This article summarizes key insights from Rea’s recent webinar on technology management for not-for-profit organizations. Watch the full webinar recording for detailed strategies and additional resources.
Your organization’s Windows 10 computers become security liabilities in October 2025. If this deadline caught you off guard, you’re not alone. Many not-for-profit leaders remain unaware of the end-of-support implications for their technology infrastructure.
Rea Information Services recently hosted a comprehensive webinar addressing the challenge facing mission-driven organizations: managing technology on tight budgets while protecting sensitive donor data and maintaining critical operations.
Why Not-for-Profits Are Prime Targets for Cyberattacks 
Cyber criminals specifically hunt nonprofits because they recognize a profitable combination: valuable data paired with limited IT resources. Jeff Rapp, Director of Rea Information Services, emphasized that attackers
see lean IT teams and aging systems as low-hanging fruit.
“For not-for-profits, cybersecurity isn’t an IT issue. It’s a mission issue,” explained Travis Strong from Rea Information Services.
Threats extend beyond external attackers. Insider risks from employees, volunteers, or contractors can expose data through intentional actions or simple mistakes. Legacy systems (older technology platforms that organizations continue using long after better alternatives become available) compound these vulnerabilities by no longer receiving security patches.
Corporate-Level Security on Community Budgets
Effective cybersecurity doesn’t require corporate-level spending. The Rea team outlined affordable measures that dramatically reduce risk:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) serves as your first defense line. This security layer should protect email access and remote network connections. Many cyber insurance providers now mandate MFA and offer premium reductions.
- Security tools continuously monitor computer and server activities, detecting, investigating, and responding to cyber threats.
- Staff training transforms your weakest link into your strongest defense. Modern phishing attacks use artificial intelligence to create sophisticated messages that are increasingly difficult to detect.
- Regular, tested backups provide recovery lifelines from ransomware attacks. Testing restoration procedures is crucial. Organizations have discovered during emergencies that backup systems weren’t functioning, leaving them rebuilding months of lost data.
Cyber Insurance Requirements
Cyber insurance has become essential, but policies include strict requirements. Insurance companies deny claims if you haven’t implemented security measures you attested to during application.
Look for policies that include third-party coverage, protecting your organization when vendors or partners experience security incidents. Many nonprofits now host critical applications with external providers. Without third-party coverage, vendor incidents leave you without recourse.
Quality policies include value-added services like pre-breach risk assessments and incident response support.
Stretching Technology Dollars
Strategic planning multiplies limited technology budgets. Creating three-year technology roadmaps helps anticipate expenses and identify reallocation opportunities.
Grant opportunities abound, but staying local often yields better results. Local funders understand your community impact and support technology investments serving regional needs. Technology components can be incorporated into any grant application.
Key resources to assist with funding for information technology include:
- TechSoup provides substantial hardware and software discounts from major manufacturers.
- Microsoft 365 offers up to 70 percent discounts for qualifying not-for-profits, including email, productivity applications, and security features.
- For organizations facing the Windows 10 deadline, Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program offers continued protection at $61 per machine for the first year.
AI as Organizational Co-Pilot
AI tools provide accessible support without massive technology investments. Rather than replacing staff, AI serves as a co-pilot for grant writing, donor communication, task automation, and data analysis.
Human oversight remains essential. AI excels at drafting content, but human judgment drives relationship building, empathy, and accountability. Organizations should develop appropriate use policies while ensuring staff understand AI’s assistant role.
Third-Party Risk Management
Your security is only as strong as your weakest vendor. Increasing reliance on cloud applications means assessing third-party security practices as rigorously as internal controls.
Moving Forward
Technology should amplify mission impact, not drain resources. Rea brings decades of experience helping not-for-profits, healthcare organizations, and manufacturing and distribution companies optimize technology investments while maintaining robust security.
Ready to transform technology from budget burden into mission multiplier? Rea specializes in helping organizations maximize technology investments while maintaining security. Contact us to discuss how strategic IT management can power your objectives forward without compromising financial constraints.
