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 Yet many nonprofit leaders are overwhelmed by outdated systems, constant cybersecurity threats, and the challenge of supporting a hybrid workforce on limited resources.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.
Nonprofits don’t operate like traditional for-profit companies. From donor privacy to grant reporting to secure program delivery, their technology needs are unique.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
Managed endpoint detection & response (EDR)
Mobile device management (MDM)
Secure VPN for staff working offsite
Managed patching & software updates
Multifactor authentication (MFA) enforcement
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.
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
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
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
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.
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:
From executives to front-line staff, every team member must understand risks and safe practices.
Smaller organizations are often the easiest entry point.
Personal phones, unmanaged laptops, and public Wi-Fi are the silent vulnerabilities.
Nonprofits should use approved tools, avoid pasting sensitive data into public models, and consider private AI environments.
This partnership model enables nonprofits to stay secure, compliant, and confident—even without a full internal IT team.
📺 Watch the full conversation here:
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.
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