Cloud-First Collaboration for a Non-Profit Organization

Project Name: Unity Connect Initiative

Overview: This project focused on empowering a rapidly growing non-profit organization with a robust, cloud-first collaboration environment using Microsoft 365. The organization previously relied on disparate tools and local file shares, leading to inefficiencies and communication silos. The objective was to create a unified platform that would foster better internal communication, streamline project management, and facilitate secure external collaboration with partners and volunteers.

Key Implementations:

• Microsoft 365 Business Premium Deployment: Implemented M365 Business Premium, providing core services like Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, and OneDrive for Business.

• SharePoint Online Team Sites: Designed and deployed multiple SharePoint team sites for different departments (e.g., Programs, Fundraising, Marketing), each with tailored document libraries, calendars, and task lists. A central intranet portal was created to serve as a single source of truth for organizational announcements and resources.

• Microsoft Teams for Project Management & Communication: Established dedicated Teams channels for ongoing projects, allowing for real-time chat, file sharing, video conferencing, and integration with third-party project management tools. Training was provided to ensure high adoption rates.

• Basic Device Management with Intune: Utilized Intune’s basic capabilities for securing organizational data on mobile devices, ensuring that sensitive donor information and project plans remained protected even when accessed on personal smartphones.

• Security & Compliance Basics: Implemented essential security features such as MFA for all users, basic spam filtering, and data encryption at rest and in transit within the M365 environment.

Outcome: The non-profit experienced a dramatic improvement in internal communication and operational efficiency. Volunteers and staff could collaborate seamlessly regardless of their physical location. The centralized document management system reduced version control issues and improved information accessibility, allowing the organization to focus more effectively on its core mission.