software.
Here’s how the process works:
Step One
Register with Microsoft Philanthropies and provide proof of your nonprofit’s eligibility (tax identification number or registered documentation from government entities, like a charity commission).
Step Two
You will also be asked to agree to Microsoft’s anti-discrimination policy.
“My organization does not have a policy or mission of discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training or services, promotion, termination, and/or retirement based on race, color, sex, nation origin, religion, age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, political affiliation, union membership, or veteran status.”
OR
“My organization is a religious organization that is exempt from laws that otherwise prohibit such discrimination.”
Step Three
Enter the following information about your organization:
- Country of your organization’s location
- Organization’s legal name
- What category does your organization fall into (Professional Organization, Civil Rights, Health Services, School, Religious, etc.)
- Annual Operating Budget
- Website link
- Email address
- Phone number
- Address
- How your organization is registered with your country (legal identifier)
Step Four
Create your account:
- Country of your location
- First and last name
- Business email address
- Company name
- Your organization’s size (how many staff)
Step Five
Create your user ID:
- Select a username
- Select a password
- Click on ‘create my account’
Step Six
Prove you are not a robot:
- You will receive a text or phone call with a verification code
- Enter your verification code
Make sure to save the website and your user ID and password as you will need it later. We now wait a few hours, up to three weeks, for Microsoft to make an eligibility determination. Once the determination is made you will receive an email stating your status. Hopefully, it will say “You are eligible for nonprofit offers from Microsoft. Click on the sections below for more information on the offers.”
You did it. Well done! Now that your organization is eligible Advisicon would like to be your Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) and help you choose the right licenses for your specific needs. We have knowledgeable staff to walk you through figuring out what your nonprofit needs. We can also help with setting up licenses for your staff and training your staff on how to use Office 365 to be the most productive.
Get started here.
