Linchpin ready to empower non-profits with Microsoft solutions

Through the Microsoft Cloud for non-profit programme, non-profit organisations can access a range of free or discounted services and products, such as software licenses, cloud services, and training programmes.

Linchpin specialises in helping non-profits optimise their operations and works closely with them to understand their unique needs and tailor solutions that meet those needs.

One local non-profit that has benefited from Microsoft solutions is the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS). With solutions based on Microsoft Azure, Dynamics 365, Office 365, and Power BI, the Kenya Red Cross Society is now better equipped to provide key humanitarian aid.

Over the years, KRCS has explored ways to become more effective in delivering its programmes. The society’s goal is to reduce donor dependency and ensure its capabilities as a first responder in emergencies. Communication is critical for KRCS.

“We had tried a variety of services, such as online storage, free email, and in-house hosting,” says Anthony Mwangi, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Affairs for KRCS. “However, we found them limiting in terms of the number of users, the amount of storage allowed, and the lack of backup. Our decision-making process was also delayed due to the time it took to send and receive information in the field.”

KRCS now has over 500 staff members using Office 365 and sharing information instantly through Skype for Business. And with SharePoint, staff can share reports and documents from the field with regional head offices, enabling near real-time decision-making and faster response in the most remote areas.  

KRCS is also implementing Dynamics 365 to manage more than 140,000 volunteers, and Dynamics Navision has already reduced payroll processing time from 10 days to approximately five.

Thanks to an Azure grant from Microsoft, KRCS now has a place to host its app, and a route to move its workload to Azure. In addition, Azure has also enabled integration with mobile money payment services (MPesa).

“We’ve seen a significant improvement in our communication and collaboration across our branches, and the management of our systems and processes is much more streamlined,” says Mwangi. “This impacts everything from our IT costs to our efficiency during crises, such as the Horn of Africa famine, and even the way we run our ambulance and hospitality services.”  

Mwangi continues: “Having Microsoft as a partner is very valuable for us. Not only are their products and services world-class and easy to deploy, but their employees have also been supportive in so many ways. I would recommend Microsoft’s offering to any NGO wanting to reduce operational costs and improve its service to the community.”

Non-profit organisations face a multitude of challenges, including limited funding, lack of resources, and inadequate technology infrastructure. To help non-profits overcome these challenges and achieve their goals, Linchpin has partnered with Microsoft to provide customised and localised support.

"We're passionate about empowering non-profits to achieve their mission," said Brian Rutere, CEO and Co-Founder of Linchpin. "By partnering with Microsoft, we're able to provide them with the technology solutions and support they need to make a positive impact in their communities."

Linchpin’s partnership with Microsoft is helping non-profit organisations overcome their challenges and thrive in achieving their mission. By providing customised and localised support, and leveraging Microsoft’s technology solutions, Linchpin is enabling non-profits to make lasting impacts in their communities.

If you're a non-profit organisation looking to optimise your operations and achieve your goals, reach out to Linchpin today. With their expertise and Microsoft's technology solutions, they can help you overcome your challenges and make a lasting impact in your community. Contact them today to learn more about their services and how they can support your mission: [email protected].