What is Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit?
Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit is a set of solutions for nonprofits that supports fundraising, marketing, programs, volunteer management, and more. It brings together Microsoft Dynamics, Power Platform, Teams, SharePoint, Azure, and LinkedIn to address common nonprofit scenarios. All of it is based on the Nonprofit Common Data Model to unite data sources. Please note: Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit is not its own SKU.
What is the Nonprofit Common Data Model?
The Nonprofit Common Data Model is a set of standard data definitions. It was built by Microsoft TSI in partnership with many of the world’s leading nonprofits, institutional donors, private foundations, and industry consultants like Heller Consulting.
The open-source data model interrelates and standardizes data across a nonprofit's fundraising, constituent management, program delivery, operations, finance, and impact reporting functions. It also makes it easier for Microsoft and their partners to develop solutions for nonprofits that easily work with other Microsoft products.
Shared definitions of data – including accounts, contacts, households, transactions, beneficiaries, program delivery, and key performance indicators – across systems means more understandable, accurate, and actionable reporting and insights.
Where should nonprofits start with Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit?
Microsoft has designed nonprofit solutions to be adaptable – to meet you where you are right now – with the possibility to build and scale as you grow. So, for example, if volunteer management is the most critical technology that you need today, then start with that. You can add fundraising functionality later. We recommend that you work with a partner like Heller Consulting to determine how to best confirm your nonprofit eligibility, which license types are best for your organization, and a plan for implementing.
What are some benefits of moving to Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit?
Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit is built on Microsoft’s foundation of security and compliance, empowering nonprofit organizations to stay in control of their data, navigate their risk and compliance, and leverage best-in-class security to manage sensitive constituent data and meet the most stringent privacy and security requirements worldwide.
Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit is also interoperable with the Microsoft technology stack. That means it works with other Microsoft solutions, including:
- Efficiency and collaboration tools – These include systems that support internal work, such as Microsoft 365 tools (Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams), and finance and operations tools for things like accounting, human resources, inventory, and supply chain management.
- Azure tools – These include Microsoft Azure for Cloud Services, Security and Authentication, and Enterprise Mobility Management to provide the infrastructure needed to share and access applications and data securely from any device.
- Intelligence and impact solutions – These include tools for business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.