How to Maximise Your Microsoft 365 Donation

Could your charity be doing more with Microsoft 365 without spending a penny? 

If you’re a registered UK non-profit, Microsoft offers an incredibly generous donation programme. Through it, eligible charities can access a wide range of powerful cloud-based tools—completely free or heavily discounted. Yet thousands of organisations either don’t realise they’re eligible or aren’t using the tools to their full potential. 


At Cranborne Technologies, we help non-profits get the most out of Microsoft 365. Whether you're just applying or already using it but not sure how well, we’ll help you make sure it’s working for you—securely, efficiently, and affordably. 


What You Could Be Getting (at No Cost) 

Microsoft provides a selection of its most powerful tools for free to eligible charities. These aren’t watered-down versions they’re the same tools used by major businesses and institutions, tailored for smaller teams and limited budgets. 


Here’s what’s available: 

  • Microsoft 365 Business Premium licences
    Up to 10 licences donated (and more available at a discount), giving you access to Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and more—plus advanced security and device management tools. 
  • Microsoft Teams
    Collaborate through secure video calls, instant chat, file sharing, and task tracking. 
  • SharePoint and OneDrive
    Store and manage documents securely in the cloud, with automatic version control and access anywhere. 
  • Exchange Online
    Professional email hosting with spam and phishing protection built in. 
  • Microsoft Defender for Business
    Endpoint security that helps protect against ransomware, malware, and other threats. 


These tools offer much more than basic productivity—they create a robust, secure digital workspace that supports GDPR compliance, flexible working, and operational efficiency. 


Why Many Charities Don’t Make the Most of It 

The number one reason we see charities missing out? Awareness. 

Many small and mid-sized organisations simply don’t know this programme exists—or assume it’s too complex to apply for. Others may already be using Microsoft 365, but: 

  • Haven’t configured it properly for security or collaboration 
  • Are still relying on local file storage or USB sticks 
  • Don’t have formal permission settings in place 
  • Have users working from personal email accounts 
  • Lack the time or expertise to integrate it into their day-to-day operations 

The result? Tools are underused, data may be exposed, and staff are frustrated—when it could be so much simpler. 


Where Cranborne Comes In 

We work closely with UK charities to unlock the full value of their Microsoft 365 donation—whether you're starting from scratch or already partway there. 

Here’s how we help: 


1. Eligibility & Licensing Support 

We help you check eligibility and walk you through the application process via Microsoft’s non-profit portal. No jargon. No tech headaches. 


2. Setup & Secure Migration 

Still using a personal Gmail account? No problem. We migrate your data—emails, calendars, files—to Microsoft 365 without risk or disruption. 


3. Security & Configuration 

We make sure your Microsoft 365 environment is properly secured, including: 

  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) 
  • Role-based access controls 
  • Backup and recovery options 
  • Email threat protection 


This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your donors, service users, and staff from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. 


4. Training & Ongoing Support 

We don’t set it up and leave you guessing. We provide friendly, practical training for your team and offer ongoing support so you always have someone to call when you need help. 


Why It Matters 

You didn’t start your charity to worry about servers, licensing, or ransomware. But the truth is, the right technology can remove barriers and unlock time for what matters most—your mission. 

With Microsoft 365 properly deployed: 

  • Staff work faster and smarter – Documents, rotas, and comms in one place. 
  • Remote access is seamless – Volunteers and staff stay connected from anywhere. 
  • Data is safer – With encryption, permissions, and cloud backups. 
  • Compliance is easier – Microsoft’s systems support your GDPR responsibilities. 

All of that without increasing your IT budget. 


Real Results from Real Charities 

We recently helped a housing charity migrate to Microsoft 365. They went from emailing spreadsheets and storing files on individual laptops to a fully secure, cloud-based setup. Staff now collaborate in Teams, access files via SharePoint, and have confidence their data is protected. 


The best part? Their core tools are free. And they now spend less time managing tech—and more time supporting people. 


Let’s Make It Work for You 

If you’re a charity already using Microsoft 365—or thinking about it—don’t go it alone. We’ll help you: 

  • Confirm eligibility 
  • Migrate your systems 
  • Secure your environment 
  • Train your team 
  • And make the most of every feature you’ve been given 


All in a way that suits your budget and capacity.

Contact us

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