Power BI course for Not-for-profits (Australian Eastern time zone)
Motive Consulting is excited to launch our new training course Power BI Beginner for Not-for-profits! Over the past few years, we have had the opportunity to create Power BI reports for a variety of not-for-profit organisations. During this time, we noticed a gap in training options available to NFPs, with most existing courses focusing on corporate themes such as sales and profit. Our new course bridges this gap by providing content designed specifically for NFPs. It draws on examples and datasets related to the Australian social service sector, ensuring the training is relevant and practical. As with all of our consulting and training services, we are offering discounted pricing for NFP organisations. Course highlights: 💡 No Power BI experience required 📑 Course manual and exercise files provided 🎓 Led by an experienced Microsoft Certified Trainer 💻 Delivered remotely via Microsoft Teams 🕒 Full day course from 9am to 4pm AEST Course dates: 📆 8 April 📆 21 May 📆 24 June ▶️ For more information, or to book now, visit: https://www.motiveconsulting.com.au/training-services/power-bi-beginner-not-for-profits You can also follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/motive-consultingRegister Now: Getting Started with Artificial Intelligence
Details: Made possible by a partnership between Microsoft and Everyone On This free introductory course teaches adults the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its practical applications. The curriculum covers fundamental AI concepts, safe exploration of AI tools, career advancement with AI and creative AI applications. Participants will gain the skills and understanding needed to navigate and leverage AI technology in various aspects of their lives, including: Understand basic AI concepts and their impact on daily life Learn to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT safely and effectively Explore AI applications for career development and education Develop skills in AI-assisted design using Canva Gain awareness of AI's future potential and ethical considerations This 3-part course progresses from foundational knowledge to practical applications, with optional assignments to support learning. The content includes: Part 1: March 27, 2025, 4-6pm EST focuses on an introduction to AI, including a brief history and definition of AI, overview of machine learning, Generative AI, how to create content, ChatGPT, using prompts, comparing tools and recognizing bias. aka.ms/AI101-Part1 Part 2: April 10, 2025, 4-6pm EST focuses on career, education and graphic design, including using AI to build skills and explore career options, generating resumes, preparing for interviews, and using Canva design software tools and AI features. aka.ms/AI101-Part2 Part 3: April 16, 2025, 4-5pm EST focuses on a deep dive into Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Designer with hands-on activities. aka.ms/AI101-Part3 *Each session requires separate registration—please be sure to sign up individually for each part you plan to attend ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Speakers (3) Carlos Galeana Carlos is a highly skilled technology trainer, instructional designer, video editor, and facilitator at Everyone On. He has conducted nationwide workshops on digital literacy, privacy and safety, and office tools. Jemir Martinez Jemir Martnez is an AI Specialist that leverages his aptitude for artificial intelligence and problem solving to drive innovative solutions that transform user experiences. Partnering with teams across functions, he has been instrumental in implementing cutting-edge AI solutions. His approach blends technical acumen with business insight, ensuring that every project under his guidance not only meets but exceeds the strategic goals set forth, solidifying customer relationships and advancing Microsoft's position at the forefront of AI applications. John Carroll John Carroll is a Senior Technology Specialist and Generative AI Solutions Architect at Microsoft, based in Atlanta, GA. He partners with Fortune 500 companies to transform business operations through innovative AI and cloud solutions. With deep experience spanning aerospace, public safety, and manufacturing, John combines technical expertise with a people-first approach to solve complex challenges and drive measurable impact.Contacting Billing Support in Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Use Case: Nonprofit Organization Billing Inquiry Imagine you're a member of a nonprofit organization responsible for managing your Microsoft 365 subscription. Recently, you noticed an unexpected charge on your billing statement and need to clarify the details. By following the steps outlined below, you can easily submit a support ticket and get the assistance you need to resolve the issue. Log into admin.microsoft.com with your admin credentials. If you don't have admin permissions, you'll need to contact someone in your organization who does. Select the green help & support button typically located at the bottom right of the admin center dashboard. Click on it to open the support pane. Type in “support” into the search bar. Select “Contact support”. Choose your preferences: preferred contact method, preferred time zone, and preferred contact language. Fill in your details and give a strong description of your problem for a quicker resolution. You can add a file, a screenshot, or a video for added support. Once you’ve filled out the details, select Contact me at the bottom.Empower Your Nonprofit with AI: A Beginner’s Guide to Teaching AI Skills
That’s where AI Skills for Educators comes in—a free resource designed to help educators (including nonprofit leaders, trainers, and community advocates) introduce AI concepts to their audience. Why Should Nonprofits Teach AI? Nonprofits thrive on impact. By integrating AI education into your programs, you can: ✅ Expand career opportunities for your community members. ✅ Boost digital literacy and future-proof skills. ✅ Enhance nonprofit operations by leveraging AI for efficiency. Whether you're running workforce development programs, youth education initiatives, or volunteer training, AI skills can add immense value. What Is AI Skills for Educators? Microsoft’s AI Skills for Educators is a free training hub that provides lesson plans, resources, and interactive learning materials to help you teach AI—even if you’re not an AI expert. Key Features: 🎓 AI Basics – Understand and teach foundational AI concepts. 📖 Pre-made Lesson Plans – Save time with structured AI courses. 🖥️ Hands-on Exercises – Engage learners with real-world AI scenarios. 🎤 Presentation Materials – Ready-to-use slides and guides for training. How Can Your Nonprofit Use These Resources? Here are some ways your nonprofit can start teaching AI today: 1. AI Workshops for Your Community Use the free lesson plans to host in-person or virtual AI workshops. Whether it's a basic AI introduction for job seekers or advanced concepts for tech learners, these resources provide an easy starting point. 2. AI Training for Volunteers & Staff Empower your internal team with AI knowledge! Whether it's automating administrative tasks or enhancing outreach, an AI-skilled team can work smarter. 3. Partner with Schools & Libraries Collaborate with educators, libraries, and youth programs to introduce AI concepts to students and underrepresented communities. AI education shouldn't be limited to tech companies—your nonprofit can bridge the gap. 4. Digital Equity & Inclusion Programs If your nonprofit focuses on closing the digital divide, these resources can help you teach AI literacy in underserved communities, giving more people access to future job opportunities. Getting Started Is Easy! ✅ Step 1: Visit aka.ms/AISkillsForEducators. ✅ Step 2: Explore the lesson plans and materials. ✅ Step 3: Adapt the content to fit your nonprofit’s mission. ✅ Step 4: Start teaching AI in your community! By integrating AI education into your nonprofit, you're not just teaching technology—you’re shaping futures. 💡 Is your nonprofit ready to empower communities with AI? Visit aka.ms/AISkillsForEducators and start making an impact today!Have No Fear, Responsible AI is Here: Empowering Organizations Dedicated to Social Good
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform industries in powerful ways, from optimizing operations to making smarter, data-driven decisions. But as organizations, including nonprofits, begin to integrate AI into their processes, ethical considerations must remain at the forefront. After all, the use of AI directly impacts individuals and communities and must align with the values of fairness, transparency, and accountability. Fortunately, Microsoft is at the forefront of advocating for responsible AI. The company is not only developing AI solutions but also ensuring these tools are ethical, inclusive, and beneficial to all—particularly nonprofits that are using AI to drive social good. In this blog, we’ll explore Microsoft’s approach to responsible AI and how organizations, particularly those dedicated to social good, can leverage its technologies to further their mission in a responsible and ethical manner. What is Responsible AI? Responsible AI refers to the practice of designing, developing, and deploying AI systems that are ethical, transparent, and accountable. Microsoft defines responsible AI as: Fairness: AI models should be unbiased and provide equitable outcomes for all. Reliability & Safety: AI must operate in a manner that is safe and predictable. Privacy & Security: AI systems should respect privacy and safeguard sensitive information. Inclusiveness: AI should be designed to serve diverse populations and include perspectives from different communities. Transparency: Nonprofits and stakeholders should understand how AI models make decisions. Accountability: Organizations should be responsible for the outcomes and impacts of their AI systems. Microsoft’s commitment to responsible AI ensures that the tools used in organizations can drive innovation and efficiency without compromising ethical standards. For more information on Microsoft’s approach to Responsible AI, please visit: Empowering responsible AI practices | Microsoft AI 1. Ethical AI for Social Good Microsoft recognizes that nonprofits play a crucial role in addressing global challenges, and they are eager to empower these organizations with AI to drive positive change. To help ensure that AI is deployed responsibly, Microsoft offers several key principles and resources: AI for Good Program Microsoft’s AI for Good program aims to harness the power of AI to help address some of the world’s most pressing issues, including climate change, healthcare, and education. The program is guided by Microsoft’s responsible AI principles, ensuring that AI is used in a way that maximizes social benefit while mitigating risks. Through the AI for Good Lab, Microsoft has partnered with various organizations to design and implement AI solutions that benefit marginalized communities. Examples include AI-powered solutions to predict disease outbreaks, monitor deforestation, or support accessibility for people with disabilities. To learn more about the initiatives around the AI for Good Program, please visit: AI For Good Lab - Microsoft Research AI for Accessibility The AI for Accessibility initiative seeks to empower groups with AI tools to create innovative solutions that improve the lives of people with disabilities. By promoting inclusivity in technology, organizations can develop applications that improve communication, mobility, and daily living for individuals with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments. To learn more about Microsoft’s Accessibility Innovation, please visit: Innovation and AI for Accessibility | Microsoft Accessibility 2. Microsoft’s Responsible AI Tools and Frameworks Microsoft doesn’t just talk the talk; they provide tools and frameworks that help organizations ensure their AI is being developed and deployed responsibly. These tools can be extremely helpful for nonprofits seeking to maintain ethical AI practices: The Microsoft Responsible AI Standard The Responsible AI Standard is a set of guidelines designed to ensure that AI systems are ethical, fair, and inclusive. It can provide nonprofits with a clear path for identifying and mitigating biases, ensuring AI models are transparent, and keeping privacy concerns at the forefront. This framework includes specific actions, including: Fairness assessments to identify biases in AI models. Data privacy protocols to safeguard sensitive information. Transparency guidelines that allow users to understand how AI decisions are made. By integrating the Responsible AI Standard, organizations, especially nonprofits can confidently adopt AI tools while ensuring their use aligns with ethical standards. To learn more about Microsoft’s principles and approach to responsible AI, please visit: Responsible AI Principles and Approach | Microsoft AI These are just a few of the resources put in place to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly, benefiting society as a whole. By adhering to these principles and utilizing the tools provided by Microsoft, organizations, especially nonprofits, can harness the power of AI to drive positive change while upholding ethical standards. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritize responsible practices to build a future where technology serves the greater good and fosters trust within communities. For additional tips and resources, be sure to follow our Nonprofit Community | Microsoft Community Hub for blogs, updates, and expert advice on maximizing your nonprofit tools.Engage, Empower, Excel - Fun Ways Nonprofits Can Use Microsoft Polls
Polls for Nonprofits: The Secret Sauce for Engagement! Microsoft Polls is a built-in feature that helps nonprofits quickly gather feedback, spark engagement, and make data-driven decisions—all without switching apps. And the best part? It’s easy and free for organizations using Microsoft 365! 🙌 🎯 Why Should Nonprofits Use Microsoft Polls? Quick Decisions, Less Guesswork – Need to decide on a meeting time? Want feedback on an upcoming fundraising campaign? Fire off a quick poll and get instant results. Boost Engagement & Participation – Volunteers and staff love to feel heard! Polls encourage collaboration and help keep meetings dynamic instead of crickets 🦗. Data You Can Actually Use – Poll responses are stored in Forms and can be analyzed later, helping you track trends and make informed decisions for your mission-driven work. Perfect for Remote & Hybrid Teams – Whether your team is all in one place or spread across different time zones, polls make sure everyone's voice matters! 🌍 🚀 How to Create a Poll in Microsoft Teams (It’s Easy!) Open the Apps icon in Microsoft Teams. Type in Polls in the search. Add the Polls app. Optionally pin to your menu bar if you will use it frequently. Choose a channel, chat or meeting you’d like to use Polls in and then select Open. Select Create a new Poll. Craft poll questions and responses and then select preview. Choose whether you want to record the names of respondents (visible to creator only). Choose whether you want to share results with the respondents. Select Preview and then make edits or send the poll. The chosen chat, channel or meeting will now see the poll and be able to submit responses. If you have selected to have aggregated responses visible, they will also be able to see them in real time. Poll results can also be found in Microsoft Forms. You can also create polls in Teams meetings to keep your audience engaged and interactive—perfect for virtual town halls, volunteer training, or staff check-ins. 🎉 Fun Ways Nonprofits Can Use Microsoft Polls Fundraising Brainstorming: “What theme should our next fundraiser be? 🎭🕺🏾🎨” Training & Development: “What cybersecurity topic should we cover next?” (Because cyber threats don’t take breaks! 🔐) Volunteer Scheduling: “What weekend works best for our community event? 📅” Just for Fun: “How do we feel about pineapple on pizza? 🍍🍕” (Because, yes, team bonding matters!) 🏆 Pro Tip: Make Polls a Habit! Want to keep engagement high? Try making a quick weekly poll part of your team meetings. Whether it’s a serious topic or just a lighthearted check-in, using Microsoft Polls can make work feel less like work and more like a collaborative experience. So, next time you're in a Teams meeting, give Microsoft Polls a spin and see how it transforms engagement for your nonprofit! 🚀💙 Have you tried Microsoft Polls in Teams yet? Drop a comment and share how your nonprofit is using it! 👇Transforming Nonprofit Storytelling: AI Image Creator in Microsoft Paint
*Please note that this article is focused on the Image Creator feature. However, it may not yet be available in your country or region but is currently being rolled out. You may also see a different feature preview titled CoCreator instead of Image creator based on your region. These features will soon be released together under the Copilot button addition to Microsoft Paint. Stay tuned!* Bringing Nonprofit Stories to Life with AI-Powered Images For many nonprofits, creating professional visuals has long been a challenge—hiring designers can be expensive, and not every team has the skills or software needed to produce eye-catching graphics. But with AI stepping in to bridge the gap, even the most resource-strapped organizations can now craft compelling visuals that resonate with their audiences. The Power of Visual Storytelling A powerful image can say more than words alone. It can spark emotions, make complex issues easier to understand, and inspire people to take action. For nonprofits, this could mean the difference between someone scrolling past a post and someone stopping to donate, volunteer, or share a message. The challenge? Creating high-quality visuals takes time, expertise, and often a budget that many nonprofits simply don’t have. But now, AI-driven tools are changing the game. How AI Image Creators Are Changing the Game AI image creators, like the one integrated into Microsoft Paint, are making it easier than ever to generate high-quality visuals without needing advanced design skills. These tools use machine learning to create custom images based on descriptions or selections, helping nonprofits craft professional, engaging visuals in just minutes. One of the standout features of Microsoft Paint’s AI-powered tools is its "Layers" feature, which makes designing easier and more flexible—especially for nonprofits creating custom visuals. With layers, users can stack and edit different elements independently, meaning you can move, adjust, or refine one part of an image without disrupting the entire design. This level of control is a big win for organizations that want to create polished, professional-looking graphics without needing advanced design skills. Unlike Microsoft Designer, which combines all elements into a single layer, Paint’s multi-layer approach allows for more precise adjustments—making it the go-to choice for those working on more detailed, customized projects. For nonprofits, this means more freedom to fine-tune social media posts, event flyers, educational graphics, and impact reports—without having to start from scratch every time a change is needed. More flexibility, less frustration, and better storytelling—all at no extra cost! With just a few clicks, organizations can create everything from simple illustrations to detailed graphics—tailored to their brand and mission. Even those with zero design experience can bring their vision to life. Why This Matters for Nonprofits AI-powered visuals aren’t just a convenience—they're a game-changer for nonprofits. Here’s why: ✅ Cost-Effective – No need to hire expensive graphic designers; AI tools make high-quality visuals accessible on a budget. ⏳ Saves Time – Nonprofits can create compelling images quickly, freeing up time for their core mission. 🎨 Customizable – AI-generated images can be tweaked to match a nonprofit’s branding, ensuring a consistent look and feel. 📢 Boosts Engagement – Eye-catching visuals help increase social media shares, donations, and event participation. How Nonprofits Are Already Using AI-Generated Images Many nonprofits are already tapping into AI-powered visuals to strengthen their storytelling. Some ways they’re using these tools include: 📌 Fundraising Campaigns – Designing social media graphics, email banners, and event flyers that capture attention and drive donations. 📚 Educational Materials – Creating infographics, posters, and explainer images to help people understand key issues. 📊 Impact Reports & Presentations – Using visuals to highlight achievements, data, and success stories in an engaging way. The Future of AI-Powered Storytelling As AI continues to evolve, the possibilities for nonprofits are endless. Future advancements could bring even more customization, real-time collaboration, and smarter automation—making storytelling even more seamless for organizations of all sizes. At its core, AI isn’t replacing human creativity—it’s amplifying it. By embracing tools like Microsoft Paint’s AI image creator, nonprofits can focus on what truly matters: making an impact. So, if you’ve ever felt held back by a lack of design skills or resources, it’s time to explore how AI can help. Your stories deserve to be seen—and now, they can be told in more vivid, compelling ways than ever before. How to create with Microsoft Paint’s Image Creator Open Microsoft Paint: Launch the Paint application on your Windows device by typing Paint into the search bar. Sign In: Click on the profile icon at the top-right corner and ensure you are signed in with your Microsoft account. This is necessary to access the Image Creator feature. Access Image Creator: Click the Image Creator button located on the toolbar. This will open the Image Creator side panel. Enter Description: In the text box provided, type a detailed description of the image you want to create. For example, you might enter "Children reading books in a cozy library" or "A clean beach with volunteers picking up trash." Choose a Style: Select a style for your image from the available options, such as "Pixel Art," "Oil Painting," "Charcoal," "Ink Sketch," "Watercolor," "Digital Art," "Photorealistic," or "Anime." Generate Image: Click the Create button. The AI will generate three different variants of the image based on your description. Select an Image: Review the generated images and click on the one you prefer. This image will be applied to the Paint canvas, where you can further edit or enhance it as needed. Add Layers: Select the "Layers" button and then the + sign to generate a new prompt and add items to a new layer. This feature allows you to adjust and incorporate new elements into the image without affecting the work done on previous layers. Blend Your Photo: After generating a new image, utilize features in the toolbar, such as “remove background” to better blend your new photo. Save or Share: Once you are satisfied with your creation, you can save the image to your device or share it directly from Paint.How the Microsoft Updates App Keeps Your Nonprofit on Track
Why Nonprofits Will Love the Microsoft Updates App Picture this: Your nonprofit is launching a new community outreach program. There are multiple moving parts—grant approvals, partnerships, volunteer coordination, and event planning. Instead of sending scattered messages or manually updating spreadsheets, you can use the Microsoft Updates App to track progress, update stakeholders, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Here’s how it helps: ✔ Clear visibility on project progress – Easily see what’s been completed and what’s still in progress. ✔ Keep everyone aligned – Share updates with staff, volunteers, or board members without cluttering inboxes. ✔ Reduce repetitive check-ins – Instead of constantly asking for status updates, team members can submit the latest updates in Teams anytime. Getting Started: Setting Up the Microsoft Updates App It’s super easy to get started! Here’s how: ️Load the App – Open Microsoft Teams, click the ellipses in the left-hand menu and search for "Updates". You can also right-click and pin the app to your Teams menu for easy access. Give an Update – Select Quick Update to send an update to your team or specific person. Collect Updates – Collect updates from your team by selecting the Collect Updates or Explore all templates. Here you will find templates for Weekly updates, daily well-being, project progress or even by category: Software Development, Finance, etc. Customize – Inside each template you will be able to customize the questions and configure settings such as who submits the form, who can view the submissions, who can manage the request, set due dates and recurrences etc. Once you make your changes you can then publish the request. Assigned submitters will get a notification of the request, or you can post the link in a chat or channel. Review – Lastly, at the bottom of your homepage you will be able to review the update submissions (received and submitted) as well as manage requests. Final Thoughts: A Simple Way to Stay Organized Nonprofits juggle a lot of moving pieces and keeping everyone informed doesn’t have to be complicated. The Microsoft Updates App in Teams provides an easy way to track progress, share updates, and keep your initiatives moving forward—all in one place. Try it today and take the stress out of project updates!Battle of the Apps: Canvas vs. Model-Driven Apps in Power Apps
In the dynamic world of app development, Microsoft Power Platform offers two powerful approaches: Canvas apps and Model-Driven apps. Each has its unique strengths and use cases, making the choice between them crucial for developers and businesses alike. Let's dive into the battle of the apps and explore which one might be the best fit for your needs. What are Canvas Apps? Canvas apps are all about flexibility and customization. They allow Nonprofits to design the app's user interface from scratch, providing a blank canvas to place controls, images, and other elements wherever desired. You can also design the interface using available templates, providing you with a solid starting point. Key Features: Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily design the app layout with a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. Custom Logic: Implement custom business logic using Power Fx, a powerful formula language. Integration: Seamlessly integrate with various data sources, including SharePoint, SQL Server, and more. Responsive Design: Create apps that work on different devices, ensuring a consistent user experience. Use Cases: Field Service Apps: Perfect for mobile workers who need a customized interface to capture data on the go. Customer Engagement: Tailor the app to meet specific customer interaction needs, enhancing user satisfaction. What are Model-Driven Apps? Model-Driven apps focus on data and processes. They are built on top of Dataverse, leveraging a data-first approach. This means the app's design is driven by the underlying data model, ensuring consistency and standardization across the application. Key Features: Data-Centric: Automatically generate forms, views, and dashboards based on the data model. Business Processes: Implement complex business processes with built-in workflows and business rules. Security: Robust security model with role-based access control to protect sensitive data. Scalability: Easily scale the app as your business grows, thanks to the structured data model. Use Cases: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Ideal for managing complex business processes and data across the organization. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Streamline customer interactions and data management with a standardized approach. Choosing the Right App for Your Needs The choice between Canvas and Model-Driven apps depends on your specific requirements and goals. Here are some factors to consider: Customization vs. Standardization: If you need a highly customized user interface, Canvas apps are the way to go. For standardized, data-driven applications, Model-Driven apps are more suitable. Complexity of Business Processes: Model-Driven apps excel in handling complex business processes and workflows, while Canvas apps offer more flexibility for simpler, user-centric applications. Conclusion In the battle of Canvas vs. Model-Driven apps, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each approach has its strengths and is best suited for different scenarios. By understanding your business needs and the capabilities of each app type, you can make an informed decision that maximizes the potential of Microsoft Power Platform. Additional Resources Overview of building canvas apps - Power Apps | Microsoft Learn Overview of building a model-driven app with Power Apps - Power Apps | Microsoft LearnAutomate Your External Data Collection: Power Automate and Microsoft Forms
In the fast-paced world of nonprofits, efficiency is key. With limited resources and time, automating routine tasks can free up valuable hours for more impactful work. One area ripe for automation is data collection. By leveraging tools like Power Automate and Microsoft Forms, nonprofits can streamline their data collection processes, ensuring accuracy and saving time. (Please note that this process is applicable to both internal and external members using Microsoft Forms. For a simplified process that works exclusively for internal members, please refer to this blog: Simplify Internal Data Collection with Microsoft Lists Forms | Microsoft Community Hub) Why Automate Data Collection? Nonprofits often rely on data to make informed decisions, track progress, and report to stakeholders. However, manual data collection can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Automation offers several benefits: Efficiency: Automating data collection reduces the time spent on manual entry, allowing staff to focus on mission-critical tasks. Accuracy: Automated processes minimize human error, ensuring that data is consistent and reliable. Real-time Insights: With automated data collection, information is available in real-time, enabling quicker decision-making. Today, we will develop a Power Automate flow to capture form responses and automatically send a thank-you email. Let's begin by creating the form. Getting Started with Microsoft Forms Microsoft Forms is a powerful tool for creating surveys, quizzes, and polls. It's user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 applications. Here's how to get started: Log in to your Microsoft 365 account by going to https://www.office.com/ , select apps, then select all Apps and navigate to Microsoft Forms. Choose the appropriate form type for your needs. Select a template to begin your form creation. Tailor your questions and style to fit your specific requirements. Once your form is ready, Click on Collect Responses share it with your audience via a link, email, or embed it on your website. Automating with Power Automate Power Automate allows you to create automated workflows between your favorite apps and services. Here's how you can use it to automate data collection from Microsoft Forms: Log in to https://make.powerautomate.com/ and click on "Create" to start a new flow. Choose between "Automated flow" to trigger actions based on specific events or "Scheduled flows" to run at predefined times or intervals. In this example we will work with Automated flows. Set Up Triggers: Write a flow and Select "When a new response is submitted" in Microsoft Forms as your trigger. This will initiate the flow whenever someone submits a form response. Pick a Form: Click on the trigger and search for the form. If the form does not appear, save the flow and refresh the page. Define what happens next: For example, you can add an action to save the form responses to an Excel file, send an email notification, or update a SharePoint list. For this example, we will send an email. To Send an email, we have to first get the email address from the responses. Add Action: Click on the plus sign and select "Add an action." Get Response Details: Select get response details. Select Form: Choose the form, click on "fx" to access the Dynamic content, select "Response Id," and click "Add." Send Email Action: Add an action and select "Send an email (V2)." Switch to Advanced Mode. Use Dynamic Content: Use Dynamic content to add the email address and the name of the user in the email body. Click on "fx" to add dynamic content. Save and test: Save and Test your flow to ensure it works as expected. A green checkmark shows that there are no issues with your flow. Real-World Applications Here are a few examples of how nonprofits can use Power Automate and Microsoft Forms: Volunteer Sign-Ups: Automate the collection and organization of volunteer information, making it easier to manage and communicate with your volunteers. Expense Approvals: Simplify the form submission process for expenses and reimbursements by implementing an approval workflow, ensuring that all expenditures are reviewed and authorized by the appropriate personnel. Project Proposals: Implement a form and approval workflow for new project proposals to ensure they align with the organization's mission and strategic goals. Once approved, a workflow can be initiated to create the project in a Planner board. Conclusion By automating data collection with Power Automate and Microsoft Forms, nonprofits can enhance their efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making capabilities. These tools not only save time but also empower organizations to focus on what truly matters – making a difference in their communities. Additional resources Microsoft Power Automate – Process Automation Platform | Microsoft Get started with Power Automate - Power Automate | Microsoft Learn Microsoft Forms help & learning
