Jason Long
Conversation Date: September 11th, 2024 12pm CST
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How TechSoup Empowers Nonprofits with IT Solutions: A Conversation with Jason Long
Welcome back to the Million Dollar Nonprofit Podcast! In today’s episode, we dive into how TechSoup helps nonprofits overcome challenges and boost organizational efficiency. We’re not just talking about handling problems as they come up, but also about leveraging the right tools and support to streamline operations. When nonprofits have the right systems in place, they can focus more on what truly matters—their mission.
To guide us through this topic, we’re joined by Jason Long, an IT expert with over a decade of experience helping small to medium-sized nonprofits access enterprise-quality IT solutions at budget-friendly prices. Let’s get into how TechSoup can be a game-changer for nonprofits.
What Is TechSoup and How Does It Support Nonprofits?
Jason explains that TechSoup is itself a nonprofit, acting as a clearinghouse for large IT vendors such as Microsoft, Google, Adobe, and Cisco. These vendors use TechSoup to vet nonprofits and ensure they qualify for various services, such as free or heavily discounted licenses and devices.
For instance, through TechSoup, nonprofits can access Microsoft email licenses at a reduced or even free cost. This can be a tremendous relief for nonprofits looking to stretch every dollar to maximize their mission impact.
Resources TechSoup Provides
One of the popular offerings from TechSoup is refurbished devices. Jason shared a great example of nonprofits that need low-use workstations, such as residential housing facilities where clients mainly need internet access. TechSoup’s refurbished devices can be an affordable solution, allowing these organizations to get the equipment they need without breaking the bank.
Who Qualifies for TechSoup?
Most 501(c)(3) nonprofits can qualify for TechSoup’s services, but there are a few exceptions. Membership associations, politically affiliated organizations, private schools, and higher education institutions are typically not eligible. For everyone else, it’s a straightforward process. Once you’re vetted by TechSoup, you can access a wide range of tools and resources that can significantly reduce operational costs.
Leveraging Free Tools for Nonprofits
TechSoup also offers free services, such as annual Microsoft Azure credits, which can provide nonprofits with up to $2,500 worth of cloud services. This is perfect for small organizations with fewer than 30 users, as they can often cover all their IT needs without paying anything. Jason explains how moving to the cloud is now an affordable and effective way for nonprofits to store files, manage their IT infrastructure, and ensure cybersecurity.
The Importance of Policies and Procedures
When working with nonprofits, one of the most overlooked areas is the lack of policies and procedures. Small organizations often don’t think about technology use policies until they start scaling. Jason emphasizes how critical it is to have these rules in place from the get-go. TechSoup offers guidance on creating these policies for free, ensuring that as your nonprofit grows, it has the foundation to support a larger team while maintaining security and efficiency.
The Critical Need for Cybersecurity
Many nonprofits don’t take cybersecurity seriously until it’s too late. Jason shared a heartbreaking story of a small dog sanctuary that fell victim to ransomware. The sanctuary didn’t pay the ransom and lost all its files. While large-scale attacks on huge organizations make the news, it’s the smaller nonprofits that are often more vulnerable because they lack dedicated IT teams or robust security measures.
Jason advises nonprofits to focus on policies and procedures that mitigate risks, such as implementing multi-factor authentication and regularly backing up their data. While it’s easy to get caught up in flashy AI and cybersecurity solutions, the basics—like ensuring proper user onboarding and offboarding—are often the areas that pose the most significant risk if overlooked.
What Nonprofits Can Do Right Now to Boost Their Cybersecurity
Jason’s top tip for nonprofits is to immediately implement multi-factor authentication (MFA). It’s a zero-cost solution that can dramatically increase security by adding an extra layer of protection beyond just a username and password. He also suggests regularly backing up your data, whether you’re using Google Drive, OneDrive, or another cloud service. Backups ensure that if your organization does get hit by ransomware, you can restore your data without having to pay a ransom.
How to Get Started with TechSoup
If your nonprofit is interested in exploring what TechSoup has to offer, the process is straightforward. Simply visit TechSoup’s website, add your organization, and provide the necessary tax ID and verification. After a quick vetting process, typically two to three days, you’ll be able to access all the tools and resources available.
Closing Thoughts
This conversation highlights the importance of IT infrastructure and cybersecurity for nonprofits, regardless of their size. Many small organizations think IT is something they can push off until later, but as Jason pointed out, it’s crucial to start implementing these measures early on. Whether it’s setting up policies, securing licenses, or backing up data, these steps can save your organization from costly mistakes down the line.
If you’re a nonprofit looking for guidance on IT and cybersecurity, Jason Long and his team at Take No Quarter are here to help. You can connect with Jason on LinkedIn or through their website, where they offer free advice and tailored solutions for nonprofits.
Jason Long
Partnering with Nonprofit Leaders to improve IT support, Data management, and Cybersecurity
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Frequently
Asked Questions
TechSoup is a nonprofit organization that acts as a clearinghouse for large IT vendors such as Microsoft, Google, Adobe, and Cisco. It helps nonprofits access free or heavily discounted software licenses, hardware, and other tech resources to improve their operational efficiency.
Nonprofits can access a wide range of discounted or free products and services, including Microsoft email licenses, refurbished devices, and cloud credits like Microsoft’s Azure. These resources help nonprofits save on IT costs while maintaining professional-level infrastructure.
Most 501(c)(3) nonprofits qualify for TechSoup services, but there are a few exceptions. Membership associations, politically affiliated organizations, private schools, and higher education institutions typically do not qualify.
To get started, visit TechSoup’s website and click the “Add Your Organization” button. You’ll need your nonprofit’s tax ID and domain information. The verification process typically takes two to three days, after which your nonprofit can access TechSoup’s resources.
TechSoup offers free guidance on IT policies, procedures, and cybersecurity awareness. They also provide affordable access to tools like multi-factor authentication, backups, and security software, helping nonprofits protect their data from cyber threats.
Many nonprofits fail to implement basic policies and procedures, such as onboarding and offboarding processes for employees and volunteers. These gaps can create vulnerabilities, such as leaving access to sensitive data open after an employee leaves. Implementing strong policies and procedures early on can help prevent these issues.
Small nonprofits can easily implement affordable security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and regular data backups. Google Drive, OneDrive, and third-party services offer low-cost or free solutions for backing up important data, helping organizations protect themselves from ransomware or accidental data loss.
If your nonprofit experiences a cyber attack, the first step is to assess whether your data is backed up. If backups are in place, you can restore your systems without paying the ransom. If not, you may need to seek professional help to mitigate the impact. Jason Long also recommends having IT policies in place to ensure the proper removal of access when employees leave the organization to minimize risks.