Technology is the engine that keeps programs delivering, donors engaged, and teams connected. Yet many nonprofit leaders are overwhelmed by outdated systems, constant cybersecurity threats, and the challenge of supporting a hybrid workforce on limited resources.

If you've ever searched for IT support for nonprofits, managed service providers for nonprofit organizations, or nonprofit IT outsourcing, you’ve likely discovered a frustrating truth:

Most nonprofits are expected to operate like modern enterprises—but with a fraction of the budget and technical staff.

This guide will show you exactly what to look for in nonprofit-focused IT support, what pitfalls to avoid, and why the right MSP partnership can dramatically improve security, efficiency, and staff productivity.

Why Nonprofits Need Specialized IT Support

Nonprofits don’t operate like traditional for-profit companies. From donor privacy to grant reporting to secure program delivery, their technology needs are unique.

1. Sensitivity of Data

Nonprofits often hold:

• Donor and financial information

• Protected health information (PHI)

• Client service records

• Staff and volunteer personal data

A breach disrupts trust, interrupts services, triggers mandatory reporting, and can result in steep regulatory consequences.

2. Lean Teams and Limited Budgets

Many nonprofit teams operate with:

• No dedicated IT staff

• A single overextended “accidental techie”

• Tools that were never designed to scale

This creates a reactive tech environment where issues pile up until something breaks.

3. Distributed or Field-Based Workforces

Whether serving clients in the community or working remotely across locations, nonprofits rely heavily on:

• Mobile devices

• Cloud apps

• Public Wi-Fi

• Laptops taken into uncontrolled environments

These endpoints are now the primary entry point for cyberattacks.

4. Funders Increasingly Require Strong Cybersecurity

Cyber insurance, compliance reviews, and grant-related IT requirements are stricter than ever.
Funders want assurances that their investments—and the communities they serve—are protected.

What the Right Managed Service Provider (MSP) Should Do for Nonprofits

A modern MSP must do far more than “fix computers.” For nonprofits, the right partner acts as a technology advisor, a co-manager, and an extension of your internal team, not just a help desk.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Strengthen Endpoint Security (Where Most Attacks Begin)

During a recent episode of The Nonprofit Show, Cortavo’s Engineering Director Josh Fricovsky highlighted a critical truth, the majority of cyberattacks begin at the end user, through their laptop, phone, or email.

A nonprofit-ready MSP must secure:

• Laptops and desktops

• Mobile devices

• Tablets and field devices

• Email platforms

• Remote access tools

• Wi-Fi connections

This includes protections like:

• Managed endpoint detection & response (EDR)

• Mobile device management (MDM)

• Secure VPN for staff working offsite

• Managed patching & software updates

• Multifactor authentication (MFA) enforcement

2. Build a Culture of Cyber Awareness

Technology alone can’t stop human error, so nonprofits must invest in:

• Staff cybersecurity training

• Phishing simulations

• Policy guidance on device usage

• Alerts for suspicious activity

• Clear incident-response procedures

A strong MSP should take responsibility for staff education—not leave it solely on your team.

3. Implement Data Protection That Meets Donor, Client & Regulatory Expectations

Nonprofits often need to meet higher standards than commercial organizations because of:

• Donor trust

• HIPAA requirements

• Grant governance

• Financial audit requirements

• Insurance mandates

A strong MSP helps you align with best practices like:

• Data encryption at rest and in transit

• Access controls and permissions

• Secure cloud file management

• Backup and disaster recovery

• Logging and monitoring

• Risk assessments and vulnerability scans

4. Provide Predictable, Nonprofit-Friendly Pricing

Technology shouldn’t be a surprise expense. Nonprofits thrive when they can:

• Reduce unpredictable IT costs

• Avoid expensive emergency fixes

• Replace capital expenditures with all-inclusive services

• Access enterprise-grade tools without enterprise budgets

5. Guide You Through the Rapid Rise of AI—Safely

AI is transforming fundraising, donor communication, grant research, and program operations.

But it also introduces new risks:

• Data pasted into public AI tools may be stored or exposed

• Staff may unknowingly share confidential client information

• Inferior tools store data on overseas servers

• “Shadow AI” usage creates compliance gaps

Your MSP should help you:

• Select safe, compliant AI platforms

• Set guardrails for staff usage

• Build private, organization-controlled AI models when necessary

• Enforce access rules and data protections

The Cost of Inaction for Nonprofits

Failing to invest in IT protection can lead to:

• Loss of donor trust

• Grant disqualification

• Compromised client information

• Ransomware attacks

• Service disruptions

• Reputational damage that can take years to repair

Nonprofits can’t afford reactive IT.
They need proactive, protective, and purpose-aligned technology partners.

Featured Conversation: JMT Consulting + Cortavo on Nonprofit Cybersecurity

During a recent episode of The Nonprofit Show, Cortavo’s Engineering Director, Josh Fricovksy joined JMT Consulting and shared timely insights on the rising responsibilities of nonprofit leaders in cybersecurity.

Here are key takeaways from their discussion:

➡ The responsibility for data protection is shared across the entire organization.

From executives to front-line staff, every team member must understand risks and safe practices.

➡ Nonprofits are increasingly targeted because attackers expect outdated defenses.

Smaller organizations are often the easiest entry point.

➡ Most breaches start at devices—not servers.

Personal phones, unmanaged laptops, and public Wi-Fi are the silent vulnerabilities.

➡ AI is powerful but dangerous without clear safeguards.

Nonprofits should use approved tools, avoid pasting sensitive data into public models, and consider private AI environments.

➡ A co-managed MSP approach gives nonprofits enterprise-level security without the enterprise cost.

This partnership model enables nonprofits to stay secure, compliant, and confident—even without a full internal IT team.

📺 Watch the full conversation here:

How Cortavo Supports Nonprofits

Cortavo is an all-inclusive managed IT provider that partners with nonprofits to deliver:

• Unlimited IT support

• Managed security (threat detection, compliance support)

• Cloud services and Microsoft 365 management

• Network modernization & Wi-Fi improvements

• Device lifecycle management

• AI readiness assessments and safe deployment guidance

• Backup & disaster recovery

• Strategic technology planning

• Predictable monthly pricing

Cortavo helps your organization stay protected, supported, and equipped to grow its mission.

Is Your Nonprofit Ready for Better IT Support?

If you’re searching for IT support for nonprofits, nonprofit MSP services, or nonprofit cybersecurity help, your team may already be feeling the strain of outdated technology or rising threats.

Cortavo helps nonprofits reduce risk, strengthen operations, modernize their IT foundation, and protect the communities they serve.

👉 Learn more about Cortavo’s nonprofit solutions
👉 Schedule a complimentary IT Assessment
👉 Watch our nonprofit cybersecurity conversation