How to set up remote and hybrid work for nonprofits
Remote and hybrid work are no longer optional, they’re essential for nonprofits looking to stay flexible, productive, and cost-effective. At Xtreme Productivity, we’ve supported nonprofits across New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, helping them build systems that allow teams to collaborate seamlessly, no matter where they are.
Our favourite part? Team members get to skip the commute and work comfortably from home (or even a café) without losing productivity.
Why remote work benefits nonprofits
During the pandemic, nonprofits adapted quickly to remote work. Now, some people are returning to offices, believing productivity drops outside a physical workspace. We’ve seen the opposite. With the right tools and workflows, remote work can be just as effective, and sometimes even better. It allows nonprofits to access talent worldwide, reduce overheads, and give staff flexibility.
Four steps to set up remote work for nonprofits:
Step 1: Get a Microsoft 365 subscription
Microsoft 365 is the foundation of remote and hybrid work. With it, your team can create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and emails all in one place. Nonprofits can access discounts or grants.
Step 2: Set up SharePoint for collaboration
SharePoint and OneDrive make real-time collaboration effortless. Teams can work together on documents, leave comments, and keep all files organised in one place. SharePoint can also be customised to fit the unique needs of your nonprofit.
Step 3: Make the most of Teams
Teams brings remote and hybrid work to life. From meetings and messaging to planning and file storage, it keeps your team connected.
Pro tip: Create a “Virtual Office” by scheduling a recurring daily check-in. When everyone clicks “join” at the start of the day, it feels like you’re all in the same workspace. This boosts focus and allows quick question-answering.
Step 4: Use Dynamics 365 CRM for productivity tracking
Dynamics 365 CRM helps track tasks, cases, and time entries. You can see exactly what your team is working on daily or monthly. It also integrates with Outlook, so emails can instantly become tracked tasks. This ensures transparency and accountability across your nonprofit.
Costs for nonprofits
Thanks to Microsoft grants and discounts, nonprofits can access Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 at a lower cost. At the time of writing (November 2024), the prices are:
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Small nonprofits: Up to 300 users on the Basic plan free, upgrade plans from NZ $4.90 per user
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Large nonprofits: E3 and E5 plans from NZ $15.40 per user
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Dynamics 365 CRM: Discounts available, starting at NZ $45 per user/month
Is remote work worth it?
Absolutely. Remote work is productive, flexible, and affordable, especially when nonprofits leverage Microsoft’s tools. We help organisations choose the right tools, whether it’s a few essentials or the full suite, so teams can work effectively from anywhere.
We’ve already supported dozens of nonprofits in streamlining work with cloud technology, helping teams save time, stay connected, and focus on their mission.