If you run a non-profit organization, you are likely already preparing for National Non-Profit Day celebrations. You’re also likely to see numerous organizations, both non-profit and for-profit, expressing their appreciation for your work. This year, Power Consulting is doing what we do best and helping you understand the cybersecurity measures your non-profit needs.
| “Hackers don’t care about your mission. When they look at your non-profit, all they see is a potentially unprotected target. Break their expectations by securing your IT systems before they see them.” – Chris Power, CEO of Power Consulting |
Despite the sensitivity of the data most non-profit organizations hold, 59% of non-profits do not offer regular security awareness training. Part of this oversight comes from the fact that many non-profit leaders are unaware of what they need to tell their staff.
That’s why we’re here to educate you on what your non-profit needs to know. We’ll explore your unique risks and what steps you can take to mitigate them.
What is National Non-Profit Day?
National Non-Profit Day shines a spotlight on the essential role non-profit organizations play in strengthening communities, delivering vital services, and fostering positive change. The official holiday was created in 2017 by Sherita J. Herring to recognize non-profits’ impact on society.
National Non-Profit Day is observed every year on August 17th.
August 17 was chosen because that was the day that the Tariff Act of 1894 was signed. This act was the act that granted federal tax exemptions to non-profit organizations.
How to Celebrate National Non-Profit Day With The Gift of Data Security
Prioritize Donor Data Protection
Review how your organization stores and transmits donor information. Use encrypted databases and secure file-sharing platforms instead of email attachments or unprotected spreadsheets. Limit access to donor records to only those who need it for their job function.
Inventory Collected Data
Take stock of every piece of data your non-profit collects. Ask: What data do we collect? Where do we store it? Who uses it? Limit collection to only what’s essential and delete data once retention needs end. Reducing data volume lowers your risk if systems fail.
Disable Unused Accounts
Non-profits often keep accounts active “just in case,” but unused credentials are easy entry points for attackers. Identify old email addresses, cloud logins, and administrative accounts no longer in use. Deactivate or delete them completely, especially for former staff, interns, and contractors.
Back Up Critical Records
Create a backup plan that includes off-site or cloud-based copies of donor records, grant documents, tax filings, and program data. Non-profits rely on historical data for funding, audits, and compliance. A ransomware attack or hardware failure can permanently destroy this if no backups exist. Reliable recovery tools help you stay operational during a crisis.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication
Many non-profits rely on shared accounts or remote work arrangements, which can create easy entry points for attackers. So, it’s important to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all cloud platforms, email accounts, and financial systems. Use an authentication app or hardware key rather than SMS when possible, since it reduces the risk of SIM-swapping attacks.
| Explore Our Resources For More Cybersecurity Tips |
Secure Online Donation Pages
Donation pages are prime targets for skimming tools and fake form injections. Use a payment processor that complies with PCI standards and includes built-in fraud detection. Make sure your donation page uses HTTPS, avoids third-party redirects, and limits the amount of personal data collected.
Segment Your Network
Separate your office network from guest Wi-Fi and devices used for events or outreach. Use VLANs or firewall rules to restrict traffic between segments. Network segmentation keeps malware from spreading across all systems if one device gets compromised. This is especially important when your team uses a mix of personal and organizational devices.
Train on Phishing Recognition
Host short, focused training sessions that raise awareness on how to identify phishing emails. Use real-world examples and explain what to do if they suspect something is malicious. Reinforce this training throughout the year with follow-up materials.
Non-profits are often targeted with fake invoices, donation requests, or vendor notices. 91% of cyber attacks start with a phishing email, and perpetrators view your good-natured staff as prime targets for social engineering exploitation.
Here is an overview of some of the modules that your training program should include.
| Training Module | Description |
| Email Red Flags | Teaches how to spot suspicious sender details, urgent language, and attachments. |
| Fake Invoices & Donation Scams | Reviews common nonprofit-specific scams, including fake vendor or donor emails. |
| Link & Attachment Safety | Covers how to safely inspect links, handle unexpected files, or download prompts. |
| Impersonation Tactics | Shows how attackers mimic executives, vendors, or donors to trick staff. |
| Reporting Suspicious Activity | Provides a clear process for staff to report suspected phishing attempts. |
Screen Third-Party Vendors
Many non-profits outsource IT systems to save time and money. That introduces risk if those vendors have poor cybersecurity practices. Vetting third parties helps prevent outside weaknesses from putting your organization at risk.
| Choose a Trusted NYC IT Provider For Your NYC Non-Profit | ||
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Reach Out to Power Consulting This National Non-Profit Day
When you treat cybersecurity as a core function rather than an afterthought, you build resilience. That means smoother grant management, safer donor relationships, and stronger donor credibility across the board. These steps help your team focus on outcomes instead of firefighting threats.
By partnering with a provider who knows non-profit needs, you can make all these efforts easier and smarter. Power Consulting understands how non-profit budgets, grants, vendor relationships, and donor privacy all come together. We offer tailored IT support, cybersecurity architecture, disaster recovery planning, strategic budgeting help, and even grant support.
Talk to us today to keep your organization secure.
