Cost of Living: How can charities try & buy affordable tech products in 2023?

• 10-08-2022

As a charity, it's important to stretch your budget as far as possible to maximise the impact of your work. One area where this is particularly important is in the purchase of technology software. The software can be expensive, and the cost can add up quickly if you need to purchase multiple licenses. However, there are a few ways that charities can buy cheap technology software to combat the cost of living crisis:

1. Look for educational discounts: Many software companies offer discounts to educational institutions and non-profits. These discounts can be as much as 50% off the regular price. Be sure to check with the software vendor to see if they offer any discounts for charities. Some software vendors even have dedicated programs for non-profits, such as Microsoft's Nonprofit Program or Adobe's Non-profit Program. These programs offer discounted or even free software to eligible organisations.
   
   
2. Utilise open source software: There are many open source software options available that are completely free to use. Open-source software can be a good alternative to proprietary software in many cases. Some examples of open-source software include LibreOffice (an alternative to Microsoft Office), GIMP (an alternative to Adobe Photoshop), and Audacity (an audio editing program). One advantage of open-source software is that it is typically developed and maintained by a community of volunteers, so there is no cost for the software itself. Additionally, many open-source programs have the same features and capabilities as their proprietary counterparts, so you can get the same functionality without the price.
   
   
3. Negotiate with software vendors: Some software vendors may be willing to offer a discount to charities if they are approached and asked about it. It doesn't hurt to ask! Be sure to explain the work that your charity does and how the software would be used to demonstrate the value of the purchase. Some vendors may be willing to negotiate on price or offer bulk discounts if you are purchasing multiple licenses.
   
   
4. Use cloud-based software: Many cloud-based software services offer discounts to non-profits. This can be a good option for charities that don't want to purchase the software outright. Instead, the software is rented on a monthly or annual basis, which can be more affordable than purchasing it outright. Some examples of cloud-based software include Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Salesforce. These services typically offer discounts to non-profits, so be sure to check with the vendor to see if you are eligible.
   
   
5. Check with software resellers: Software resellers often offer discounts on software to charities. It's worth looking into this option to see if it is available. Be sure to compare prices between different resellers to get the best deal. Software resellers purchase software licenses in bulk at a discounted price and then resell them at a higher price, but still lower than the regular retail price. This can be a good way to save money on software purchases, particularly if you need multiple licenses.
   
   
6. Consider used or refurbished software: Buying used or refurbished software can be a good way to save money on software purchases. Some software vendors, such as Microsoft, offer refurbished software that has been inspected and tested to ensure that it is in good working condition. Other options for buying used software include purchasing from individuals or businesses that no longer need the software, or buying from software resellers that specialise in used software.
   
   
7. Use freemium software: Freemium software is software that is available for free but offers paid premium features. This can be a good option for charities that only need the basic features of the software and don't want to pay for the full version. Just be sure to read the terms of service carefully to make sure that the free version is sufficient for your needs and that you are not violating any terms by using it.
   
   
8. Look for free trials: Many software vendors offer free trials of their software, which can be a good way to try out the software before committing to a purchase. This can be particularly useful for charities that are considering purchasing expensive software and want to make sure that it is the right fit for their needs. Just be sure to cancel the trial before it expires if you decide not to purchase the software, as some trials will automatically convert to a paid subscription if you don't cancel in time.

By taking advantage of these options, charities can save money on technology software purchases and use those savings to further their mission and make a positive impact in their communities. Don't be afraid to shop around and negotiate to get the best deal on software for your charity. Every little bit helps, and every penny you save on software can be used to make a bigger difference in the world.