FFC volunteers complete seven proving-ground modules before getting admin access to partner-charity systems. The program is 33-46 hours total and emphasizes mastery over speed — time estimates are learning guides, not deadlines.
Charity-facing version: freeforcharity.org/ffc-volunteer-proving-ground-core-competencies/.
Why the proving ground exists
Rigorous training ensures only the most dedicated and capable individuals get access to FFC internal systems and partner-charity data. Completing all seven modules demonstrates commitment and prepares a volunteer for real-world impact.
The seven modules
- Module 1 — LastPass — Security Standard (1-2 hours)
- Module 2 — Introduction to AI Assistants (2-4 hours)
- Module 3 — MS-900 — Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (12-16 hours)
- Module 4 — MS-700 — Teams Administration Fundamentals (8-12 hours)
- Module 5 — Microsoft OneDrive — Shared File System (2 hours)
- Module 6 — Microsoft Planner — Task Management in Teams (2 hours)
- Module 7 — Microsoft 365 Apps Quick Start (6-8 hours)
Module 1 — LastPass — Security Standard
Duration: 1-2 hours
Purpose: Establish secure password management as the foundation for all FFC system access.
Key concept: Volunteers handle nonprofit-client data. Protecting that data is the highest priority — never share credentials over email or text.
Proficiency task: Explain why sharing passwords through email or text poses security risks.
Resources:
- LastPass 101 official video
- LastPass User Training portal
- LastPass Authenticator app (MFA requirement)
Modern notes: FFC is evaluating Bitwarden / 1Password Teams as the post-LastPass replacement. Either way, the password-hygiene competency stays the same.
Module 2 — Introduction to AI Assistants
Duration: 2-4 hours
Purpose: Master generative AI tools as learning accelerators for every subsequent module.
Key concept: AI assistants enable self-directed learning — a critical volunteer skill since FFC cannot run synchronous training for every charity-side task.
Proficiency task: List four key elements of an effective AI prompt (context, role, constraints, output format).
Resources:
- Microsoft Copilot tutorial
- Google Gemini overview
- Mobile app access for both platforms
Modern notes: Update: Claude and GPT-class models are now the FFC primary recommendation; Copilot / Gemini remain acceptable. Prompt-engineering principles unchanged.
Module 3 — MS-900 — Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
Duration: 12-16 hours
Purpose: Foundational knowledge of M365 cloud services, apps, security, and compliance.
Key concept: FFC operational infrastructure is built on the Microsoft 365 platform. Every volunteer must understand the basics.
Proficiency task: Explain the primary difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 365 (subscription bundle vs. productivity-app suite).
Resources:
- Microsoft Learn self-paced course
- Official MS-900 study guide
- Optional: certification exam funding available case-by-case
Modern notes: Required for the Global Admin training plan. See /training-plan for the full progression beyond MS-900.
Module 4 — MS-700 — Teams Administration Fundamentals
Duration: 8-12 hours
Purpose: Microsoft Teams admin: teams, channels, governance, integrations.
Key concept: Teams is the central FFC collaboration hub. Volunteers must understand governance before getting admin rights.
Proficiency task: Differentiate between standard, private, and shared channels; provide a use case for each.
Resources:
- Microsoft Teams Quick Start video training
- MS-700 official learning path
- MS-700 study guide
- Optional: certification exam funding available case-by-case
Modern notes: Stage 2 of the Global Admin training plan. The exam itself is optional; the competency is mandatory.
Module 5 — Microsoft OneDrive — Shared File System
Duration: 2 hours
Purpose: Document access, organization, and secure sharing within FFC systems.
Key concept: OneDrive is the FFC single source of truth for all official documents. No charity work in personal Drive / Dropbox.
Proficiency task: Describe the steps to share a file with "View Only" permissions, including link expiry and required-sign-in options.
Resources:
- OneDrive video basics
- OneDrive Quickstart Guide (PDF)
- OneDrive Help & Learning Center
Modern notes: Pairs with SharePoint for the FFC team library. Volunteers join the shared library after completing this module.
Module 6 — Microsoft Planner — Task Management in Teams
Duration: 2 hours
Purpose: Task creation, management, and tracking for individual + team projects.
Key concept: Planner provides clear visibility into project progress and integrates with Teams as a tab.
Proficiency task: Explain the difference between a Bucket and a Task; describe how each is used to organize a charity engagement.
Resources:
- Microsoft Planner video training
- Planner integration guide for Teams
Modern notes: Project management for individual charity engagements. The FFC backlog itself is tracked in GitHub Issues / Projects.
Module 7 — Microsoft 365 Apps Quick Start
Duration: 6-8 hours
Purpose: Baseline proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint web applications.
Key concept: These apps are the universal standard for creating and sharing professional documents with partner charities.
Proficiency task: Explain how to share a document from any Microsoft 365 web app (Share button → permissions → link options).
Resources:
- Microsoft 365 Quick Starts official hub
Modern notes: Volunteers entering through the Canva Designer path follow a parallel competency in Canva Pro instead of PowerPoint.
What comes after
Volunteers who complete the proving ground graduate into the contributor ladder and pick one of the two modern training paths:
- Global Administrator — Microsoft 365 + GitHub + DNS administration.
- Canva Designer — brand identities + marketing materials for charities.
Cross-references
- wordpress-training-programs — the broader catalog this proving ground sits inside.
- wordpress-web-developer-training — the developer-specific platform tour that follows the proving ground.
- /contributor-ladder — modern progression path beyond the proving ground.