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License & Subscription Issues

How Nonprofits Can Apply for a Microsoft 365 E1 License Grant

WPS EditorWPS Editor Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

Nonprofit organizations need to know how to apply for a Microsoft 365 E1 license grant when previous grants like E2 are no longer renewable.

How Nonprofits Can Apply for a Microsoft 365 E1 License Grant
Product
Microsoft 365
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
A registered nonprofit organization seeking to obtain Microsoft 365 core services via an E1 grant.
Observed behavior
The user requires alternative access to essential Microsoft 365 services, such as email and calendars, after an E2 grant expires or cannot be renewed.
Before you start

Ensure your organization is officially registered and verified as a nonprofit with Microsoft before attempting to apply for new license grants.

Solution 1Recommended

Apply for the E1 Grant via Microsoft Nonprofit Support

Since E1 licenses cannot be directly obtained from the standard Microsoft 365 admin center, nonprofits must submit a specific support case to request the grant.

Microsoft 365 E1 provides core cloud services such as professional email, calendars, and contacts. To acquire this specific grant, registered nonprofits must contact the dedicated nonprofit support team directly.

1
Navigate to the Nonprofit Portal

Visit the Microsoft Nonprofit Getting Started page to initiate your request. Ensure you are logged in with your verified nonprofit admin credentials.

2
Contact Nonprofit Support

If the getting started page redirects you, navigate directly to the Microsoft Nonprofit Contact Us page to open a direct line of communication with the support team.

3
Submit Your Case

Fill out the required support forms, stating clearly that your organization is an existing registered nonprofit requesting a transition or application for the Microsoft 365 E1 license grant.

Apply for the E1 Grant via Microsoft Nonprofit Support
Eligibility and Policy Changes: Grant availability and eligibility requirements are determined solely by Microsoft and can change over time. Always confirm current policies directly with a Microsoft representative.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What services are included in the Microsoft 365 E1 license for nonprofits?

The E1 license provides essential cloud services such as business-class email, calendars, and contacts. However, it does not include the advanced desktop applications, heightened security, or compliance features found in higher-tier plans like E2 or E3.

Can I get the E1 license directly from the Microsoft 365 admin center?

No, E1 license grants for nonprofits cannot be obtained directly through the standard Microsoft 365 admin center. You must manually submit a support case through the Microsoft Nonprofit portal to apply.

What should I do if the Microsoft Nonprofit 'getting started' link redirects me?

If the standard 'Getting Started' link redirects you, use the direct 'Contact Us' page on the Microsoft Nonprofit portal to reach out to the support team and formally file your application case.

Will my registered nonprofit automatically qualify for an E1 grant?

Not necessarily. While verified nonprofits are eligible to apply, final grant availability and eligibility criteria are determined by Microsoft and are subject to organizational review.