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Which Dynamics version, config ourselves, pricing
Hello.
I work at a small charity and I’m trying to determine which version of Dynamics is suitable for us. I can’t find any clear information as to the differences between the different versions and which might be best for us.
Our main areas of focus are:
- Service user details - e.g. name, address, membership number, medical issues, etc.
- Case details - each user could have many cases (such as dealing with a landlord, or pension issues), with each case having many contacts at different dates.
- Activities - many different activities, with many instances of each one (like twice weekly badminton).
We would be able to find an SU, click on their details, pull up a list of their cases past and present, add additional contact details to their case for each contact we have with them, say how long the contact was, and how much was charged. Also, see what clubs/activities they’ve attended and when.
We want a weekly/monthly calendar view booking system for reception to book SU contacts/appointments. In the future, we might want to have it available on the internet for SUs to book a slot themselves.
For each instance of an activity, record who came, who paid a fee (if there was one).
Be able to apply various tags to each SU (e.g. volunteer, paid member, daycare user), so we can have a list at a glance and be able to run reports on just those people.
Running reports to see who did what activity, when they did it, who did what activity, how many case contacts we had between two dates, how much money was generated, etc. would be great.
We are not focused on dealing with individual donors or fundraising, but we are interested in keeping a list of grant applications we’ve submitted and what money we’ve received from them, if any.
Our charity has a very limited budget, so the system would be designed and put together by myself.
My questions are:
- Which version of Dynamics is best for us?
- Will it be free from MS, or do we have to apply for some kind of grant? We are already registered as a nonprofit with MS.
- Will MS give us Dynamics so we can produce our own software, or do we have to do it though a Partner?
- If with a Partner, does it cost money?
We're a small charity with a very small budget, so can't afford to spend big money on things, unfortunately.
Many thanks.
Hi Jimmy-CCC
These are all good use cases for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform.
To answer your questions,
- Based on your broad requirements it would be worth considering Dynamics 365 Customer Service, this would provide functionality of case management, scheduling, etc. Here is a relevant customer story from Children 1st, a nonprofit in the UK, who used Customer Service and a webinar about their solution.
While Dynamics 365 Customer Service would provide much of the functionality you require, there could be a significant amount of customisation required to suit your requirements. You could also consider creating a model-driven Power App from scratch that incorporates only the functionality you require (or incorporate relevant parts of the Nonprofit Accelerator). - As part of the Microsoft Nonprofit offers you can purchase discounted Dynamics 365 Customer Service, you are also entitled to 10 free licences of the Power Apps per app plan. There are no longer free licences of Dynamics 365 available.
- You can customise Dynamics 365 and Power Apps yourself or choose a partner to assist you. Microsoft do have comprehensive learning documentation, but I wouldn't suggest building complex applications without a high level of knowledge and experience. You might be able to find expert volunteers here: Catchafire: bridging paths to stronger communities
- A partner will generally charge for there work.
Thanks
Matt
- Based on your broad requirements it would be worth considering Dynamics 365 Customer Service, this would provide functionality of case management, scheduling, etc. Here is a relevant customer story from Children 1st, a nonprofit in the UK, who used Customer Service and a webinar about their solution.
- MeenahKhosraw
Microsoft
If you haven't already, I recommend you go here Nonprofit - Contact Us and check out the Nonprofit Offers Guide and check your nonprofit's eligibility so you can work with support to find the right product/licenses for your organization once eligibility is confirmed. They will also inform you what grants and discounts your organization may be eligible for.
Additionally, here's a helpful page to peruse: Nonprofit FAQ | Microsoft Nonprofits
If at any time you have questions not answered on the pages I linked above, type a question in the "How can we help?" text box on the Contact Us page, click on the Get Help button and then fill out the form. Once submitted your question will be routed to the Nonprofit Support team.
Thanks,
Hi,
Yes, we already have nonproft status with MS, but the MS websites go around in circles and don't contain clear detailed information. It's extremely frustraiting and a huge waste of time trying to find the information I wanted.
Hi Jimmy-CCC
These are all good use cases for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform.
To answer your questions,
- Based on your broad requirements it would be worth considering Dynamics 365 Customer Service, this would provide functionality of case management, scheduling, etc. Here is a relevant customer story from Children 1st, a nonprofit in the UK, who used Customer Service and a webinar about their solution.
While Dynamics 365 Customer Service would provide much of the functionality you require, there could be a significant amount of customisation required to suit your requirements. You could also consider creating a model-driven Power App from scratch that incorporates only the functionality you require (or incorporate relevant parts of the Nonprofit Accelerator). - As part of the Microsoft Nonprofit offers you can purchase discounted Dynamics 365 Customer Service, you are also entitled to 10 free licences of the Power Apps per app plan. There are no longer free licences of Dynamics 365 available.
- You can customise Dynamics 365 and Power Apps yourself or choose a partner to assist you. Microsoft do have comprehensive learning documentation, but I wouldn't suggest building complex applications without a high level of knowledge and experience. You might be able to find expert volunteers here: Catchafire: bridging paths to stronger communities
- A partner will generally charge for there work.
Thanks
Matt
Hi,
Many thanks for your detail answer, and apologies for the protracted reply.
- TiffianyLaw
Hi Jimmy,
I'm just following up to see if you got the help or response you needed. Please let us know here.Thanks!
- Based on your broad requirements it would be worth considering Dynamics 365 Customer Service, this would provide functionality of case management, scheduling, etc. Here is a relevant customer story from Children 1st, a nonprofit in the UK, who used Customer Service and a webinar about their solution.
