The truth is that many organizations would like to have a secure IT environment but very often this need comes into conflict with other priorities. Nonprofits often find the task of keeping the business functions aligned with the security process highly challenging. When economic circumstances look dire, it is easy to turn security into a checklist item that keeps being pushed back. However the reality is that, in such situations, security should be a primary issue. The likelihood of threats affecting your organization will probably increase and the impact can be more detrimental if it tarnishes your reputation.
You have a mission. You work hard to make a difference for something you believe in. You also work hard to get others to believe in your work and support you.
The reason you should care about technology is because it can work with you in supporting your mission – and getting others to support you. Is it going to magically fix all your problems overnight? No. But there's a lot it can do – from helping your organization to work more effectively to helping you engage donors and funders. Technology is not something you can assign to an IT team/consultant/volunteer to deal with and forget about. Everyone in an organization has a role to play, including the ED, board, IT support and every staff and volunteer who experiences the benefits – or pain – of using your technology on a daily basis.
