Being a part of a nonprofit organization means contributing to a cause greater than yourself and the desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. While the primary focus is on advancing the mission, it’s equally important to have the necessary technical infrastructure to ensure efficiency, security, and overall operational success. This involves making informed decisions about budgeting for IT, adopting sustainable practices, and ensuring robust cybersecurity.
Aligning IT with Budget Cycles
Most nonprofits operate within fixed budget cycles or are subject to the ebbs and flows of grant funding. With such budget constraints, IT needs can sometimes be overlooked or underestimated, especially when other programmatic needs feel more urgent. However, considering the increased reliance on technology, nonprofits should prioritize IT budgeting to prevent potential roadblocks in the future.
One strategy is to follow a proactive and staggered approach to hardware replacement. For instance, replacing one-third of the computers every year can ensure the technology remains current and reliable. This approach can be particularly beneficial given the financial realities of many nonprofits, providing predictability and minimizing the potential of sudden, large expenses related to hardware failures.
Leveraging Donated and Discounted Software
Sustainable IT Practices
Nonprofits are often ahead of the curve when it comes to cloud adoption, which aligns with both budget constraints and the trend towards remote work. Cloud solutions offer significant cost savings, enhance collaboration among teams, and provide robust data security, especially beneficial for nonprofits functioning with a remote or hybrid workforce.
It is important to ensure the right security measures are in place to support these work environments. In addition, some nonprofits choose to adopt sustainable practices by donating their outgoing equipment to community organizations that refurbish and redistribute them. This action not only assists other organizations but also aligns with the philanthropic mission of many nonprofits.
Assessing Security Requirements
Cybersecurity is paramount for all organizations, including nonprofits. Some nonprofits work with community members who exchange their Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for services. Others operate in sensitive areas such as healthcare, where HIPAA regulations apply. While some nonprofits may not be heavily regulated, all should prioritize cybersecurity to protect their operations and those they serve.
For nonprofits receiving government or large-scale private funding, we recommend thoroughly reviewing the funding agreements to understand and comply with any IT-related requirements. Comprehensive IT solutions can help maintain robust security measures that adapt to various compliance standards and prevent potential security incidents.
Onset Red: A Path to Enhanced Cybersecurity
Given the diverse needs and security concerns of nonprofits, adopting a comprehensive solution like Onset Red can be a strategic step towards enhanced cybersecurity. Although not a full Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) solution, Onset Red brings many aspects of advanced cybersecurity within reach for nonprofit organizations.
Our goal with Onset Red is to provide proactive, layered, and adaptable cybersecurity solutions that are affordable for nonprofits. This includes network monitoring, endpoint security, and education for your staff on cybersecurity best practices.
