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Beginning 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide support, security and feature updates for Windows 10. Here's what you should know.Posted on 02/10/2025 by -
Beginning 1 July 2025, Microsoft will no longer offer donated licences for its Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 plans. If you have either of those licence types, you will soon need to move to a different Microsoft Cloud plan or find an alternative productivity solution. Here's what you should know.Posted on 02/06/2025 by -
Not-for-profits are facing an increasingly complex and competitive landscape, making it essential to leverage technology tools to maximise efficiency and impact. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are one of the most advanced options for organisations looking to stay ahead of the curve. AI for not-for-profits can improve operations, streamline processes, and create new growth opportunities. However, along with all its benefits, AI technologies have some limitations that not all organisations and charities are fully aware of. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using AI tools for not-for-profits, and how to implement these new technologies ethically and efficiently.Posted on 07/05/2024 by
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5 Productivity Tools for Not-for-Profits In the fast-paced world of not-for-profits, efficiency and productivity are paramount to achieving your organisation's mission. Fortunately, there is a range of powerful work and project management software and productivity tools available that can help streamline your operations, improve communication and boost overall productivity. Here are five must-have work and project management tools for not-for-profits:Posted on 03/10/2023 by -
Starting on 28 March 2023, all Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 cloud licenses obtained through TechSoup New Zealand will include Cloud Support Services delivered by TechSoup New Zealand.Posted on 09/03/2023 by -
Ordering Adobe Charity Licences on the TechSoup New Zealand website just got a lot easier. Our team has been working to develop a completely revamped system that makes buying new licences, adding additional seats and renewing Adobe licenses more streamlined and efficient. Now, purchasing Adobe Charity Licences is the same as buying any other product on the TechSoup New Zealand website. The Adobe ordering process is more complex in the back end than other products. Adobe’s licencing and allocation requirements have necessitated things like obtaining quotes, manually recording anniversary dates and other tedious processes that make it more laborious for our members to access these essential tools. Now, through the combined efforts of our tech team, our Customer Experience champions and your indefatigable NFP Account Manager, the complicated stuff is taken care of, and the Adobe Charity Licencing ordering process is quick and straightforward.Posted on 09/03/2023 by
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Not-for-profit and charity organisations rely heavily on fundraising to support their missions and serve their beneficiaries. In today's world, with increasing competition for donor dollars, it is more important than ever to develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy that ensures sustainable funding for your organisation's work. Here are some key elements to consider when developing a not-for-profit and charity fundraising strategy: Define your organisation's mission and impact To have a successful fundraising campaign for your not-for-profit, you need to have a clear understanding of your organisation's mission and the impact you are making in the community. This will help you articulate your message and make a compelling case for support.Posted on 06/03/2023 by -
Worried about how to make your next board meeting a successful one? Three founders share their tips and tricks to make that next gathering run smoothly. Running successful board meetings is one of a founder or CEO’s most important duties. Yet if the thought of your next board meeting gives you heart palpitations, know this: They are far less intimidating when you come prepared. As a business leader, you know your company inside and out. For board meetings, your job is to file down your expertise into a strategic update that gives board members an accurate view behind the curtain and expectations for what lies ahead. We spoke to three founders who understand what makes board meetings run smoothly. Here, they break down how to prep instead of panicking.Posted on 24/11/2022 by -
We are excited to share Microsoft's announcement that Libraries are now eligible for NFP Microsoft Cloud licensing. Libraries have always been eligible for donations for their public-access computer needs through the Microsoft nonprofit program at TechSoup New Zealand. For staff needs, however, libraries needed to get Microsoft academic offers for cloud solutions. There was also a brief period in January 2022 when all offers moved to educational requests. We know this has become a bit confusing. We heard your feedback — that the academic licensing was not always the best fit for library needs — so we advocated on your behalf in partnership with Microsoft. As of 17 October 2022, libraries and museums can get all their needs through Microsoft's nonprofit program at TechSoup New Zealand. With this change, Microsoft can better serve the entire library and museum sector.Posted on 07/11/2022 by
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Our Microsoft catalogue has changed a lot over the past six months, and one of the new things you might see are products labelled "Computer Labs Only". These donated products can only be used on computers that are available to an organisation's beneficiaries or the general public and not on computers assigned to staff members or volunteers:Posted on 03/11/2022 by -
Increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in not-for-profit organisations is a top priority for boards. Here’s how to increase not-for-profit board diversity. Increasing diversity and inclusion in not-for-profit organisations is a top priority for boards everywhere, as they seek to make their leaders more representative of the communities they serve.Posted on 01/11/2022 by -
Not-for-Profit governance models help guide the policies, systems, and processes used by boards to make effective and informed decisions. Over the last few years, many not-for-profit organisations struggled through unexpected setbacks, pandemic-related disruptions, and other economic uncertainties that presented new and complex challenges. To tackle those challenges head-on, more not-for-profit organisations across the globe are seeking solutions to better corporate governance. To help foster good governance, OnBoard, by Passageways, for example, provides an all-inclusive not-for-profit board management software with powerful features and capabilities to enhance not-for-profit corporate governance.Posted on 26/09/2022 by
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As cloud technology grows in popularity across sectors, businesses of all shapes and sizes are discovering the benefits of flexible and affordable cloud technology. Working in the cloud helps organisations save money and improve efficiency. It expedites an organisation's pace of innovation because teams can spend their valuable resources on their unique missions, not on the technology supporting their work behind the scenes. Not-for-profits are increasingly turning to cloud technology to advance their diverse missions.Posted on 06/07/2022 by -
During the week of 21 to 25 May, an anonymous organisation participated in a simulated phishing campaign to test staff behaviour and determine the level of vulnerability to an actual phishing attack.Posted on 20/06/2022 by -
Small not-for-profits are often the lifeblood of their communities, providing essential services on very limited budgets with only a few paid team members. Investing in technology can be difficult when time and money are short, but it's important to equip your team with robust tools in order to work towards your mission securely and efficiently.Posted on 09/06/2022 by
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Not-for-profit organisations rely on data for almost every decision they make, from engaging stakeholders to designing strategies and conducting program evaluations. Data is a valuable asset, and protecting it from internal or external corruption and illegal access can shield nonprofits from financial and operational loss.Posted on 25/05/2022 by -
In April 2022, Microsoft took a major step in the direction of its cloud-first model for not-for-profits, an effort to align Microsoft philanthropy efforts with the security and operational capabilities of cloud computing. Most donated, on-premises licenses were moved into discounted offers. It's the latest reason not-for-profits are much better off moving to the cloud and leveraging its significant advantages.Posted on 28/04/2022 by -
If you are new to grantmaking, preparing for a grant presentation can be a confusing and overwhelming task. Whether in person, over the phone, or on a video call, a presentation is an opportunity to convince a funder that you should be invited to apply for a grant. It doesn't take the place of a proposal, but rather gives the funder a taste of the work you are doing in order to decide whether they should invite your proposal. Read on for a guide on landing a grant presentation, what to include, and how to make the most of the opportunity.Posted on 23/03/2022 by
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Microsoft on-premises products being removed from the donation programPosted on 17/02/2022 by -
In 2021, the pandemic continued to upheave not-for-profits worldwide. Executive directors had to rapidly accelerate their digital infrastructure and communications to survive. Email marketing leads the way as a tool to engage key stakeholders, funders, and communities. It was an arduous learning period for not-for-profit marketers across the globe. For the not-for-profits that adapted, they saw an increase in membership and fundraising directly due to the power of email marketing. 2022 will be the year of not-for-profit digital transformation led by the integration of new email marketing strategies, tools, and technology into the marketing mix. In this post, we outline six 2022 email marketing trends that will transform not-for-profits forever.Posted on 18/01/2022 by -
Every charity/not-for-profit procures goods and services, from the smallest new charity to those with multi-million dollar turnovers. No matter how large or small a charity is, the basic procurement processes are the same. The process entails identifying the requirements and suppliers, negotiating and awarding contracts, managing contracts and suppliers and monitoring the savings produced and benefits delivered. Compared to a small start-up charity, larger charities understandably have more complex procurement processes, which will take longer to complete. When sourcing, for example, there will be a larger budget, more stakeholders and decision-makers involved. In order to ensure consistency, transparency, and control over the whole procurement process, most charities will have their own procurement processes with guidelines for employees to follow to ensure they get the best value from their suppliers.Posted on 13/01/2022 by