Technology allows nonprofits to run more efficiently, engage with donors and volunteers, and achieve their missions all while operating on a lean budget. However, tech isn't always cooperative, and for nonprofits, dealing with system crashes, software updates, and cyberthreats can quickly become expensive and overwhelming.
Managed IT services providers (MSPs) are the answer for nonprofits looking to focus on their mission and not stress about technology issues. Here's how MSPs can help your nonprofit succeed:
Save time
Within a limited amount of time, many nonprofits juggle multiple projects, fundraising campaigns, and community initiatives. IT issues can take away valuable time from these important tasks.
In a “done for you” arrangement, managed IT services take the burden of tech management off your plate, offering comprehensive solutions that ensure systems are running efficiently and troubleshooting any problems before they turn into major disruptions. By outsourcing IT, your staff can focus more on driving your nonprofit’s mission forward instead of worrying about technical difficulties.
For larger organizations or those who have some technical resources already, a “done with you” approach (also known as “co-managed”) can give your team better visibility into your IT systems, automate common maintenance tasks, and provide you tools to better support your organization. And when more complex items come up, or if you simply don’t have the bandwidth to address an issue, your MSP partner is available to step in and provide some additional assistance.
Scale efficiently
Nonprofits need technology that can grow as they do. If your nonprofit is expanding, you need scalable technology that can accommodate the growth without costing a fortune. At the same time, you also need staff to help manage the growing IT demands.
Fortunately, MSPs can help your organization quickly expand its IT infrastructure without exhausting your existing team. Whether you're opening a new office, adding new users, expanding services, or deploying more sophisticated software, managed IT services provide the flexibility you need to scale, keeping your nonprofit's technology aligned with its goals.
Proactive maintenance
Time you spend dealing with technical issues such as software glitches, system failures, and cybersecurity scares is time taken away from your nonprofit's core mission. If you let these problems linger, they can turn into bigger issues that can disrupt operations and potentially impact the trust your organization has earned. Smaller “break/fix” IT providers may not proactively identify issues, leading to disruptions in your operations.
MSPs are different. They identify and fix potential problems before they escalate, regularly update software, and provide round-around-the-clock support. This prevents bigger and more serious tech issues from occurring and minimizes downtime, so your nonprofit can continue its important work without interruption.
On-demand support
If your nonprofit experiences a technical issue, you need to get it resolved as quickly as possible. Instead of scrambling to find help or waiting for days to resolve an issue, you’ll have 24/7 access to technical support with an MSP. Top MSPs can offer both remote and on-site support. In many cases, an MSP can diagnose and resolve problems quickly by connecting to your systems remotely. On the other hand, on-site support is sometimes needed or is more efficient for more complex problems, such as hardware failures and network issues, or in a scenario where it works more effectively to have a regular site visit by a technician.
Access to IT experts
With managed IT services, you gain access to a pool of seasoned IT professionals who bring a diverse range of expertise to the table. Whether you need help with network security, software updates, or disaster recovery planning, these professionals are well-versed in the latest technologies to ensure your nonprofit's IT systems are running smoothly. Their expertise also covers IT consulting, providing valuable insights that can help your nonprofit make informed decisions regarding technology investments that support your long-term success.
Predictable and cost-effective pricing
Nonprofits live by their budgets, and unpredictable IT costs can throw a wrench in financial planning, making it difficult to anticipate costs.
Depending on how you arrange an agreement with an MSP, you may be able to contract for flat-rate pricing that covers everything from routine maintenance to emergency support. Many MSPs charge based on a per-user or per-device basis, making it easier for nonprofits to budget and plan for their IT expenses.
Improved cybersecurity
Cyberthreats are another major concern for nonprofits. Hackers often target charitable organizations, as they may have less sophisticated security systems in place, or sensitive or or valuable data that can be stolen and sold on the dark web.
By partnering with an MSP, your organization will have access to the latest cybersecurity measures to protect your nonprofit's data and systems from cyberattacks. Advanced cybersecurity services can continuously monitor for potential vulnerabilities, conduct regular security audits, and provide customized security solutions tailored to your organization's risk profile. Such proactive measures can save your nonprofit from the devastating impact of cyber incidents, including financial loss, reputational damage, and operational disruptions.
If you think your technology is hindering your nonprofit’s success rather than helping it, partner with Fidelis today. We're a leading MSP that's dedicated to helping nonprofits achieve their missions through reliable, cost-effective managed IT services. Contact us now for a free consultation and see how we can help your nonprofit reach its full potential.