- Is your nonprofit paying full price for tools you could get for free?
- Did you know Microsoft, Google, and Cisco offer exclusive discounts just for nonprofits?
- And are you sure your organization is using every credit, grant, and program it already qualifies for?
Last year, a Bay Area nonprofit we partnered with was paying full price for Microsoft 365, Zoom, and cybersecurity tools. After conducting a quick IT and licensing review, we identified multiple vendor programs for which they had already qualified but had never activated. Once we optimized their licenses and applied available nonprofit discounts, they saved more than $18,000 annually, funds they redirected toward expanding their youth education initiatives.
Stories like this are common. Many nonprofits overspend on technology simply because they are unaware of the discounts, credits, and grants available to them.
At TruAdvantage, we have made it our mission to help nonprofits modernize securely and cost-effectively. In the first part of our two-part guide, we will explore the top technology discounts your organization should leverage in 2025 and how to maximize their benefits.
1. Why Nonprofit Tech Discounts Matter
Nonprofits face a constant challenge, balancing tight budgets with increasing technology needs. Cloud software, cybersecurity, and collaboration platforms are no longer optional; they are essential for operations and data security.
Real-world example:
A San Francisco nonprofit transitioned to Microsoft 365 through Microsoft’s donation program, reducing their licensing costs by 80 percent while improving file sharing and team communication.
Why it matters:
Discount programs allow nonprofits to access enterprise-grade tools without enterprise-sized budgets, improving efficiency, compliance, and donor trust.
2. Microsoft for Nonprofits
Microsoft continues to lead the way in supporting the nonprofit community. Eligible organizations can receive:
• Free or deeply discounted Microsoft 365 licenses including Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive
• $3,500 in annual Azure credits for cloud infrastructure
• Access to Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit, including Dynamics 365 for donor and volunteer management
Pro Tip: Have your IT provider verify your license configurations. We have seen many nonprofits paying for licenses they could receive for free under the program.
Why it matters:
Properly managed Microsoft programs can significantly reduce overhead while improving collaboration and cybersecurity, especially when integrated with TruAdvantage’s Managed IT services.
3. Google for Nonprofits
Google’s program is another essential resource for organizations aiming to enhance collaboration, visibility, and outreach.
What you get:
• Free Google Workspace for Nonprofits including Gmail, Drive, Meet, and Calendar
• $10,000 per month in Google Ad Grants
• Access to the YouTube Nonprofit Program
• Google Maps credits for location-based services
Pro Tip: Pair your Ad Grant with a managed campaign strategy. Many nonprofits use only a small portion of their $10,000 allowance because of incomplete setup or lack of ongoing optimization.
Why it matters:
With Google’s ecosystem and TruAdvantage’s cloud solutions, nonprofits can operate with enterprise-level efficiency at minimal cost.
4. TechSoup: The Nonprofit Discount Hub
If you only remember one resource, make it TechSoup.org.
Why it matters:
TechSoup serves as the central verification hub for nonprofit discounts from Adobe, Cisco, Zoom, QuickBooks, and more, often at 60 to 90 percent off retail.
Real-world example:
One of our clients secured Adobe Creative Cloud, DocuSign, and Cisco Meraki licenses through TechSoup for less than one-tenth of retail pricing, saving more than $10,000 per year.
Pro Tip: TechSoup also offers refurbished hardware, ideal for nonprofits refreshing devices on limited budgets.
5. How to Ensure You Are Maximizing Savings
Even with these programs available, many nonprofits miss out on valuable savings. Common mistakes include:
• Applying directly with vendors instead of through TechSoup, resulting in missed discounts
• Misconfigured license plans that trigger full-price renewals
• Unused cloud or ad credits
Why it matters:
Partnering with an MSP that specializes in nonprofit IT, such as TruAdvantage, ensures your organization applies correctly, maintains compliance, and uses every available credit efficiently.
We are an Nonprofit-focused, Award-winning IT Solutions providers in San Francisco, San Jose and Northern California.Need Managed IT Services for your Nonprofit?
Takeaway
Every nonprofit deserves access to world-class technology without overspending. From Microsoft and Google to TechSoup’s wide network of partners, these programs can unlock tens of thousands in annual savings when used strategically.
In Part 2, we will explore additional opportunities, including cybersecurity, CRM, and cloud programs that can help strengthen your nonprofit’s technology foundation and security posture.
Building a Smarter IT Road Map
TruAdvantage specializes in helping nonprofits leverage vendor programs, maximize savings, and modernize securely.
If you’re unsure where to start, download our Exclusive Nonprofit IT Guide or visit our dedicated nonprofit IT services page.
And if you’d like tailored advice, schedule a Free IT and Security Health Check for Bay Area nonprofits. Our team has helped California nonprofits transform IT from a cost center into a mission enabler.
Click here to schedule a call with us
Categories: NonProfit Orgs
