As more donors choose to give online, non-profits are collecting more sensitive data than ever before—including names, emails, payment details, and donor history. This makes them a growing target for cybercriminals. Unfortunately, many non-profits lack the dedicated IT teams or resources needed to protect against these threats. 

The good news? With a few focused steps, any non-profit—regardless of size or budget—can dramatically reduce its cybersecurity risk and build trust with donors. 

In this article, we’ll cover five essential cybersecurity tips for non-profits accepting online donations, helping your organization stay safe, compliant, and donor-friendly. 

1. Use a Secure and Trusted Donation Platform

The first step in securing online donations is to choose a reputable donation processing platform that meets current security standards. 

Look for platforms that offer: 

• PCI DSS compliance (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) 

• SSL encryption for secure data transmission 

• Tokenization and secure payment gateways 

• Two-factor authentication for administrative access 

Some popular, trusted platforms include Classy, GiveLively, Donorbox, and Network for Good. Avoid manually collecting or storing donor credit card information on your own systems. 

Pro Tip: Always display trust indicators like a secure “https” domain and recognizable payment logos to increase donor confidence. 

2. Train Staff and Volunteers on Cyber Hygiene

Your technology is only as strong as the people using it. Many cybersecurity incidents—such as phishing attacks or account breaches—occur due to human error. 

Make sure everyone involved in your organization understands basic cybersecurity best practices, including: 

• Recognizing phishing emails and suspicious links 

• Creating strong, unique passwords 

• Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) 

• Avoiding public Wi-Fi for accessing sensitive data 

Provide regular training sessions and updates, especially during times of high donation activity such as Giving Tuesday or end-of-year campaigns. 

3. Keep Your Website and Software Updated

Hackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated websites, plugins, and software. Ensuring that your digital tools are up to date is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve your security. 

Make sure to: 

• Regularly update your content management system (like WordPress) 

• Apply security patches for all donation forms and integrations 

• Remove unused plugins or outdated software 

• Install a web application firewall (WAF) to protect against attacks 

If you work with a web developer or IT consultant, ask them to set up automatic updates or schedule regular site audits. 

4. Protect Donor Data with Encryption and Access Controls

Donor trust is built on privacy. If you’re collecting personally identifiable information (PII), you must take steps to secure it. 

Key steps include: 

• Encrypting stored data and using secure backups 

• Restricting access to donor databases to only essential personnel 

• Implementing role-based access controls 

• Storing data in secure, cloud-based systems with strong compliance standards 

Avoid storing sensitive data in spreadsheets or on unencrypted local devices. Instead, use a nonprofit-friendly CRM like Salesforce for Nonprofits, Bloomerang, or Kindful that offers built-in security features. 

5. Perform Regular Security Reviews and Risk Assessments

Cybersecurity is not a one-time task—it requires continuous monitoring and improvement. Schedule regular reviews of your security policies, software, and data handling practices. 

What to include in a basic cybersecurity review: 

• Evaluate user access and permissions 

• Review your online donation process for vulnerabilities 

• Test backup and recovery procedures 

• Identify third-party services with access to your donor data 

• Ensure compliance with privacy regulations (such as GDPR or CCPA if applicable) 

For added protection, consider conducting a professional cybersecurity assessment annually, especially if your donor base or technology stack has grown. 

Final Thoughts 

Non-profits that accept online donations must treat cybersecurity as a mission-critical priority. With limited resources and growing threats, it’s essential to take proactive, affordable steps to protect donor data, maintain trust, and ensure operational continuity. 

By following these five cybersecurity tips, your organization can build a secure donation experience that supports your mission and keeps donor information safe. 

Need Help with Nonprofit Cybersecurity? 

If you’re unsure whether your current systems are secure, we can help. Our team specializes in affordable cybersecurity solutions for non-profits, including risk assessments, platform reviews, and security training. 

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and strengthen your organization’s cyber defenses.