Free and promotional IT solutions for NGOs. Technology and security from Microsoft.

In today's world, non-governmental organisations and charitable foundations play a key role in the development of society by implementing various social, environmental and cultural projects.

However, they often lack the resources to manage initiatives effectively. It is fortunate that there are a number of companies offering a range of products and services that have the potential to greatly streamline the operations of non-governmental organisations, thereby enhancing their efficiency and facilitating the achievement of their objectives. Depending on the specifics of the request and the task at hand, the optimal solution to improve internal processes can be selected. If you have not yet implemented these tools in your activities, look no further and choose the best option to improve your processes!

• Google offers Workspace for non-governmental organisations: a free or discounted subscription to Google Workspace (including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Meet, etc.) and Google Ad Grants.
• Salesforce for non-governmental organisations provides free licences for Salesforce CRM to manage donor and volunteer interactions.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services) for non-governmental organisations provides special offers and credits for using cloud services.
• Microsoft offers non-governmental organisations a subscription to Microsoft 365 with free and discounted prices for office applications and collaboration tools.

Azure: special rates and credits for NGOs to use Azure cloud services.

This article focuses on the main Microsoft products that contribute to the development of NGOs.

Andrii Paios, IT Director at BDO in Ukraine, discusses the relevance of Microsoft solutions for NGOs.

• Why should non-governmental organisations in Ukraine consider Microsoft as their primary digital tool?

In today’s fast-evolving technological landscape, non-governmental organisations in Ukraine must adapt to new realities to survive and thrive. Microsoft offers a wide range of tools that can significantly improve their efficiency. Versatility and accessibility are key factors in its popularity. Microsoft products such as Microsoft 365 and Azure enable organisations to simplify project management, improve internal communication and ensure secure data storage. Special offers for NGOs have made these solutions accessible even to those with limited budgets, ensuring their competitiveness in the market.

• What key challenges in the digitalisation of the non-profit sector do Microsoft products help to solve?

The digitalisation of the non-profit sector faces various challenges, such as limited budgets, insufficient technical knowledge and the need to adapt quickly to change. Microsoft products offer straightforward solutions to these challenges through user-friendly tools that eliminate the need for extensive training expenses. Microsoft Teams, for instance, provides an effective remote work and communication platform, which is essential in today’s environment. In addition, analytics solutions such as Power BI help organisations better understand data and make informed decisions based on analytics, enabling them to track performance and adjust strategies.

• What are the global trends in the use of cloud technologies and automation by non-governmental organisations?

Global trends show that non-governmental organisations are progressively adopting cloud technologies and automation in their operations. Cloud solutions such as Microsoft Azure enable the storage of large amounts of data and provide access to necessary resources from anywhere in the world, which is crucial in the context of globalisation and increasing mobility. Process automation, particularly through Power Automate, reduces the time spent on routine tasks, creating more opportunities for socially meaningful projects. All these factors combine to make Microsoft a leading partner for non-profit organisations. They can rely on Microsoft to help them achieve their goals more efficiently and quickly while adapting to a rapidly changing environment.

IT infrastructure security and management

• What are the key cyber threats for NGOs, and how does Microsoft help protect their data and communications?

Non-governmental organisations are susceptible to a range of cyber threats that have the potential to disrupt their operations and compromise data privacy. The main threats to consider are phishing, malware, denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and data breaches. Many NGOs represent attractive targets for hackers due to the sensitive information they process, such as donor and beneficiary data.

Microsoft offers a variety of solutions designed to protect organisations’ data and communications. Microsoft 365, for example, incorporates security features that automatically detect and block phishing attempts and ensure data encryption. These tools enable organisations to prioritise their core mission while streamlining security operations.

• What solutions would you recommend to improve cyber security in non-profit organisations?

To improve cyber security in non-profit organizations, it is recommended that Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Intune solutions be considered.

Microsoft Defender is an effective tool for protecting endpoints. It provides continuous system monitoring, detects malware and other threats, and enables rapid response to incidents in real time. This is of particular importance for NGOs, where resources are limited and the risk of sensitive data leaks is high.

Microsoft Intune is a comprehensive solution that enables secure and centralised management of mobile devices and applications. This solution enables to control access to corporate data, determine which devices are authorised to connect, and protect personal and business data. This is especially important for non-governmental organisations that often work with distributed teams and volunteers, as it helps to prevent unauthorised access to confidential information.

These solutions are designed to provide a reliable level of protection even with limited resources.

• How charitable foundations can control access to confidential information

We recommend using Microsoft Security solutions. They offer a range of tools that enable effective access control strategies. In particular, Azure Active Directory enables charities to implement multi-factor authentication, which significantly improves the security of user accounts.

Additionally, Microsoft Information Protection facilitates the classification and labelling of data based on its sensitivity. This enables organisations to restrict access to data to only those who require it to fulfil their job duties. This is of particular importance when organisations are dealing with sensitive information such as donor financial data or beneficiary personal data.

Microsoft Security offers non-profit organisations the tools they need to strengthen their security management strategies, ensure data integrity and confidentiality, and reduce the risks associated with cyber threats. This allows organisations to focus on their core business  knowing that their data is secure.

How can we help you implement Microsoft solutions?

• What Microsoft product implementation services are available from BDO in Ukraine for non-profit organisations?

BDO in Ukraine is a Microsoft Gold Partner. As part of Microsoft solutions implementation, we offer a wide range of IT services, including assessment of organisational needs, development of customised solutions, software integration and support with staff training.

Our specialists work directly with non-profit organisations to understand their specific needs and select the best solutions, such as Microsoft 365 or Azure, that will improve their operational efficiency.

• Does BDO in Ukraine provide special programmes or discounted rates for integrating Microsoft solutions for NGOs?

Yes, we have programmes specifically targeted at non-profit organisations, which include reduced rates and tailored service packages. This enables NGOs to access high-quality technical solutions at affordable prices, given their limited budgets. At BDO in Ukraine, we are committed to making technology accessible to NGOs to help them implement programmes without undue financial burden.

Request an additional consultation and we will help your organisation implement modern Microsoft solutions 

• How do we support organisations in setting up Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Teams?

We have a team of skilled professionals who support non-profit organisations in configuring Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Teams to meet their needs. When setting up Azure, we provide continuous monitoring and resource optimisation to help organisations manage costs effectively. 

For Microsoft 365, we assist with integrating productivity tools, set up workspaces, and automate business processes. Teams is used to improve communication between teams, and our experts help to configure this platform to meet the specific requirements of the organisation, including integration with other business systems.

• Does BDO in Ukraine provide advice, training or support for non-profit organisations using Microsoft?

We offer a wide range of consulting, training and support services. Our company delivers training programmes for staff at non-profit organisations to help them make the most of the Microsoft products. This includes hands-on sessions on Microsoft 365, Azure, Teams and other tools, as well as individual consultations to tailor solutions to each organisation’s specific needs.

In addition, our experts provide ongoing technical support to ensure the smooth operation of the implemented solutions. Staff of organisations can reach out to our experts at any time, ensuring stability and efficiency of their daily work. This is especially important for non-profit organisations that rely on technology to deliver their social missions and projects.



Our experts recently hosted a webinar showcasing real-life use cases and potential of Microsoft Dynamics 365 for NGOs.

If your non-profit organisation needs advice or assistance with Microsoft product licensing, feel free to contact BDO in Ukraine. Our experts will help you choose the best solutions and ensure effective implementation of the technologies for your organisation.