June Insights – Microsoft Kills Nonprofit Licensing Grants, The True Cost of AI, and Leadership for the Long Run
Happy June, friends.
Yes, this edition is arriving in your inbox a little earlier than usual! With Microsoft announcing the end of nonprofit licensing grants, we wanted to make sure you had this information in time, especially if it may impact your organization.
A few other stories caught my attention this month: from the growing environmental cost of AI, to how leadership is evolving in the face of rapid change, to a major new chapter for FortWhyte Alive.
As always, I hope these insights spark ideas, support your work, and help you stay ahead of what’s coming next.
Let’s dive in!
Michael
Cybersecurity / Technology Articles
Big changes are ahead for nonprofit organizations using Microsoft cloud tools. As of July 1, 2025, Microsoft is discontinuing the Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 grants for eligible nonprofits. This move will impact budgeting and licensing strategies for many organizations, as they shift from free grants to discounted offers under Microsoft’s new program guidelines.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 grant discontinuation
To help nonprofits navigate this transition, we’re hosting a free webinar on June 10 at 1:00pm CST that breaks down what’s changing, who’s affected, and how to prepare a smooth path forward. Whether you’re handling this in-house or leaning on your IT provider, you’ll walk away with clarity and a plan to move forward.
👉 Join our upcoming webinar to get ahead of the curve.
New findings show that AI models, especially tools like ChatGPT, use far more energy than expected. Training and running generative AI tools now rivals the carbon footprint of entire data centers! This raises serious questions about sustainability in tech, especially as AI adoption continues to skyrocket. Check out this eye-opening article about just how much energy AI requires
Report: Creating a 5-second AI video is like running a microwave for an hour
Leadership & Personal Growth
AI is reshaping not just how we work, but how we lead. It’s no longer about having all the answers. It’s about building trust, creating clarity, and empowering teams through uncertainty. The leaders who thrive are the ones who listen well, communicate openly, and aren’t afraid to lead with empathy. This article is a sharp look at what that future demands.
Yes, I know this article isn’t brand new, but I just came across it, and as a marathon runner and athletic enthusiast, it really resonated. There’s a lot of truth in the idea that leadership is a long game: pacing yourself, staying focused through discomfort, and showing up consistently, even when it’s hard. If you’ve ever laced up for a long run (or led a team through a tough season), this piece will hit home.
What Running Can Teach You About Leadership
Partner Spotlight – FortWhyte Alive
We’re proud to spotlight our long-time client FortWhyte Alive, a leader in environmental education and sustainability. In April, they officially opened Buffalo Crossing, a stunning new 18,000-square-foot visitor centre and southern gateway to its nature campus. Built to the highest environmental standards, it’s designed to deepen community connections with nature through education, events, and immersive experiences. The space includes classrooms, gathering areas, and a new pedestrian bridge linking to FortWhyte’s trails. Congratulations to Ian Barnett, Vice President of FortWhyte and the entire team on this incredible milestone!
Upcoming Events
June 9 – The Associates CEO Perspective with Wade Miller
June 10 – WEBINAR: What Nonprofits Need to Know About Upcoming Microsoft Licensing Changes