IT services are at the core of modern businesses and organizations. The reason nonprofits should outsource IT services is solid — you get more time and money to focus on helping out where it matters the most.

What Is IT Outsourcing?

IT outsourcing is the process of hiring a third-party IT support business that will provide you with specific technological services. This company will usually have IT support specialists and security experts who’ll be an extension of your staff. They play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of your technological systems and maintaining the security of your devices.

Outsourcing IT for nonprofits can include cloud-enabled outsourcing, app creation and utility services. By outsourcing to a managed service provider (MSP) instead of using an in-house IT team, nonprofit organizations (NPOs) can enjoy many benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Outsourcing IT Services for Nonprofits?

Nonprofits outsource their IT services for tasks like email management or website maintenance, freeing up essential time. There are many reasons why nonprofits should outsource IT services. Here are the top six benefits:

1. Nonprofits Can Save Money

Similar to for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations need websites, regular software updates and efficient internet solutions. Unlike other companies, nonprofits often need to save as much money as possible on general expenses to fund their missions. Hiring an in-house IT team could be costly and insufficient to provide all the solutions you need.

Outsourcing IT services gives you access to all the technology help you need. These teams are usually highly trained in everything from software updates to internet outages. You also save money on recruiting and onboarding, which you would pay if you were to hire an in-house IT team.

IT service teams have all the skills necessary to meet your needs and may be able to help you access discounts for software you might need.

2. Nonprofits Can Access Technology They May Not Be Able to Afford Otherwise

Outsourcing IT services for nonprofits means accessing technology that may cost too much with an in-house team. MSPs enable NPOs to take advantage of cloud-based solutions, which can be more affordable and reliable than on-site solutions.

Outsourced IT professionals can use analytics to draw in participants and repeat supporters, which could increase your donation rate. They’re also trained at securing vital information from donors or other members.

You also get access to 24-hour site monitoring, which ensures your site runs smoothly at all times. These features are especially beneficial for NPOs that must ensure their sites run well but don’t have the time or resources to consistently check their IT infrastructure.

3. Nonprofits Can Allow Teams to Focus Their Efforts Elsewhere

One of the greatest benefits of outsourcing IT for nonprofits is allowing your HR team or other volunteer staff to focus on what they do best. Instead of trying to learn how to use complex systems, they can put their energy toward ensuring the smooth functioning of the NPO.

For example, if a senior citizens center outsources its help desk, employees and volunteers can focus on improving the livelihoods of the people they serve. Without the outsourced team, they would have to dedicate crucial hours to training on the computer systems.

Handing the IT work to the professionals allows everyone on your team to be less stressed about solving computer issues. This is especially true in busy NPO areas like skilled nursing facilities, where everyone must be hands-on.

4. Nonprofits Can Experience Better Security

Cybersecurity is of the utmost importance for NPOs. Even a single data breach can ruin an organization’s reputation and create hesitancy among donors. One review found that nearly half of the NPOs in the United States had experienced a security breach in the previous 12 months.

A data breach can undo all the hard work your team has accomplished. Aside from releasing your donors’ information onto the dark web, it could also release data about the vulnerable groups your organization works for. For example, a cyberattack could release information that violates the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as patients’ records would be leaked.

Cybercriminals know that many NPOs have limited resources and don’t often prioritize IT, so NPOs are among their favorite targets.

Investing in outsourced IT services for nonprofits can help protect your organization in the long run. These extra measures will help current donors feel more secure and attract more donors to your NPO:

• Firewall applications to block ransomware
• Education and avoidance of phishing attempts
• Protection assistance to fight off cyberattacks

In addition to IT protection, NPOs must also secure outside access as many third parties may access their private documents. All partners and third-party vendors must sign an agreement before accessing vulnerable files.

5. Nonprofits Can Enjoy a Range of Convenient IT Services

Outsourcing your IT work offers you more than you might think. Here are some of the convenient services you could expect:

• Customer support: The outsourced IT team can handle donor inquiries, messages and customer questions or complaints. They can handle everything from a simple password reset to complicated problems like broken equipment.
• Server management: IT professionals can update and maintain servers to ensure optimal efficiency and performance.
• Software installations: Software installations can take time and usually mean downtime on the particular device. IT teams can install them quickly and without the need for downtime.

6. Nonprofits Can Get Better Scalability and Flexibility

As your organization changes, an outsourced IT team will be able to change with it. You can scale the services according to your current needs. Unlike with in-house IT teams, you can easily adjust your services as needed. This benefit includes reducing services and monthly payments if funds are low so you can focus your budget on more critical areas.

If your organization’s IT needs change, you won’t need to spend additional time modifying infrastructure or installing and uninstalling software. Your internal team won’t become burdened with extra tasks if your budget changes. It also allows you to allocate resources quickly without having long waiting periods.

Allow Your NPO To Thrive With IT Outsourcing From Prelude Services

Outsourcing your IT services to Prelude Services means you don’t have to stress about your digital needs. We take care of your IT strategic planning, security and data management. You also get 24/7 desktop support, cloud computing, IT vendor management and any other IT services you need so you can focus your efforts on your organization.

We are SSAE SOC Compliant, so your business and technology management will be in good hands. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and let us handle your IT needs so you can continue making a difference.