Microsoft 365 Changes for Nonprofits: What Kentucky Organizations Need to Know
If your nonprofit relies on Microsoft 365 Business Premium or Office 365 E1 grants, some important changes are on the horizon — and it’s essential to plan ahead.
At Louisville Geek, we partner with a wide range of nonprofits across Kentucky — including those in faith-based outreach, community development, youth advocacy, housing support, healthcare, and professional associations. We understand how much you depend on cost-effective, secure, and collaborative tools to carry out your mission. That’s why we want to make sure you’re aware of Microsoft’s upcoming changes to nonprofit licensing.
Microsoft 365 Business Plan Changes
Starting July 1, 2025, Microsoft will end its free (grant-based) offerings for:
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium (up to 10 users)
- Office 365 E1 (for larger teams)
If your organization is using either of these plans, they will remain active until your next renewal date after July 1, 2025 — at which point you’ll need to choose a new licensing option.
You can read more about this change in The Register’s coverage of Microsoft’s nonprofit licensing updates.
Microsoft 365 Business Plan Options for Nonprofits
Microsoft 365 Business Basic (Free for up to 300 users)
Includes web and mobile versions of Office apps, email with Exchange, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Ideal for basic collaboration, email, and file storage.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium (Now discounted, not free)
Includes desktop Office apps, advanced security, Intune device management, and more — perfect for nonprofits that handle sensitive data or manage remote devices.
New nonprofit pricing: $66 per user per year — a significant reduction from the standard commercial rate of $264 per user per year. That’s a 75% discount, specifically designed to keep powerful tools accessible for nonprofit organizations.
Why This Matters for Kentucky Nonprofits
We get it — budgets are tight. Many Kentucky nonprofits depend on Microsoft 365 Business Premium for email, collaboration, device management, and compliance tools. Losing the grant may feel like a step backward.
But here’s the good news. Microsoft is still providing deeply discounted rates, and your organization might not need all the features in the premium plan. A careful evaluation can help you make a smart, sustainable choice.
Next Steps for Microsoft 365 Nonprofit Licensing
Navigating this transition doesn’t have to be stressful. Our Virtual CIOs (vCIOs) work hand-in-hand with nonprofit leaders to develop a tailored game plan. Here’s how we guide you through the process:
- Understand Your Current Licensing: We’ll help you identify what licenses you’re using, which users are on what plans, and how the changes will impact your budget and tools.
- Define Your Needs: Not every user needs the full feature set of Business Premium. We’ll help you assess which team members require advanced functionality and who can thrive with Business Basic.
- Build a Strategic Transition Plan: Don’t wait until the last minute. Our vCIOs will craft a timeline and roadmap that keeps your team running smoothly, with no surprises.
- Implement and Support: From license audits and migrations to ongoing IT support, cybersecurity, and user training — we’re with you at every step.
Your mission is too important to be disrupted by licensing changes. Let’s tackle this together, with confidence and clarity.
How Louisville Geek Can Help Microsoft 365 Support for Kentucky Nonprofits
As a Kentucky-based IT partner, we’ve helped dozens of nonprofits statewide make smart tech decisions. We can assist with:
- License audits and cost projections
- Migrations from Microsoft 365 Business Premium grants to discounted plans
- Ongoing IT support, security, and training
Your mission is too important to be derailed by unexpected tech changes. Let us help you make this transition with confidence.
Ready to Build a Smart Microsoft 365 Strategy?
Whether you’re serving communities through healthcare, education, faith-based outreach, or advocacy — we’re here to support your technology needs.
