Microsoft 365 Grants for Charities in 2025
Microsoft announces Microsoft 365 Business Premium grant and Office 365 E1 grant will be discontinued from July 2025 Find out moreGet in touchImportant Changes to Microsoft 365 Grants for Charities: What You Need to Know
If your charity relies on Microsoft 365 through donated (grant) licences, it is crucial to be aware of upcoming changes to Microsoft’s nonprofit offerings. Microsoft has announced that the Microsoft 365 Business Premium grant and Office 365 E1 grant will be discontinued from July 2025.
As a trusted Microsoft certified IT partner for nonprofit organisations, we are here to help you understand what is changing, what alternatives are available, and how to prepare.
Why are these Microsoft 365 grants retiring
Microsoft’s Tech for Social Impact (TSI) team is streamlining its grant offerings to simplify the portfolio and better serve the evolving needs of nonprofits. With most charities operating with fewer than 300 users, Microsoft is shifting focus to a single, unified grant offer: Microsoft 365 Business Basic.
This change only affects free/grant licences. Paid nonprofit licences remain unaffected, and significant discounts (up to 75%) continue to be available for most Microsoft 365 plans.
Key dates and what to expect
Microsoft 365 Business Premium Grant
- Will expire at your next renewal after 1 July 2025.
- You can continue using the grant until that renewal date.
- After expiration, you can either:
- Switch to the Microsoft 365 Business Basic grant (up to 300 free users), or
- Purchase Business Premium at a 75% nonprofit discount (£4.50/month VAT)
Microsoft 365 Business Premium Grant
- Also retiring at your next renewal after 1 July 2025.
- Post-expiration options include:
- Transition to Microsoft 365 Business Basic (free up to 300 users).
Data Retention after transition
If your grant expires, you’ll have:
- 30 days grace period to access your existing subscription
- 60 additional days to reactivate before data is permanently deleted
Alternatives Available to Charities
Microsoft 365 Business Basic (Free for up to 300 users)
- Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Bookings
1 TB of OneDrive storage per user
50 GB mailbox per user
Microsoft 365 Business Premium (75% discounted rate)
Includes everything in Business Basic plus:
- Desktop versions of Office apps
- Advanced security, compliance, and device management tools
- Microsoft Defender for Business, Azure AD Premium, and more
How Next steps for Your Charity and how AMJ IT Services can help
At AMJ IT, we’ve been trusted by many charities to deliver reliable Office 365 solutions and ongoing support. With key changes coming to Microsoft’s nonprofit licensing, now is the time to prepare.
Let’s plan your next steps together.
We willll guide you through a smooth and secure transition, including:
-
Reviewing your Microsoft 365 renewal date to help you plan ahead
-
Auditing your current usage to determine if you’ll need more than 300 licences
-
Exploring the right mix of free and discounted licences tailored to your organisation’s needs
Get in touch today to schedule a planning session and keep your charity productive, secure, and compliant.
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