Nonprofit organizations often operate with limited resources, making it essential to leverage effective tools that enhance collaboration and productivity without incurring high costs. Both Microsoft and Google offer free plans tailored specifically for nonprofits. This article compares these offerings to help you determine which aligns best with your organization’s needs.

Microsoft 365 for Nonprofits

Microsoft provides several plans for nonprofits, with the Microsoft 365 Business Basic plan available as a grant for up to 300 users. This plan includes:

  • Email and Calendar: Business-class email through Outlook with a 50 GB mailbox per user.
  • Office Applications: Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
  • File Storage: 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage per user.
  • Collaboration Tools: Access to Microsoft Teams for chat, calls, and meetings with up to 300 attendees.

For organizations requiring advanced features, the Microsoft 365 Business Premium plan is available as a grant for up to 10 users. This plan offers everything in Business Basic, plus:

  • Desktop Applications: Full versions of Microsoft Office apps for PC and Mac.
  • Advanced Security: Features like cyberthreat protection and device management.

Additional users beyond the 10-user grant can be added at discounted rates. More information about Microsoft 365 for Non-Profits can be found here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/enterprise/nonprofit-plans-and-pricing

Google Workspace for Nonprofits

Google offers the Google Workspace for Nonprofits plan at no cost to eligible organizations. This suite includes:

  • Email: Professional Gmail accounts with your organization’s domain.
  • Office Applications: Access to Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms.
  • File Storage: 30 GB of Google Drive storage per user.
  • Collaboration Tools: Google Meet for video and voice conferencing, supporting up to 100 participants.

For nonprofits needing enhanced features, discounted plans are available:

  • Business Standard: $3 per user/month, offering 2 TB storage per user and meetings with up to 150 participants.
  • Business Plus: $5.04 per user/month, providing 5 TB storage per user and meetings with up to 250 participants.

These paid plans also include additional security and management tools. More information can be found here: https://www.google.com/nonprofits/offerings/workspace/#!#workspace-pricing

Key Considerations

When choosing between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace for your nonprofit, consider the following:

  • User Capacity: Microsoft’s free Business Basic plan supports up to 300 users, while Google’s free plan allows up to 2,000 users.
  • Storage Needs: Microsoft offers 1 TB per user in its free plan, whereas Google’s free plan provides 30 GB per user.
  • Application Preferences: If your team prefers traditional desktop applications, Microsoft’s offerings might be more suitable. Conversely, if a cloud-based environment is preferred, Google’s tools are designed for that purpose.
  • Security Features: Both platforms offer robust security, but Microsoft’s Business Premium plan includes advanced features like cyberthreat protection and device management.

Both Microsoft and Google offer valuable free plans for nonprofits, each with its strengths. Assess your organization’s specific needs, user base, and workflow preferences to determine the best fit.