Eco-Local Actions (name changed) is an environmental nonprofit that promotes ecological transition. For 6 years, it used Google Workspace Nonprofits, the free offering for nonprofits. In 2025, it decided to migrate to kSuite. Here\'s why and how.
The Context
Eco-Local Actions was founded in 2017. The organization now has 200 members, a team of 20 active volunteers, and 2 part-time employees. It organizes workshops, conferences, and awareness campaigns in schools and businesses.
From the start, the nonprofit used Google Workspace Nonprofits: 15 email addresses, Google Drive for shared documents, Google Meet for remote meetings, Google Calendar to coordinate volunteers.
The Consistency Problem
In 2024, a discussion at the annual general meeting raised a contradiction.
"We talk about digital sobriety, data sovereignty, the environmental impact of the cloud... and we use Google. There\'s a consistency problem here."
This remark opened a debate within the board of directors. Several questions emerged:
- Where is the nonprofit\'s data actually hosted?
- What is Google\'s carbon footprint?
- Can we advocate independence from multinationals while depending on Google?
- What happens if Google changes the terms of its free offering?
Evaluating Alternatives
The board tasked a working group with evaluating alternatives. Three options were studied:
Option 1: Stay on Google
The status quo. Free, functional, but contradictory to the nonprofit\'s values.
Option 2: Self-Hosting (Nextcloud)
Open source solution, total control. But requires technical skills, maintenance time, and a server. The organization doesn\'t have the human resources for that.
Option 3: Infomaniak kSuite
Swiss hosting, 100% renewable energy, carbon offset. Paid (~60€/month for 10 users), but affordable for the nonprofit.
The board voted for option 3. The cost was acceptable given the consistency regained.
The Criteria That Made the Difference
Infomaniak\'s Environmental Commitment
For an environmental nonprofit, this was the number one criterion. Infomaniak checks all the boxes:
- Data centers powered 100% by Swiss hydroelectric energy
- 200% carbon emission offset
- Natural cooling (alpine air)
- Extended hardware lifespan
Google also commits to renewable energy, but on a global scale and with less transparency on offsets.
Independence from Big Tech
The nonprofit advocates for digital sobriety and alternatives to tech giants. Using their tools was a visible contradiction.
Long-Term Security
Google Nonprofits is free today, but Google can change the terms at any time. The organization prefers paying a known and stable price rather than depending on a free offering that could disappear.
The Migration in Practice
The migration was carried out by volunteers from the working group, with occasional help from InfoSwitch for technical aspects.
Step 1: Account Creation
Creation of the 10 needed kSuite accounts (the 15 Google addresses included accounts that had become inactive). Configuration of the kDrive folder structure.
Step 2: Pre-Migration Training
Before the migration, a presentation session on the new tools for active volunteers. Explanation of differences and new habits to adopt.
Step 3: File Migration
Export from Google Drive (approximately 200 GB), import into kDrive. The operation was done in stages for the largest folders (photos, event videos).
Step 4: Email Migration
IMAP migration of the most important mailboxes (board, employees). Less active mailboxes were archived.
Step 5: DNS Switch
MX records changed to point to Infomaniak. New emails now arrive on kSuite.
Total Duration
3 weeks from start to finish, with approximately 20 hours of volunteer work spread across several people.
Challenges Encountered
Adoption by Less Tech-Savvy Volunteers
Some older volunteers had been used to Gmail for years. The interface change required an adjustment period. Video tutorials and an internal hotline helped.
Document Sharing
Volunteers used Google Docs extensively for collaboration. OnlyOffice in kDrive works differently. Some habits had to be relearned.
Public Sharing Habits
The nonprofit often shared public Google Drive links (educational resources). These links became inactive after the migration. New links had to be created from kDrive and the website had to be updated.
6 Months Later: The Assessment
Volunteer Satisfaction
An internal survey showed that 85% of volunteers are satisfied or very satisfied. The main positive feedback:
- Pride in the regained consistency
- Pleasant webmail interface
- kMeet works well for meetings
The negative feedback:
- Occasional bugs with OnlyOffice
- Fewer third-party integrations than with Google
Financial Impact
The switch from free to paid (~720€/year) was absorbed by the communications budget, considered an investment in consistency. Several members even praised the organization for this decision.
The Educational Argument
The nonprofit now uses its own migration as an example in its awareness workshops. "If we could do it, so can you" has become a recurring argument.
"Before, when we talked about alternatives to Big Tech, people asked us what we used ourselves. We were embarrassed. Now we can answer proudly."
Advice for Nonprofits
Here is Eco-Local Actions\' advice for nonprofits considering a similar move.
Accept the Cost
Google\'s free offering has a hidden cost: your data, your dependence, your consistency. An Infomaniak subscription is an investment in your values.
Involve Volunteers
Make the migration a collective project, not an imposed decision. Volunteers who participate in the reflection accept the change more readily.
Train Before Switching
A training session before the migration greatly reduces post-migration difficulties.
Plan a Transition Period
Keep access to Google for a few weeks after migration to recover anything that may have been missed.
Conclusion
For Eco-Local Actions, leaving Google Workspace was a matter of consistency. The organization could not advocate digital sobriety and independence from multinationals while using their tools.
The migration required effort, but six months later, the results are very positive. The organization has regained a consistency that strengthens its credibility with members and partners.
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