Smartdesc Newsletter, April 2026

Welcome to our April newsletter!

This month, we’re highlighting two important Microsoft updates on the horizon. In our latest blogs, we break down the upcoming CSP subscription changes arriving in May 2026, along with Microsoft 365 pricing updates – scroll down for the full details.

We’re also excited to be hosting a Cyber Security Roundtable on 9th July 2026. In this session we invite charity leaders involved in IT in any way, shape or form, to come together in a safe space, to share their experiences and lessons learned. You’ll find more information below, including how to reserve your place.

Our bi-annual networking event is just around the corner! The Charity Leaders Summer Social will take place on 9th July 2026 at Microsoft London. It is a great opportunity to unwind after work, connect with peers in the charity tech space and enjoy drinks and nibbles in a relaxed, vibrant setting. Be sure to secure your spot – details are below!

Charity IT resources

Smartdesc is hosting its bi-annual summer social networking event for charity leaders. Location: Microsoft Paddington Date: 9th July 2026 – Register now.
Cyber Security Roundtable. Smartdesc is hosting a roundtable for charity IT leaders on strengthening your nonprofit with essential cyber security practices on 15th April at Microsoft, Paddington – Join our Roundtable.
Join our free instructor-led sessions covering Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive. Learn practical tips and improve confidence in just 90 minutes. Find a date that suits you. – Sign up now.
Learn more about Microsoft 365 Copilot and how it can save you time. Smartdesc offer a free online 90-minute introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot including a briefing on how you can get Copilot ready. Find a date that suits you. – Sign up now.
Microsoft is introducing significant changes to Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) subscriptions from 4th May 2026, specifically around Extended Service Terms (EST). These updates will reshape how organisations handle end‑of‑term subscription management, making early awareness essential to prevent disruption. – Read now.
Microsoft will increase Microsoft 365 and Office 365 prices from 1st July 2026, with most plans rising 8–13% at renewal. Early planning can help reduce the impact. Smartdesc supports organisations with licensing reviews, price‑lock options and tailored guidance ahead of the change. – Learn more.
Meet Sustainability Goals While Reducing IT Spend. Nonprofit organisations are under pressure to do more with less. Tighter budgets, rising sustainability targets and tech refresh cycles that never slow down. A structured IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) strategy is key. – Read more.
What Charities Need To Know About IT Outsourcing. By entrusting an expert partner to manage specific areas of your IT estate can simplify operations and free up internal IT resources, often at a lower cost than hiring full time equivalents. However, outsourcing does carry risks, so choosing the right partner(s) is crucial. – Read now.