Running a non-profit organization is typically rewarding but also high pressure. Much of that pressure stems from all the financial rules and regulations a non-profit must follow. In addition, the money situation in these organizations is often tight. Finding funding and other methods to get revenue is a top priority, as is saving on operation costs. One area non-profits rely on heavily but often look to optimize financially is IT infrastructure.
In what ways can a non-profit organization save money on its IT? Here are some viable options.
Use Free Online Apps
Leveraging online resources and applications for branding, garnering reviews, and creative purposes is one of the first steps any non-profit should take.
Many online apps can be an option that offers free or low-cost subscriptions. These platforms allow organizations to direct online visitors to their cause via social media posts, blogs, and informational graphics that do a fantastic job of branding and marketing. Some online resources may be able to reach the extent of your marketing creativity.
Invest in Cybersecurity
Protecting data and resources from cybersecurity threats may involve some initial costs, but it can surely save a non-profit a massive amount of money if disaster strikes!
Investing in cybersecurity measures that fit an organization’s needs is vital, especially with the recent rise in malware attacks and phishing scams that try to attack innocent employees. Some cybersecurity companies even offer non-profit organizations discounts. It cannot be stressed enough how investing in protection could literally save a whole organization, or at least its sensitive data.
Think About Your Printing Options
Onsite printing for printed copies of newsletters, pamphlets, flyers, or other printed materials can ramp IT costs. While apps, programs, and printers can produce wonderful-looking printed copies, the expenses can skyrocket. Once non-profits factor in the time staff spends on printing and preparing the materials, the repair costs to machines, and the supply costs, using a local printing company becomes a far more financially viable option.
Use Web Conferencing Tools
The pandemic taught us early on that the old way of doing things when it comes to conferencing and holding meetings was outdated and expensive. In the past, people would travel to a venue to meet each other, greet each other, talk a little bit and then be on their way.
It was time-consuming, racked up costs, and was just so inefficient. Conferencing tools like Zoom, Webex, and Microsoft Teams are now an integral part of operating for many companies – and they should be for non-profits too!
They have a global reach, are mainly free (or have a minimal subscription cost when you hit a user cap), and are reliable. If your Internet connection is stable, these conferencing apps work exceptionally well. There’s nothing they can’t do that you couldn’t in real life, but they significantly save on costs and people’s time.
Use IT to generate money
Finally, instead of looking at how to save money on IT as a non-profit, what many similar organizations are doing is making their IT generate money for them. The two key ways NPOs do this is to get donations online and utilize social media.
There are plenty of easy ways to get donations online. Holding virtual fundraisers has become an incredibly popular method of generating money and has done an admirable job of replacing traditional black-tie events or bake sales.
Social media is the other online tool that an NPO needs to focus on. Everyone forgets that social media is free to use and has the best potential to reach people. With the right hashtags, content, and visual appeal, a non-profit organization post can create real financial gains via this free and easy-to-use online tool.
We want to leave you with some real, actionable help for your non-profit organization. Managed Services Group offers free support for organizations just like yours. Based in Maitland, Florida, MSG knows what to do to make organizations succeed in “the new normal.” But we specifically want to help non-profits in this time of change. Contact MSG today to see how they can help your non-profit organization today!
