Microsoft Copilot vs ChatGPT: Which AI is better for nonprofits?

Whether you’re choosing AI for your personal work or for your nonprofit organisation, this article is for you. We have compared ChatGPT, the world’s most widely used chatbot, with Copilot, a rapidly evolving solution designed for workplace integration. This comparison is made with nonprofits in mind, to help you determine which tool may best support your organisation’s needs. 

The questions we answer about Copilot vs. ChatGPT: 

• What are the key feature differences? 
• Which is more secure? 
• Does Copilot or ChatGPT save more time? 
• Which is a better value for money? 

Want to make an easy decision? 

Here are 5 questions for nonprofits to decide which AI to use

Chosing the right AI for nonprofits

Choosing the right AI tool is overwhelming. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to get lost in the hype. Two of the most popular choices are Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT, but which one is the best fit for nonprofits? 

Here’s the reality: even if your organisation invests in an enterprise AI licence, staff may still use the free versions of tools like ChatGPT. That’s a problem. Free versions often lack security controls, and if sensitive customer details are pasted into them, there’s a real risk that data could become public. 

The numbers show just how widespread ChatGPT is: 

• 800 million users globally as of October 2025 
• That's around 10% of the global adult population 
• Yet only 5% pay for a subscription (roughly 40 million users) 

This popularity comes with major AI security risks, especially for organisations handling personal data. That’s why we’re comparing two enterprise-level solutions, Copilot and ChatGPT Business, so you can make an informed, security-conscious choice that protects your nonprofit. 

Why AI choice matters for nonprofits

ChatGPT launched in late 2022 and quickly popularised generative AI. It’s great for general reasoning and content creation. Microsoft responded with Copilot, embedding AI into Bing and Microsoft 365 apps. Copilot stands out for its context-aware assistance, pulling insights from your documents, spreadsheets, chats, and emails to deliver tailored responses. 

In short: 

• ChatGPT = strong at general reasoning and creative tasks 
• Copilot = deep Microsoft 365 integration + enterprise-grade security 

And Copilot is evolving fast. In August 2025, Microsoft rolled out GPT-5 in Copilot and, by September, added Claude (Anthropic’s model). This means Copilot can now select the best model for your prompt, combining speed, fluency, and advanced problem-solving. 

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Copilot vs ChatGPT: Key features comparison

Which AI wins? 

It really depends on your workflow. 

• Choose Copilot if you already use Microsoft 365 and want AI embedded in Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams for seamless productivity. 
• Choose ChatGPT Business if you need a flexible, conversational tool for brainstorming, creative writing, and quick ideation outside Microsoft apps. 

Both tools deliver strong writing, research, and editing capabilities. 

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Which is more secure, Copilot or ChatGPT Business? 

To get the most value from an AI tool, you’ll often share context (explaining a situation, pasting text, attaching files, or linking spreadsheets). That raises critical questions: Where does that data go? How is it stored? Who can access it? 

Both ChatGPT Business and Microsoft Copilot Enterprise use advanced AI, but their data governance models differ significantly. And if staff use the free ChatGPT version, the risks increase dramatically. 

ChatGPT Free vs Business 

Free ChatGPT 

• Collects account details, user content, and technical data. 
• Uses your inputs to train and improve its models by default. 
• No enterprise-grade security or compliance controls. 
• If staff use personal accounts or unmanaged devices, sensitive donor or client data could be exposed. 

ChatGPT Business 

• Promises that user data is not used to train models. 
• Offers SOC 2 compliance and admin controls. 
• Data is hosted by OpenAI, outside your Microsoft 365 environment. 
• MFA and device compliance are optional, so unmanaged devices can still pose risk. 

Microsoft Copilot Enterprise 

• Runs inside your Microsoft 365 tenant. Data stays within your secure cloud. 
• Never uses your data to train models. 
• Built on Azure OpenAI and respects existing Microsoft 365 permissions. 
• Applies enterprise-grade compliance standards (GDPR, EU Data Boundary) and integrates with Microsoft Purview for audit and governance. 
• MFA and device compliance are enforced across your organisation.

Key Security Comparison: ChatGPT Business vs Microsoft Copilot Enterprise 

Which AI wins? 

For nonprofits already on the Microsoft stack, and handling sensitive donor, financial, health, or client data, Copilot Enterprise is the clear winner. Its deep integration with Microsoft 365 ensures stronger security, compliance, and governance than ChatGPT Business – and far more than the free ChatGPT version, which should never be used for organisational data. 

Read the full Copilot privacy policy here. 

Did you know? 

OpenAI’s research studies have historically used real user prompts and data from those who hadn’t opted out of data sharing. This is why using the free ChatGPT version for organisational work can expose sensitive information. It’s good to check ChatGPT’s full privacy policy

It's important to note that Copilot can do this on its free version too. Copilot says, "In certain markets, we use conversation data to train the generative AI models in Copilot, unless you choose to opt-out of such training" 

Does Copilot or ChatGPT save more time? 

Both tools deliver measurable productivity gains, but the impact depends on task type and workflow integration. 

Microsoft Copilot Enterprise 

Embedded in Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint), Copilot reduces manual steps and automates routine tasks. 

Studies by the Australian and UK governments show that Copilot users save 26–60 minutes per day, or 10–20 hours per month, by streamlining:  

• Summarising meetings and threads 
• Drafting documents and emails 
• Searching organisational content 

Over a year, that’s up to 13 working days saved per employee, especially for roles heavily reliant on Microsoft 365. 

ChatGPT Business 

Accelerates drafting, brainstorming, and ideation for general content creation. According to studies, writing tasks can be completed up to 40% quicker with ChatGPT! 

Overall productivity boosts range from 14% to 59%, depending on task type and workflow adaptation. 

Biggest time savings occur in:  

• Generating first drafts 
• Brainstorming campaign ideas 
• Refining creative content 

Users often spend extra time editing for tone and accuracy, but overall document quality improves significantly for both novice and experienced users. 

Which AI wins? 

• Copilot Enterprise is best for organisations deeply embedded in Microsoft 365, where administrative and document-heavy tasks dominate. 
• ChatGPT Business shines for creative content generation and flexible ideation outside structured business environments. 
• Both tools require training and workflow adjustment to unlock full benefits, and results vary by organisational setting.

Which tool is easier to use, Copilot or ChatGPT? 

Ease of use matters when introducing AI into your organisation. Both tools are designed to simplify work, but they approach usability differently. 

ChatGPT Business 

• Fast setup: Users can start within seconds.  
• Natural conversation: Simple, intuitive chat interface for quick answers and creative tasks. 
• Low learning curve: Ideal for first-time AI users or teams without technical expertise. 
• Broad accessibility: Works across devices and platforms without dependency on a specific ecosystem. 

Microsoft Copilot Enterprise 

• Integrated experience: Embedded in Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Outlook, Excel, and Teams. 
• Workflow-based: Designed for task-orientated productivity within existing business processes. 
• Setup requirements: Requires Microsoft 365 licensing and organisational onboarding. 
• Learning curve: Minimal for Microsoft users, higher for those unfamiliar with the ecosystem or advanced features. 

AI Tool Comparison: Ease of Use & Setup 

Which AI wins? 

ChatGPT Business is easier for first-time AI users, quick answers, and organisations outside the Microsoft ecosystem. 

Copilot Enterprise feels seamless for teams already working in Microsoft 365, especially for structured workflows. 

Both tools deliver excellent usability once users are trained and familiar with their features. 

Is Copilot or ChatGPT better value for money?

For nonprofits, cost matters, but so does value. Both tools offer discounts for eligible organisations, yet their pricing and benefits differ based on integration and use case. 

Microsoft Copilot Enterprise 

Available as an add-on to Microsoft 365 nonprofit plans, with a 15% discount for eligible organisations. 

Current pricing: 

 $39–$45 USD per user/month (after discount), billed annually. 

• Additional savings may come from Microsoft grants and TechSoup credits, making large-scale deployments more affordable. 

Value proposition:  

• Deep integration with Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams). 
• Enterprise-grade security, compliance, and governance. This is critical for regulated nonprofits or those handling sensitive donor and client data. 
• Best suited for mid-to-large nonprofits already invested in Microsoft 365. 

ChatGPT Business 

• Team and Business plans start at $20–$24 USD per user/month (after typical nonprofit discounts). 
• Enterprise plans can be discounted by 25–50%, depending on organisation size. 

Value proposition:  

• Affordable entry point for smaller nonprofits. 
• Ideal for grant writing, donor outreach, and creative content generation without heavy IT integration. 
• Unlocks GPT-4, advanced collaboration, and admin controls at Business tier. 

Cost/Value comparison: Copilot Enterprise vs. ChatGPT Business* 

 *Disclaimer: Pricing is accurate as of September 2025 and is subject to change. 

Which AI wins? 

ChatGPT Business delivers greater affordability and flexibility for small nonprofits or those focused on creative tasks and donor communications. 

Copilot Enterprise commands a higher price but offers unmatched workflow automation, compliance, and security for organisations deeply embedded in Microsoft 365. 

Both tools provide nonprofit-specific discounts.  

• Small nonprofits → ChatGPT Business wins 
• Microsoft-based medium to large nonprofits → Copilot Enterprise wins 

Overall, which is the best AI for nonprofits? 

We're glad you asked. We've done a summary of all the different categories we compared. 

Microsoft Copilot vs ChatGPT Business: Summary for Nonprofits 

Final Verdict 

• Small nonprofits or those focused on creative content → ChatGPT Business wins 
• Medium to large nonprofits deeply embedded in Microsoft 365 → Copilot Enterprise wins 
• Both tools require training and workflow adjustment to unlock the full benefit 

How to Decide: 5 Quick Questions for Nonprofits 

1. Do you already use Microsoft 365 for most of your work? 

• Yes → Copilot Enterprise 
• No → ChatGPT Business 

2. Is security and compliance a top priority (e.g., handling donor, health, or financial data)? 

• Yes → Copilot Enterprise 
• No → ChatGPT Business may suffice 

3. What type of tasks dominate your workflow? 

• Admin-heavy (emails, reports, meeting summaries) → Copilot Enterprise 
• Creative-heavy (grant writing, campaigns, donor comms) → ChatGPT Business 

4. What’s your budget per user per month? 

• $20–$24 → ChatGPT Business 
• $39–$45 → Copilot Enterprise 

5. Do you need fast setup with minimal IT involvement? 

• Yes → ChatGPT Business 
• No (you have IT support and Microsoft licences) → Copilot Enterprise 

Talk to us about setting up AI at your nonprofit

Our Recommendation for Nonprofits 

For smaller nonprofits or those starting out with AI, ChatGPT Business offers excellent value as a low-cost, flexible entry point. However, cost should never outweigh security. Especially when handling donor data, financial records, or client information. Cybersecurity breaches can have devastating consequences for trust and compliance. 

If safeguarding sensitive data is a priority (and it should be), security and compliance must drive your decision. On this front, Microsoft Copilot Enterprise stands out. Yes, it comes at a higher price, but it delivers enterprise-grade protection, keeping your data inside your Microsoft 365 environment, respecting existing permissions, and meeting strict compliance standards like GDPR and EU Data Boundary. 

Bottom line: 

If your nonprofit values data security, governance, and workflow integration, Microsoft Copilot is the safer, smarter choice - even for smaller organisations. The peace of mind and compliance assurance far outweigh the cost difference. 

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References 

• Microsoft Copilot Revenue and Usage Statistics (2025) - Business of Apps 
• ChatGPT Statistics 2025: How Many People Use ChatGPT? 
• Available today: GPT-5 in Microsoft 365 Copilot | Microsoft 365 Blog 
• Microsoft 365 Copilot Experiment: Cross-Government Findings Report (HTML) - GOV.UK 
• Full report – productivity | digital.gov.au 
• Experimental evidence on the productivity effects of generative artificial intelligence | Science 
• ChatGPT Lifts Business Professionals’ Productivity and Improves Work Quality - NN/G 
• Microsoft 365 Copilot Reviews 2025. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra 
• Factors influencing the acceptance and use of ChatGPT among English as a foreign language learners in Saudi Arabia | Humanities and Social Sciences Communications 
• Exploring factors influencing the acceptance of ChatGPT in higher education: A smart education perspective - PMC 
• OpenAI for Nonprofits | OpenAI Help Center 
• Compare Microsoft 365 Nonprofit Plans | Microsoft 365 
• ChatGPT Usage Has Peaked and Is Now Declining, New Data Finds