---
title: "Important News for Non-Profits: Microsoft 365 Grant Changes You Need to Know"
description: "Microsoft is discontinuing M365 Business Premium & Office 365 E1 grants for Non-Profits from July 2025. Learn how to transition, avoid disruption & secure new offers."
url: "https://www.cizict.com/blog/important-news-for-non-profits-microsoft-365-grant-changes-you-need-to-know"
published: "2025-05-16T14:39:00Z"
updated: "2026-01-25T21:09:58Z"
authors: ["Ciz ICT"]
categories: ["News"]
---

# Important News for Non-Profits: Microsoft 365 Grant Changes You Need to Know

Microsoft has announced updates to its grant programs for non-profit organisations. The Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 grants will be discontinued.

## Heads Up: Key Changes to Microsoft 365 Grants for Non-Profits

Microsoft recently announced updates regarding its grant programs for n[on-profit organisations](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/nonprofits/eligibility). Specifically, the **Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 grants are being discontinued.** This is a significant change that will require action from many non-profit organisations. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate this transition.

## What’s Changing and When?

The Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 grants will be discontinued **upon the next renewal on or after the 1st July 2025.** Current granted licenses for these services will expire on your next renewal date following this period.

It's important to note that this change applies to **Ciz ICT customers and those who have purchased directly online with Microsoft.** This **does not impact customers on Enterprise agreements.**

## What Support Will Microsoft Continue to Offer Non-Profits?

While these specific grants will end, Microsoft remains committed to supporting the non-profit sector. They will continue to provide:

- Up to **300 granted licenses of Microsoft 365 Business Basic.**
- **Discounts of up to 75%** on many Microsoft 365 offers, including Microsoft 365 Business Premium, should you wish to continue with this service or explore other options.

## Why You Need to Act: Avoiding Disruption and Data Loss

In response to these changes, it is crucial to **transition users to a different Microsoft 365 offer for non-profits before your current subscription is cancelled.** Failing to take action before your grant expires could lead to significant issues, including:

- **Loss of access** to essential services such as email (Outlook), OneDrive, and SharePoint.
- **Potential data deletion** after the grace period for your expired subscription ends.
- **Interruptions to daily operations** that rely heavily on Microsoft 365 tools.

Taking proactive steps will ensure business continuity and preserve valuable data.

## Planning Your Transition: Recommended Steps

We will provide recommendations to our customers. However, if you manage your own subscriptions, you will need to complete the following steps within the [Microsoft 365 admin centre](https://nam.safelink.emails.azure.net/redirect/?destination=https%253A%252F%252Fadmin.microsoft.com%252Fadminportal%252Fhome%253F%2523%252Fhomepage%26p=bT0zZGU0MGM0My03ZDljLTQyZDQtOGQyMi1iMzgwZTBjYzkxYjcmdT1hZW8mbD1taWNyb3NvZnQrMzY1K2FkbWluK2NlbnRlcg%253D%253D):

1. **Select Your New Offer:** Through the Microsoft 365 admin centre, you can select the [Microsoft 365 Business Basic grant or another appropriate Microsoft 365 offer for non-profits](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-ie/microsoft-365/commerce/try-or-buy-microsoft-365?view=o365-worldwide#buy-a-different-subscription). Before making a decision, take note of what's included in each subscription offering!
2. **Confirm New Licenses:** Ensure the new licenses are present and active in your [tenant](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-ie/microsoft-365/commerce/subscriptions/upgrade-to-different-plan?view=o365-worldwide#step-2-check-your-new-subscription-and-licenses).
3. **Replace Existing Licenses:** Select all your users who currently have a Microsoft 365 Business Premium or Office 365 E1 license and choose to [replace](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-ie/microsoft-365/commerce/subscriptions/move-users-different-subscription?view=o365-worldwide) these users’ licenses with Business Basic or your other chosen Microsoft 365 offer.
4. **Cancel Old Subscription:** Once all users have been successfully transitioned to the new licenses, select your Microsoft 365 Business Premium or Office 365 E1 grant subscription and choose to [cancel](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-ie/microsoft-365/commerce/subscriptions/cancel-your-subscription?view=o365-worldwide#steps-to-cancel-your-subscription) it.

Microsoft's support article provides more guidance on manually changing [Microsoft 365 for business plans](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/commerce/subscriptions/upgrade-to-different-plan?view=o365-worldwide#change-plans-manually).

## Don't Delay

With these changes to the renewal starting on 1st July 2025, we urge all affected non-profit organisations to begin planning their transition strategy as soon as possible. Proactive planning will ensure your operations continue without a hitch.