Empowering UK Charities through IT and Cyber Security Solutions

Empowering UK Charities through IT and Cyber Security Solutions 

A quiet revolution is underway, aiming to bridge the digital divide and empower charities throughout the UK with the latest in IT Software, Hardware & Cyber Security Solutions. As the world becomes increasingly digital, the need for charities to stay connected, efficient, and secure has never been more critical. Recognising this imperative, technology giants like Microsoft and Adobe, along with other key players, are stepping up to offer bespoke solutions and generous discounts to the UK's third sector. 

Microsoft's Philanthropic Efforts
When it comes to charitable licencing, Microsoft has long been providing a range of software and cloud solutions to eligible non-profit organisations to help them succeed. Through its “Microsoft for Nonprofits” program, registered charities in the UK can access Microsoft 365 at discounted rates, with eligible charities being able to claim a number of free licences. This initiative not only enhances productivity and collaboration among charity teams, but it also takes steps towards ensuring data security and compliance, which are paramount in the evolving cyber security threat landscape. 

Adobe's Creative Contribution
Through the Adobe for Nonprofits program, charities can tap into the creative power of Adobe Creative Cloud at a fraction of the standard cost. This suite includes industry-standard tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premier, and more, empowering charities to produce professional marketing materials and digital content, giving them the ability to share their message and mission in unique and eye-catching ways. 

More than just Google for Nonprofits
When you think of business solutions, Google may not jump to the forefront. However, Google offers a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for the non-profit sector. Google for Nonprofits provides free access to Google Workspace (including Gmail, Docs, Calendar, and Drive), along with ad grants and the YouTube Nonprofit Program, enabling charities to enhance their operations, communication, and online presence. 

Beyond the Big Three
Several software providers extend their support to UK charities beyond the well-known giants of Microsoft, Google, and Adobe, offering charitable licences or discounts to help UK charities leverage technology for social good.

Salesforce for Nonprofits: Salesforce offers their “Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP)” as part of its Salesforce for Nonprofits program. This CRM platform is tailored to help charities manage donors, campaigns, and volunteers more effectively. Qualified Charities can receive 10 free subscriptions to Salesforce Lightning Enterprise Edition, with deep discounts on additional subscriptions and products.

Atlassian for Nonprofits: Atlassian provides discounted access to its suite of productivity and collaboration tools for eligible charities around the world, including Trello, Confluence, Jira and more. Providing tools which enable charities with project management, collaboration, and much more, to work effectively and efficiently.

Canva for Nonprofits: Canva offers "Canva for Teams,” including all its Premium Features 100% free for eligible Charities. This tool enables charities to easily design high-quality graphics and marketing materials, from social media graphics to posters and presentations, thus enhancing their visual communication and outreach efforts.

Zoom for Nonprofits: Zoom offers 50% discounted pricing on their Pro and Business tiers for eligible charities and other nonprofits. This enables nonprofits to better connect with their teams, beneficiaries, and stakeholders, and much more, and can be accessed through the Charity Digital Exchange in the UK or TechSoup in the US.

The Hardware Helpers: Tech Trust and Donated Technology
On the hardware front, charities have a staunch ally in Tech Trust, a UK-based organisation that negotiates with leading technology providers to offer discounted software and hardware. Additionally, the Donated Technology scheme, operated by various entities, facilitates access to refurbished IT equipment for non-profits, helping them make the most of limited budgets while contributing to environmental sustainability. 

Where to Find More Information
Charities seeking to navigate these opportunities can find a wealth of information and support through a range of online portals dedicated to charities: 

• The Charity Digital Exchange: This platform offers a curated selection of discounted and donated technology products and services specifically for UK charities. 
• The NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations): Provides guidance, resources, and training for charities looking to enhance their digital capabilities. 
• TechSoup: A global network that offers tools, resources, and connections for non-profit organizations to leverage technology effectively. 

How can TwentyFour IT help your Charity with its IT & Cyber Security requirements? 

At TwentyFour we work with Charities across the UK, including Doncaster’s Charity of the Year 2023 (and our Charity Partner) Active Fusion, providing; IT Support, Software and Cyber Security Solutions. This allows charities to focus on what matters most, without having to worry about their IT or Cyber Security. In addition to the above providers, many of our vendor partners also offer discounts to nonprofits and charities that we can work with them to provide to eligible clients. 

If you would like to find out more about how we can secure your charity from the latest Cyber Threats, fill out the form below and we will reach out to you ensure that your business is protected.