Protect Your Mission.
Secure Your Donors' Trust.
Non-profit organizations are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals who exploit limited IT budgets, volunteer access, and valuable donor data. Petronella Technology Group delivers cybersecurity solutions designed specifically for the unique challenges non-profits face.
Trusted by 2,500+ organizations since 2002. BBB A+ Accredited since 2003. Zero breaches among clients following our security program.
Why Non-Profits Cannot Afford to Ignore Cybersecurity
Non-profits hold donor credit card numbers, social security numbers, health information, and personally identifiable information. A single data breach can destroy decades of community trust overnight.
Donor Data Protection
Your donors trust you with their personal and financial information. Credit card numbers, bank accounts, addresses, and giving histories must be protected with the same rigor that for-profit businesses apply. A breach exposes your donors and your organization to devastating consequences.
Grant Compliance
Federal, state, and foundation grants increasingly require demonstrable cybersecurity controls. Without proper data protection measures, your organization risks losing funding, failing audits, and being disqualified from future grant opportunities.
Budget-Conscious Security
We understand that every dollar diverted from your mission matters. Our security solutions are designed for non-profit budgets, delivering maximum protection at the lowest possible cost. You should not have to choose between cybersecurity and serving your community.
Volunteer Access Management
Non-profits rely on volunteers who come and go frequently. Managing access for a constantly rotating workforce creates unique security challenges. We implement controls that give volunteers the access they need while preventing unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data.
Why Cybercriminals Target Non-Profits
Non-profit organizations are among the most targeted entities in the cybersecurity landscape, and most do not realize it until it is too late. Attackers see non-profits as soft targets: organizations with valuable data, limited security budgets, high volunteer turnover, and often outdated technology. The data you hold, including donor financial information, beneficiary personal details, and employee records, is just as valuable on the dark web as data from any for-profit business.
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Business email compromise (BEC) attacks are particularly devastating for non-profits. Attackers impersonate executive directors, board members, or major donors to trick staff into wiring funds, changing payment details, or sharing sensitive information. A single successful BEC attack can divert tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funds or donations to criminal accounts, often with no way to recover the money.
Ransomware attacks against non-profits have increased dramatically. Attackers encrypt your donor databases, program records, and operational files, then demand payment to restore access. For a non-profit operating on thin margins, the choice between paying a ransom and losing years of organizational data can feel impossible. With our immutable backup and disaster recovery systems, you never face that choice.
At Petronella Technology Group, Inc., we have been protecting organizations like yours since 2002. Founded by Craig Petronella, a Licensed Digital Forensic Examiner, CMMC Certified Registered Practitioner, and MIT-certified cybersecurity professional with over 25 years of experience, our firm understands that non-profits need security that works within tight budgets. We have served over 2,500 clients with a verified record of zero breaches among those who follow our security program. We bring that same level of protection to every non-profit we serve.
Donor Database Security
Encryption, access controls, and monitoring for your CRM, donor management systems, and fundraising platforms. We protect the financial and personal information your donors entrust to you.
Email & Phishing Protection
Advanced email filtering, DMARC/DKIM/SPF configuration, and anti-phishing tools that prevent fraudulent emails from reaching your staff and stop BEC attacks before they cause financial damage.
Compliance Documentation
Audit-ready security policies, procedures, and controls documentation that satisfies grant requirements, board governance expectations, and regulatory obligations for data handling.
Identity & Access Management
Proper onboarding and offboarding procedures for staff and volunteers, role-based access controls, multi-factor authentication, and automated account deprovisioning when volunteers move on.
Cybersecurity Services Built for Non-Profits
Every security solution we deploy for non-profits is selected for its effectiveness, affordability, and ease of management. We know your team is focused on your mission, not on managing security tools.
Endpoint Protection & Monitoring
Every computer, laptop, and mobile device used by your staff and volunteers is protected with next-generation endpoint detection and response (EDR). Our tools continuously monitor for malware, ransomware, and suspicious behavior, automatically isolating threats before they can spread across your network. This is far beyond traditional antivirus; it is the same level of endpoint security that banks and hospitals use, deployed to protect your non-profit.
Security Awareness Training
Your staff and volunteers are the front line of your security. Our security awareness training program includes interactive modules, simulated phishing campaigns, and ongoing education tailored to the specific threats non-profits face. We track training completion and phishing click rates, providing your leadership with measurable proof that your team's security awareness is improving month over month. Training takes less than 15 minutes per month and can be completed from any device.
Online Donation Security
Your online donation platforms handle sensitive payment card data, which means PCI DSS compliance applies to your organization. We secure your donation processing environment, ensure your payment forms and gateways meet PCI requirements, and protect donor financial data throughout the transaction lifecycle. A breach of your donation system does not just cost money; it destroys the trust that drives future giving.
Data Backup & Disaster Recovery
Your donor records, program data, financial documents, and grant materials represent years of organizational effort. We deploy automated, encrypted backups with immutable storage that cannot be altered by ransomware. Our disaster recovery procedures are tested regularly so that if the worst happens, your organization can be back online in hours with minimal data loss. You will never have to pay a ransom to regain access to your own data.
Incident Response Planning
We develop a non-profit-specific incident response plan that includes communication protocols for donors and stakeholders, regulatory notification procedures, forensic investigation coordination, and recovery steps. We conduct tabletop exercises with your leadership team so everyone knows exactly what to do if a security incident occurs. Having a plan in place before you need it is the difference between a manageable event and an organizational crisis.
Policy & Governance Development
We create the security policies and procedures your board and funders expect, including acceptable use policies, data retention and disposal policies, volunteer access policies, privacy policies, and data breach response procedures. All documentation is written in clear, accessible language, not dense technical jargon, so your entire organization can understand and follow the guidelines. These policies are essential for grant compliance and board governance.
How We Protect Your Non-Profit
Our engagement process is designed to be simple, non-disruptive, and respectful of your limited time and resources. We handle the security so you can focus on your mission.
Security Assessment
We conduct a thorough assessment of your current technology environment, data handling practices, access controls, and existing security measures. We identify vulnerabilities, compliance gaps, and risk areas specific to your non-profit's operations. You receive a clear, prioritized report of findings and recommendations.
Budget-Aligned Plan
We design a security plan that fits your non-profit's budget and operational realities. We prioritize the highest-impact controls first, leverage non-profit pricing where available, and build a phased approach so costs are manageable. No bloated proposals. No unnecessary tools. Just the protection you actually need.
Deployment & Training
Our team deploys security tools, configures monitoring, and trains your staff and volunteers. Training is designed for non-technical users and focuses on the real-world threats your organization faces, including phishing, social engineering, and safe data handling practices. Deployment is completed quickly with minimal impact on your daily operations.
Ongoing Protection
Security is not a one-time project. We provide continuous monitoring, regular vulnerability assessments, automated patch management, ongoing employee training, and periodic security reviews. As your organization grows and threats evolve, we adjust your security posture to stay ahead. Your leadership receives regular reports demonstrating the value of your security investment.
Non-Profits We Serve
Our cybersecurity solutions are tailored to the specific needs and regulatory requirements of different types of non-profit organizations.
Social Services & Community Organizations
Organizations serving vulnerable populations collect sensitive personal information including social security numbers, health records, and immigration status data. A breach of this information can have devastating consequences for the people you serve.
We implement the controls needed to protect beneficiary data while ensuring your staff and volunteers can access the systems they need to deliver services efficiently.
Healthcare Non-Profits
Community health centers, mental health organizations, free clinics, and health-focused non-profits that handle patient data must comply with HIPAA. Violations carry penalties up to $2.1 million per violation category per year, and breaches erode the trust your patients place in you.
We deliver HIPAA-compliant security that protects patient health information while keeping your team focused on providing care, not managing compliance paperwork.
Educational & Youth Organizations
Schools, after-school programs, youth mentoring organizations, and educational non-profits handle minors' personal information, which carries additional regulatory protections under FERPA, COPPA, and state-level data privacy laws.
We help educational non-profits implement age-appropriate data handling procedures, secure student information systems, and maintain compliance with the specific regulations governing children's data.
Religious & Faith-Based Organizations
Churches, synagogues, mosques, and faith-based charities process donations, maintain member databases, and often operate schools or counseling services. The combination of financial data, personal records, and sometimes health information creates a complex security landscape.
We provide security solutions that respect the culture and workflow of faith-based organizations while ensuring the data entrusted to you is properly protected.
Advocacy & Policy Organizations
Advocacy organizations, think tanks, and policy groups may face targeted attacks from nation-state actors, hacktivists, or political opponents seeking to steal strategy documents, donor lists, or internal communications.
We implement advanced threat protection tailored to the specific adversaries your organization faces, including secure communications, encrypted file storage, and protection against sophisticated spear-phishing campaigns.
Arts, Cultural & Environmental Non-Profits
Museums, performing arts organizations, environmental groups, and cultural institutions rely heavily on donor management systems, ticketing platforms, and online fundraising. Each of these systems handles financial data that must be secured.
We protect your technology infrastructure so your team can focus on creating exhibitions, producing performances, and advancing environmental stewardship without worrying about cyber threats.
Why Non-Profits Choose Petronella Technology Group, Inc.
We understand the unique challenges non-profit organizations face. Limited budgets, lean teams, volunteer workforces, and the constant pressure to maximize every dollar for your mission. Here is why non-profits trust us with their cybersecurity.
Non-Profit Budget Sensitivity
We have worked with non-profit organizations for over two decades and we deeply understand budget constraints. We never over-prescribe solutions. We focus on the highest-impact controls first, leverage non-profit licensing programs where available, and build phased implementation plans that spread costs over time. Our goal is maximum protection for minimum spend, because we know every dollar you save on IT goes directly to serving your community.
Zero-Breach Track Record
Among all 2,500+ clients who follow our comprehensive security program, we maintain a verified record of zero breaches. This includes non-profits of all sizes. Our defense-in-depth methodology layers 39+ security controls to create a protective ecosystem that works. When your donors, board members, and funders ask whether their data is safe, you can answer with confidence.
Grant-Ready Compliance
More funders are requiring cybersecurity documentation as part of grant applications and renewals. We provide the policies, procedures, risk assessments, and compliance documentation that grant makers want to see. Having proper security governance in place strengthens your grant applications and demonstrates the organizational maturity that funders seek.
Complete IT & Security Partnership
In addition to cybersecurity, we offer comprehensive non-profit IT support including managed IT services, cloud migration, Microsoft 365 administration, and technology planning. Having one trusted partner for both IT and security eliminates gaps, reduces costs, and gives you a single point of contact for all your technology needs.
No Security vs. Petronella Non-Profit Security
Too many non-profits operate without meaningful cybersecurity, hoping they will not be targeted. Here is the reality of that gamble compared to proactive protection.
| Factor | No Formal Security | Petronella Non-Profit Security |
|---|---|---|
| Donor Data | Exposed; stored in unencrypted databases accessible by anyone with login credentials | Encrypted at rest and in transit with role-based access controls |
| Volunteer Access | Shared passwords; no offboarding procedures; former volunteers retain access | Individual accounts, MFA, automated offboarding, access audits |
| Email Security | Basic spam filter; vulnerable to phishing and BEC attacks | Advanced anti-phishing, DMARC/DKIM/SPF, impersonation protection |
| Grant Compliance | No documentation; risk of failed audits and lost funding | Audit-ready policies, procedures, and compliance documentation |
| Breach Recovery | No backups or plan; potential loss of all organizational data | Immutable backups, tested DR procedures, hours-not-weeks recovery |
| Community Trust | One breach and donors may never give again | Demonstrable security builds donor confidence and retention |
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions non-profit leaders ask most about cybersecurity.
Do non-profits really need cybersecurity?
Absolutely. Non-profits are targeted by cybercriminals just as frequently as for-profit businesses. You hold donor financial data, beneficiary personal information, and organizational funds that attackers want to steal. Non-profits are often perceived as easier targets because of limited security budgets and volunteer workforces. The consequences of a breach include loss of donor trust, regulatory penalties, grant disqualification, and diversion of funds from your mission to breach recovery costs. Cybersecurity is not optional; it is a fiduciary responsibility.
Can we afford cybersecurity on a non-profit budget?
The better question is whether you can afford not to. The average cost of a data breach exceeds $4 million, and even for smaller non-profits, breach costs including legal fees, notifications, regulatory penalties, and lost donations can easily reach six figures. Our security packages are designed with non-profit budgets in mind. We offer flat monthly pricing, phased implementations, and we leverage non-profit licensing programs where available. Contact us at 919-348-4912 to discuss solutions within your budget.
How do you handle volunteer access and turnover?
Volunteer access management is one of the biggest security challenges non-profits face. We implement role-based access controls so volunteers only access the specific systems and data they need for their duties. Every volunteer gets their own account with multi-factor authentication. When volunteers leave, automated offboarding procedures immediately revoke their access. We conduct regular access reviews to ensure no orphaned accounts exist. This protects your organization without creating friction for volunteers who are giving their time to your cause.
Are there compliance requirements specific to non-profits?
Yes. Depending on your mission and the data you handle, you may be subject to HIPAA (if you handle health information), FERPA and COPPA (if you work with students and children), PCI DSS (if you process credit card donations), state data breach notification laws, and increasingly, cybersecurity requirements attached to federal and state grants. Additionally, board fiduciary duties include protecting organizational assets, which increasingly includes data. Our team helps you identify which regulations apply to your organization and implement the specific controls required for compliance.
What is the biggest cyber threat to non-profits?
Business email compromise (BEC) and phishing are the most prevalent and damaging threats facing non-profits today. Attackers impersonate executive directors, board chairs, or major donors to trick finance staff into wiring funds to fraudulent accounts. They also use phishing emails to steal login credentials, which gives them access to donor databases, financial systems, and email accounts. Our multi-layered email security, anti-phishing tools, and security awareness training directly address these threats.
Can you help us with IT support as well as cybersecurity?
Yes. We offer comprehensive non-profit IT support services in addition to cybersecurity. This includes managed IT services, helpdesk support, cloud migration, Microsoft 365 administration, hardware procurement, network management, and strategic technology planning. Having one partner for both IT and security ensures there are no gaps between your operational technology and your security controls, and it simplifies your vendor relationships.
How do we explain cybersecurity costs to our board?
We provide board-ready reporting that frames cybersecurity investment in terms boards understand: risk reduction, fiduciary responsibility, donor trust protection, and compliance requirements. We can present directly to your board if needed, explaining the specific risks your organization faces, the costs of a potential breach versus the cost of prevention, and how proper security governance strengthens your organization's credibility with donors and funders. Many boards are surprised to learn that cybersecurity is considered a fiduciary obligation, and that board members can face personal liability for failing to protect organizational data.
Will the security tools be difficult for our non-technical staff to use?
No. Most of our security tools operate silently in the background without requiring any action from your staff. Endpoint protection, monitoring, patching, and backup all happen automatically. The only interactive component is security awareness training, which is designed to be engaging and accessible for non-technical users. Training modules take less than 15 minutes per month and can be completed from any device. Our goal is to protect your organization without adding complexity to your team's workday.
How quickly can you get our non-profit protected?
We can typically complete the initial security assessment within the first week, deploy critical security tools within two weeks, and have your complete security program operational within 30 days. Emergency situations can be addressed even faster. Training begins immediately and runs on an ongoing monthly schedule. You will see measurable security improvements from the very first month of our engagement.
Your Mission Is Too Important to Leave Unprotected
A data breach does not just cost money. It costs donor trust, community credibility, and the ability to serve the people who depend on you. The cost of prevention is always less than the cost of a breach.
Join the 2,500+ organizations that trust Petronella Technology Group, Inc. for their cybersecurity. Schedule a free consultation and let us show you how to protect your non-profit without breaking your budget.
Petronella Technology Group, Inc. — 5540 Centerview Dr. Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27606 — [email protected]