Microsoft 2025 release wave 2: What nonprofits need to know

Why you need to prepare for the Wave 2 release

Microsoft’s 2025 release wave 2 for Dynamics 365 and Microsoft 365 is rolling out automatically between October 2025 and March 2026. Unlike other updates, you can’t opt out or delay it, which means early preparation is critical. 

For nonprofits that use Dynamics 365 daily, even minor disruptions can have a major impact. Preparing ahead of time ensures your team transitions smoothly and keeps essential operations running without interruption. 

Key dates

The release is deployed in stages worldwide: 

• Canada: September 29, 2025 

• Australia & New Zealand: October 6, 2025 

• General availability continues through March 2026 

If your nonprofit operates across regions, test in each environment separately, as timing may vary. 

How to prepare for the update

✔ Start testing Wave 2 updates in September 2025. 
✔ Check workflows, automations, and integrations. 
✔ Review licensing requirements and budget accordingly. 
✔ Seek expert support to reduce disruption.

New features for nonprofits

The 2025 release wave 2 doubles down on AI (Copilot + autonomous agents), automation, and deeper Microsoft 365 integration. Here’s what’s changing and why it matters to your nonprofit. 

Fundraising

Dynamics 365 Sales 

• Copilot summarises opportunities, preps for meetings, and reduces manual admin. 

• AI-driven lead research validates and enriches records automatically. 

• New Copilot agents help with prospecting, qualifying, and follow-up. 

• Managers gain improved forecasting, quota tools, and Power BI dashboards.

Impact: If your nonprofit has a fundraising or partnerships team, this update makes pipeline management easier. AI can qualify leads (e.g., donors, sponsors, members) and reduce time spent on admin, so staff focus on relationships and revenue growth. 

Supporter Services

Dynamics 365 Customer Service 

• New admin centre app with guided setup and proactive system health checks. 

• Copilot drafts responses, summarises cases, and automates repetitive tasks. 

• Smarter unified routing sends cases to the best available agent. 

• Supervisors gain stronger monitoring tools and analytics. 

Impact: For nonprofits handling high volumes of supporter queries (donations, events, memberships), this update means faster response times and less pressure on staff. 

Dynamics 365 Contact Centre 

• Copilot powers agent workflows and self-service. 

• Expanded support for voice, chat, SMS, Teams, and social. 

• Workforce engagement management tools for scheduling, training, and staff performance. 

Impact: Nonprofits offering services or helplines can provide better support across every channel. Staff and volunteers can be scheduled and supported more effectively. 

Data and Marketing

Customer Insights (Data & Journeys) 

• Unified 360° supporter profiles feed into Copilot and agents. 

• AI-driven segmentation, campaign orchestration, and cross-channel activation. 

• Faster real-time insights with Microsoft Fabric integration. 

Impact: A single supporter view makes it easier to run personalised campaigns, from donor thank-yous to volunteer recruitment. 

Service Delivery

Dynamics 365 Field Service 

• Improved scheduling tools and mobile usability 

• Copilot work order support inside Teams and Outlook 
   

Impact: Smarter coordination for housing, healthcare, or community services delivered in the field. 

Finance & Operations

Dynamics 365 Business Central 

• AI-assisted bookkeeping and reporting 

• Stronger tax compliance and e-invoicing 

• Sustainability reporting for emissions and compliance 

Impact: Better oversight for complex finances, social enterprises, and international operations.

How XP can support your nonprofit

At Xtreme Productivity, we help nonprofits manage Microsoft updates without the stress. Our process: 

1. Back up your data to ensure nothing is lost. 
2. Implement Wave 2 updates and check for compatibility. 
3. Test updates thoroughly so nothing breaks when Wave 2 arrives. 
4. Deploy changes live with minimal disruption to your staff and supporters. 

For more information on the 2025 Wave 2 Release plan, read Microsoft’s blog here.  

Here are some other resources for additional information:  

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Release Schedule 

• BeyondDynamics Wave 2 Overview