Microsoft’s announcement last year of the retirement of Fundraising and Engagement has prompted a wave of questions. To help clarify the situation, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the retirement, its implications, and the transition to alternative solutions.
Frequently asked questions about the retirement of Microsoft Fundraising and Engagement
Will Microsoft Fundraising and Engagement be retired?
Yes, Microsoft Fundraising and Engagement is retiring. In July 2024, Microsoft announced it will be retired at the end of 2026. Effective from July 2024, Microsoft is no longer proactively selling Fundraising and Engagement, and will be removing it from their price list after 31 December, 2024. Microsoft will cease all technical support at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (US) on 31 December, 2026. Necessary security updates will continue after this date, but they won’t make any other enhancements.
What does the retirement of Microsoft Fundraising & Engagement mean for my organisation?
Microsoft will no longer provide updates, support, or new features for Microsoft Fundraising & Engagement. Users of Microsoft Fundraising & Engagement are encouraged to transition to newer alternatives that are still being actively developed and supported. Microsoft’s Fundraising & Engagement (F&E) solution is being retired, with official support ending on 31 December 2026. After this date, F&E will no longer receive updates or support. Nonprofits currently using F&E are encouraged to migrate to newer solutions, like Klevr Fundraising.
How long will Microsoft continue selling Fundraising and Engagement?
As of 15 July, 2024, Microsoft will no longer proactively sell Fundraising and Engagement.
How long will Microsoft provide support for Fundraising and Engagement?
Microsoft will provide technical support until 11:59 PM PT (US) on 31 December, 2026.
What is Microsoft fundraising and engagement?
Microsoft Fundraising and Engagement is solution currently part of the Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit offering.
What is Microsoft for Nonprofits?
Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit is a set of cloud-based tools and solutions designed to help nonprofit organisations operate more efficiently. It provides nonprofits with access to powerful technologies, including Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Azure, to improve their operations, manage donor relationships, streamline fundraising, and enhance program delivery. The goal is to empower nonprofits to drive greater impact by leveraging these tools to manage data, automate processes, and collaborate effectively.
What is the difference between Microsoft for nonprofits and Microsoft Fundraising & Engagement?
Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit is a set of cloud-based tools and solutions designed to help nonprofit organisations operate more efficiently. Microsoft Fundraising and Engagement is one of the solutions that is part of this offering.
Who can help my organisation transition from Microsoft Fundraising and Engagement?
A certified Microsoft Solutions Partners in your region can help you transition from Fundraising & Engagement to a suitable solution. Walkerscott is a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner, Dynamics 365 Specialist and featured partner in the not-for-profit sector in Australia and New Zealand. Contact us for help transitioning from Fundraising and Engagement.
Will Microsoft offer any help in the transition from Fundraising and Engagement?
Yes, Microsoft is offering a one-time, funded migration assessment for customers currently using Fundraising & Engagement (F&E). This assessment is designed to help nonprofits smoothly transition to a new solution, such as Klevr Fundraising. The migration assessment is available now and is conducted by qualified Microsoft Partners, such as Walkerscott. The assessment includes a review of your organisation’s requirements, an overview of the benefits and costs of the new solution, and a high-level data migration plan. Nonprofits can apply for this migration assessment to receive valuable support during the transition.
What are alternatives for customers that want to transition from Fundraising & Engagement?
For customers transitioning from Fundraising & Engagement (F&E), Microsoft recommends moving to solutions within the Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit ecosystem. A great alternative for Australian and New Zealand based not-for-profits is Klevr Fundraising, which is specifically designed for nonprofit organisations to manage fundraising, donor relationships, and other nonprofit operations. This solution offers advanced capabilities for donor management, fundraising campaigns, and event coordination, and is fully compatible with Dynamics 365 and the Microsoft ecosystem.
What if I want to deploy Volunteer Management or Volunteer Engagement, or Constituent Marketing Journeys?
Walkerscott can help you deploy Volunteer Management and Volunteer Engagement solutions.
Constituent Marketing Journeys has been retired. Consider Dynamics 365 Customer Insights solution which achieves the same purpose and continues to be available to nonprofits today.
What happens to the “Likelihood to donate” feature that is part of Fundraising and Engagement?
This feature is part of Fundraising and Engagement. It remains available in the solution through to 31 December, 2026, and will then be retired along with other features in Fundraising and Engagement.
Can I continue to use Microsoft Fundraising and Engagement after it’s retired?
You may continue to use Microsoft Fundraising and Engagement and get support from a Microsoft Solutions Partner after Microsoft’s support ends on 31 December, 2026. Or you may choose to move to an alternative solution after December 2026. If you choose to continue using Fundraising and Engagement, you will need to work with your Microsoft partner for ongoing enhancements.