Smartdesc Newsletter, May 2026

Welcome to our May newsletter!

This month, we’re sharing important updates on upcoming Microsoft 365 price changes and practical guidance on steps organisations can take to strengthen their cybersecurity readiness to stay secure over the summer months.

We’re also celebrating the Academia Group’s incredible National Three Peaks Challenge completion in support of Refuge, raising funds for the vital work they do supporting women and children escaping domestic abuse. See below to follow the team’s journey.

We also introduce a new Microsoft Elevate initiative offering free AI training for charities and not-for-profits, including live instructor-led sessions, certification opportunities and a global Fellowship programme designed to help organisations explore AI more strategically.

Finally, we’re excited to share new dates for our free Microsoft 365 training sessions and invite you to join us at our upcoming Charity Leaders Summer Social at Microsoft London this July.

Charity IT resources

Team Smartdesc Conquers the National Three Peaks Challenge for Refuge – Last weekend the Academia Group completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in an incredible 23 hours and 14 minutes, raising funds for Refuge and the vital work they do supporting women and children escaping domestic abuse. A huge achievement powered by teamwork, resilience and determination from start to finish – Read the full blog to follow the team’s journey
Charity Leaders Summer Social – Would you like to connect with charity tech leaders at Microsoft’s London office? Smartdesc is hosting its bi-annual summer social event. Location: Microsoft Paddington | Date: 9th July 2026 – Register now
Free Instructor-Led Microsoft 365 Sessions – 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
Free Instructor-Led Copilot 365 Sessions – Would you like to learn more about Microsoft 365 Copilot and how it can save you time? Sign up for our free instructor-led sessions covering an introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot including a briefing on how you can get Copilot ready – Find a date that suits you
Microsoft Elevate for Changemakers – This is more than e‑learning; this is a new initiative launched by our friends at Microsoft Elevate (MS’s nonprofit division) delivering real impact with live instructor led training, an AI for Nonprofits certification and a global Fellowship connecting AI champions. Upskill your organisation to use AI to help your mission, cause and inform decisions – Learn more
Microsoft 365 Price Changes: What to Know Before July 2026 – Microsoft will increase Microsoft 365 and Office 365 prices from 1 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 – Read more
Cybersecurity Before Summer: Are Charities Ready? – Nonprofits face increased cybersecurity risks over the summer, as reduced staffing and outdated technology cause slower response times and leave organisations exposed. Smartdesc partners with organisations to strengthen their defences and protect them from cyberattacks – Read more