There is no industry or sector spared from the lockdowns implemented by governments to help curb the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Technology giant Microsoft is now providing tech and cloud support to not for profit organizations on the frontline of the global health crisis.

In his blog post, Justin Spelhaug, GM of Microsoft Philanthropies, said Microsoft is responding as a form of support to these nonprofits that are forced to transition to working remotely while still ensuring that individuals who need help are provided for during the crisis.

Through its Tech for Social Impact with Microsoft Philanthropies, the company commits $35 million “to double our Microsoft Azure credits, increase our Windows benefits and add new pro bono services to help critical care and first response nonprofits in their efforts to combat COVID-19.”

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The company said it will give priority to “critical care and first response profits limited to health support, human services, public safety, food and nutrition, housing support and COVID-19 research organizations.”

Azure, data analytics

“While we have temporarily placed limits in some regions on free Azure offers to prioritize existing customers, Microsoft is committed to serve and enable first responders with the technology and resources they need in this critical time,” Spelhaug said.

Microsoft is doubling its cloud service Azure credit from $3,500 to $7,000 to be used within 12 months. It also made 100 licenses of Windows Upgrade for its Windows Virtual Desktop through the TechSoup donation offer and coupling that with a Windows Enterprise E3 trial for up to 100 seats for six months.

As the pandemic continues to claim lives, Microsoft’s support is hoped to accelerate deployment of its three new remote services, including Azure Onboarding Concierge, Windows Virtual Desktop Help Desk, and Microsoft Community Training (MCT) Concierge free of charge.

Microsoft hopes to assist these organizations in their remote work and training, maximize available resources, and leverage data analytics in their own response to the pandemic.

Microsoft’s Nonprofit Data Warehouse Quickstart will assist nonprofits in organizing and analyzing their data to immediately — and efficiently — support communities in need.

Nonprofits can go to Microsoft Nonprofit Portal for more details.