+44 (0) 1604 420057
   
Alison Mead

The Blog of Silicon Bullet

By Alison Mead, Bookkeeping Mentor ...

Microsoft Withdraws Free Licenses for Charities And Non-Profits

Alison Mead

CREATED BY ALISON MEAD

Published: 02/06/2025 @ 09:00AM

#MicrosoftNonProfit #CharityTechnology #BudgetAllocations #NonProfitOrganisations #FreeLicensesWithdrawal

Microsoft has announced it will withdraw free licenses for charities, specifically the Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 packages, from the 1st of July 2025. This decision marks a turning point for non-profits that depend on these offerings to help them fulfil their missions ...

Withdraw free licenses, For charities in need, Their work hindered now

Withdraw free licenses, For charities in need, Their work hindered now

Historically, Microsoft has provided its premium services at no cost to non-profits, enabling them to leverage essential tools without straining their often-limited budgets. However, in a bid to streamline its offerings, Microsoft will conclude the provision of these free licences, a move that will compel many charities to rethink their technology strategies and potentially incur new expenses.

Non-profits are now faced with the reality of needing
to pay for their subscriptions!

The decision has raised concerns about equitable access to technology for charities that often operate on a shoestring budget. Charities that migrate to the M365 Business Basic package will find themselves losing access to desktop versions of essential Office applications, relegating their tools to web and mobile formats.

While organisations will maintain access to MS Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint, the absence of desktop applications may hinder productivity and collaboration, particularly in environments where connectivity is inconsistent.

For organisations requiring more than 300 licenses, or those that traditionally utilise the premium features, the transition will inevitably translate into higher costs. Despite Microsoft's introduction of discounts - up to 75 per cent for other M365 packages - these new pricing structures mean charities may still face significant financial burdens.

With the premium tariff priced at £5.50 per user per month, and desktop applications accessible only through the M365 Business Standard package, it is evident that the adjustment from free to paid is not just an administrative change; it's a financial concern that may impact many charities' operational capabilities.

In addition, Microsoft's move to withdraw free licenses for charities could potentially lead to a broader digital transformation across the sector. Non-profits may now be increasingly motivated to explore alternative software solutions, seeking out platforms that provide robust services without the escalating costs. Innovations in digital tools may emerge as a consequence, enabling charities to share their challenges and solutions, further fostering collaborative growth in the sector.

In light of Microsoft's announcement, charities must
assess which tools are vital!

They will have to explore potential partnerships with tech companies, and even invest in training staff to maximise the use of new systems. As the impact of this decision unfolds, it remains crucial for non-profits to stay informed and proactive in response to Microsoft's decision to withdraw free licenses for charities.

While Microsoft's shift might be seen as an attempt to streamline its offerings, the broader consequences for non-profits warrant serious consideration. The honouring of charity missions should remain a priority, and all parties must engage constructively to ensure continued access to vital digital resources.

As charities and non-profits navigate this new landscape, the focus will undoubtedly be on resilient adaptation in the face of change.

Until next time ...


ALISON MEAD
I'm your Bookkeeping Buddy: Discover more by clicking here!

Would you like to know more?

If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more about Microsoft's withdrawal of free licenses for charities and non-profits, it may be a great idea to give me a call on 01604 420057 and let's see how I can help you.

Share the blog love ...

Share this to FacebookBuffer
Share this to FacebookFacebook
Share this to TwitterTwitter
Share this to Linkedin (popup window)Linkedin
Share this to Pinterest (popup window)Pinterest
Share this to WhatsApp (popup window)WhatsApp

#MicrosoftNonProfit #CharityTechnology #BudgetAllocations #NonProfitOrganisations #FreeLicensesWithdrawal

About Alison Mead ...

Alison Mead 

Alison loves bookkeeping and supporting bookkeepers. She has been helping clients to be better bookkeepers in Sage 50 for over 24 years and has been Xero Accredited in accounts and payroll for a number of years too.

She specialises in a very unique hand-holding method of training, helping bookkeepers and business owners to use their accounts software as and when they need support in setting up and producing their invoices, reports and financial information.

Alison combines her role at Silicon Bullet with her Forever Living network marketing businesses and is often to be seen at business networking meetings as she likes to keep busy.

You know what they say: if you want something done well ask a busy person!

More blog posts for you to enjoy ...

Click here to view this blog post


Prepare for Xero Price Rises: Essential Updates and Insights for Your Business

As Xero prepares for significant price rises from the 1st of September 2025, users must stay informed about these changes. While some plans remain unchanged, understanding the details of the new pricing structure is crucial f...

Click here to view this blog post


Unveiling Sage 50 Accounts Version 32: A Comprehensive Overview of New Features

Sage 50 Accounts Version 32 introduces enhancements designed to streamline operations and improve user experience. With AI integration, document attachment capabilities, and banking compliance updates, this version promises t...

Click here to view this blog post


Xero Now Offers More Ways to Get Paid With Stripe & GoCardless

Xero now offers more ways to get paid, having integrated the likes of Stripe and GoCardless, allowing businesses to accelerate their cash flow and improve client satisfaction. Learn how to leverage innovative payment solution...

Click here to view this blog post


Building A Bookkeeping Business: Increasing Your Prices

You may have already done the difficult part of starting your own bookkeeping business; you've found clients, you've decided on your pricing, and now you're getting on with the day-to-day of looking after the clients you've ....

Click here to view this blog post


Be Careful Who You Call For IT Support

If you have a problem with your computer and need help, be really careful who you call for support. We have had two calls in the last couple of days from domestic clients who had printer connection issues, googled a support n...

Click here to view this blog post


Building Your Bookkeeping Business

The usual question I see asked in bookkeeping groups and forums is, where can I find customers, or how can I get experience now that I have passed my bookkeeping exams and started my bookkeeping business ......

Click here to view this blog post


How Sage Business Cloud Calculates Flat Rate VAT

If your business is registered under the Flat Rate VAT Scheme, understanding how Sage Business Cloud calculates your VAT return is key to staying compliant and maintaining accurate records. How does the system work, and what ...

Click here to view this blog post


Being a Bookkeeping Buddy Means Being Part Of A Community

I created my Bookkeeping Buddy community last year to offer a higher level of support to bookkeepers across the country, and it really has turned into a community. At a recent Accountex London exhibition, two of my Bookkeepin...

Other bloggers you may like ...

Click here to view this blog post


HMRC Looking At VAT on Strawberry And Crème Sandwiches: A Sweet Dilemma

Posted by Roger Eddowes on https://blog.essendonaccounts.co.uk

The recent buzz surrounding M&S's Strawberry and Crème sandwiches has thrust VAT on different products into the limelight again. Are these delightful ...

Click here to view this blog post


Discover the Awesome Power of YourPCM

Posted by Your PCM on https://www.yourpcm.uk

You know that every opportunity counts. However, with the demands of running your business, it can be challenging to keep track of everything and stay ...

Click here to view this blog post


The Rise of AI Search and the Decline of SEO for Website Ranking

Posted by Steffi Lewis on https://www.steffilewis.com

As AI search becomes increasingly popular, traditional SEO methods are struggling. Many companies report substantial decreases in web traffic because ...

Click here to view this blog post


Bank of England Announces Ambitious Plans to Redesign Banknotes

Posted by Roger Eddowes on https://blog.essendonaccounts.co.uk

The Bank of England is set to redesign banknotes for the first time in over half a century. This major initiative opens the floor for public input on ...

Privacy & Cookies Policy

Click here to discover sBlogIt! The done-for-you blogging service