Microsoft deletes nonprofit data permanently

Microsoft has admitted to accidentally deleting data from numerous nonprofit organizations due to a license-switching error. The issue arose when Microsoft retired its 365 Business Premium Grant license, prompting nonprofits to migrate to the free Microsoft 365 Business Basic. Despite advising customers to move their data, Microsoft failed to retain it, resulting in permanent and irretrievable data loss for affected organizations.

This situation impacts all nonprofits with expired Business Premium subscriptions. Microsoft has offered a "concierge service" to aid in setting up new Microsoft 365 Business Basic accounts. However, given the irreversible data loss, affected organizations may consider alternative platforms like Google Workspace or Zoho Workplace, especially if they lack their own data backups. The company has expressed regret over the incident.