Free technology for charities is easier to get than many people realise, yet small charities often pay full price for software and equipment they could get free or at a large discount. Several well established schemes exist for registered charities, but they are not always explained clearly. This guide sets out the main options, and how to get started.
Last updated October 2026.
Free technology for charities from TechSoup UK
TechSoup UK now runs the donated and discounted software programme that used to be called Charity Digital Exchange. It took over from Charity Digital in July 2025. As a result, eligible UK charities can still get software such as Microsoft, Bitdefender and Autodesk products for much less than the normal price.
If your charity bought software from Charity Digital before, you already have a TechSoup UK account. So you may only need to reset your password the first time you log in.
Meanwhile, Charity Digital still offers free articles, webinars and training on its own website, plus a few selected software deals.
Microsoft for Nonprofits
Microsoft is one of the biggest sources of free technology for charities, offering eligible groups free and discounted products. For example, Microsoft 365 Business Basic is available free for up to 300 users, giving you email, Teams, OneDrive and the web versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Microsoft no longer offers the free Business Premium grant it once did. However, charities can still buy Business Premium and other products at a large discount. Check the current offers on Microsoft’s nonprofit website before you buy.
Google for Nonprofits
Google for Nonprofits is another good source of free technology for charities. It is free to join and includes Google Workspace for Nonprofits, which provides email, shared drives, Google Docs and video calls at no cost. Members can also apply for Google Ad Grants, which provide up to $10,000 of free search advertising a month to promote your services. In addition, they can use extra YouTube features for charities.
Other free technology for charities
- Canva offers its premium design tools free to eligible charities, which is ideal for leaflets, posters and social media.
- Charity discounts on other software. Many software companies, including video call, project management and accounting providers, offer charity discounts. So it is always worth asking before you pay.
- Free data and devices for the people you support. Good Things Foundation runs the National Databank and National Device Bank, which provide free mobile data, SIM cards and refurbished devices to people who are digitally excluded. Community organisations can register to give these out.
Buying hardware for less
Free technology for charities is mostly software, so for hardware the aim is to pay less. Refurbished laptops and phones from reputable sellers can save a great deal of money. Look for a warranty of at least 12 months, a clear condition grade and a seller that wipes data securely. Some refurbishers also offer extra discounts to charities, so mention your charitable status when you ask for a quote.
Our guides to buying refurbished and the best budget laptops for charity staff and volunteers explain what to look for. For printers, see our guide to the best printers for small charities, and for meeting kit, read about hybrid meetings on a small budget.
How to get free technology for charities
- Have your charity registration number and governing documents ready.
- Use an official charity email address, not a personal one.
- Choose one person to manage your accounts and keep a record of what you have signed up for.
- Expect an eligibility check, which can take a few days.
Once you are set up, our guide to keeping your small charity safe online will help you protect your new accounts. You may also find our tips on cheap office supplies for charities useful.
Free technology for charities: the bottom line
In short, a few hours spent registering for free technology for charities can save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds a year. Start with Microsoft and Google for Nonprofits, add TechSoup UK and Canva, and always ask suppliers for a charity price. That way, more of your money can go straight back into your services.