Most nonprofits don’t have the luxury of a massive IT budget.

You’re juggling grant deadlines, donor expectations, and your mission. Every dollar matters. But here’s the catch: cybercriminals know this.

That’s why nonprofits have become prime targets for phishing scams, ransomware attacks, and data breaches. And when every system outage or stolen record puts your credibility — and funding on the line, cybersecurity can’t be treated like a wishlist item.

So how do you plan for it?

Here’s how to build a cybersecurity budget that makes sense for a nonprofit.

1. Understand What You’re Protecting

Before you throw money at software or services, get clear on what’s at stake:

  • Donor data
  • Staff records
  • Financial reports
  • Program management tools
  • Email systems

If you lose access to these for even a day, what would it cost your mission?

2. Start with the Basics

Not every nonprofit needs a six-figure security stack. But every organization needs to cover the basics:

  • Firewall & Endpoint Protection
  • Data Backups (cloud & local)
  • Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
  • Email Filtering & Spam Protection
  • Security Awareness Training

This is your cybersecurity foundation. Skipping these is like locking your front door but leaving the windows open.

3. Look at Total Cost of Inaction

A phishing scam that locks your files for ransom? That can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

A data breach involving donor records? That could mean lawsuits, lost funding, and a reputation hit you can’t afford.

When budgeting, compare the cost of protection against the cost of recovery. Prevention is cheaper — every time.

4. Tap Into Free & Low-Cost Resources

There are many nonprofit-specific tools and grants to help:

  • TechSoup offers discounted software and services
  • CISA provides free training and threat alerts
  • Your MSP (like I-M Technology) may offer nonprofit pricing, assessments, or bundled services

Don’t try to piece it all together on your own. Working with a trusted partner can stretch your budget further.

5. Plan for Growth, Not Just Survival

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time line item. As your nonprofit grows, your risks evolve.

That means:

  • Regular training refreshers for staff
  • Upgrading old hardware before it becomes a liability
  • Auditing software tools for vulnerabilities
  • Budgeting for incident response and insurance

Think of cybersecurity as capacity-building — protecting the infrastructure that supports your programs, people, and impact.

Need Help Building a Smart Cybersecurity Budget?

At I-M Technology, LLC, we specialize in working with NonProfits across Southern New England. We know the budget pressures, the compliance requirements, and the mission-critical nature of your work.

Let’s talk about how to build a cybersecurity plan that fits your size, budget, and goals.

📅 Book a free discovery call today: https://i-m.tech/discoverycall