step-by-step application guide so your organization can get Gmail (Google Workspace for Nonprofits) and Outlook (Microsoft 365 for Nonprofits) free forever through the official nonprofit programs

1. Get Your Organization Ready

Before you apply, make sure you have:
✅ A registered nonprofit organization (in Kenya, this means you’re registered with NGO Coordination Board, CBO registry, or as a charitable trust/company limited by guarantee).
✅ A working website with your own domain (e.g., nestict.africa).
✅ An official organizational email (not Gmail/Yahoo) — this helps in verification.
✅ Scanned registration certificate and proof of operations.

2. Apply for TechSoup Kenya Verification

Both Google and Microsoft require verification through TechSoup or their local partner.

Steps:

1. Go to https://www.techsoup.global/
2. Click Get Started → Select Kenya as your country.
3. You’ll be redirected to the local partner page (often via TechSoup South Africa).
4. Create an account and upload your NGO registration documents.
5. Once approved, you’ll receive a Verification Token — keep this safe.

⏳ Approval Time: 3–10 working days.

3. Apply for Google Workspace for Nonprofits (Gmail)

1. Visit https://www.google.com/nonprofits/
2. Click Get Started.
3. Sign in with your Google account.
4. Provide your organization details and TechSoup verification token.
5. Once Google approves your nonprofit status (1–3 days), you’ll get access to Google Workspace for Nonprofits.
6. If you don’t have Google Workspace yet, Google will walk you through creating one for your domain.

Free Plan Includes:

• Gmail with your domain (e.g., info@yourorg.org)
• 30 GB storage per user
• Up to ~2,000 free user accounts

4. Apply for Microsoft 365 for Nonprofits (Outlook)

1. Visit https://nonprofit.microsoft.com/
2. Click Get Started.
3. Sign in with a Microsoft account (create one if you don’t have it).
4. Fill in your organization profile and upload documents.
5. Provide your TechSoup verification token.
6. Once approved, Microsoft will give you access to Microsoft 365 Business Basic for Nonprofits (free) or discounted higher plans.

Free Plan Includes:

• Outlook email with your domain (50 GB mailbox)
• 1 TB OneDrive storage per user
• Microsoft Teams (300 participants per meeting)
• Web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Up to 300 free users

5. Pro Tip: Use Both Together

• Google Workspace (Gmail) → For donor communications, team collaboration via Google Docs, Sheets, Meet.
• Microsoft 365 (Outlook) → For internal work with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and large storage.
• You can set up email forwarding or dual delivery so both Gmail and Outlook accounts receive the same emails if needed.

6. Timeline

• Day 1–3 → Register with TechSoup and upload documents.
• Day 4–10 → Receive verification token.
• Day 11–15 → Apply for Google & Microsoft programs.
• Day 16+ → Configure domain DNS for Gmail and Outlook.