Page 24 - 2025 Nonprofit Industry Trends

NONPROFIT IT AND
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CYBER TRENDS FOR 2025 5. INTEGRATION OF DIGITAL PAYMENT SOLUTIONS 10. FOCUS ON DIGITAL INCLUSION

Digital payment solutions are becoming more prevalent, making it easier for
donors to contribute. Nonprofits should integrate various digital payment Digital inclusion initiatives aim to bridge the digital divide by providing access
to technology and digital literacy training. Nonprofits are increasingly focusing
options, including mobile wallets, online payment gateways, and cryptocurrency on digital inclusion to ensure that underserved communities can benefit from
donations. This not only enhances the donor experience but also increases the their programs and services. This includes providing devices, internet access,
Third-Party Risk Management Needs Will Drive Changes to Compliance Programs: likelihood of receiving donations. and training to enhance digital skills.
A s we move into 2025, nonprofit organizations must stay ahead of IT and According to Tech Republic, third-party risk management, supply chain risk 6. REMOTE WORK AND COLLABORATION TOOLS 11. MACS WILL BE INCREASINGLY
management, and increased oversight and regulatory requirements will drive
cybersecurity trends to protect their data, streamline operations, and the need for companies to focus on and mature their governance, risk, and The shift to remote work has accelerated the adoption of collaboration tools. TARGETED BY CYBERCRIMINALS
enhance their impact. Here are key trends to watch: compliance programs. Organizations will likely shift toward proactive ways of Nonprofits are leveraging platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom to Experts predict that Macs will become even more of a target for cybercriminals
assessing and monitoring supply chains, leveraging zero-trust architectures to facilitate communication and project management. These tools enable teams to
1. INCREASED ADOPTION OF CLOUD COMPUTING verify at stages of access. work efficiently from anywhere, ensuring continuity of operations and engagement in 2025. Rising threats, particularly from stealer malware designed to collect
sensitive data, are expected to increase. Nonprofits using macOS should be
Cloud computing continues to be a game-changer for nonprofits. By moving to the 3. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND AUTOMATION with stakeholders. vigilant and implement robust security measures to protect their systems.
cloud, organizations can reduce costs, improve data accessibility, and enhance 7. CYBER INSURANCE SECURITY TEAMS WILL TAKE OVER IDENTITY
collaboration. Cloud-based solutions offer scalability, allowing nonprofits to AI and automation are transforming nonprofit operations. AI tools can analyze 12.
adjust their resources based on demand. This flexibility is crucial for managing large datasets to provide insights into donor behavior, predict fundraising As cyber threats grow, more nonprofits are investing in cyber insurance to AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT
donor databases, financial records, and program data efficiently. outcomes, and personalize communication. Automation can streamline repetitive mitigate the financial impact of data breaches and cyberattacks. Cyber insurance In 2025, responsibility for identity and access management within companies
tasks, such as data entry and donor follow-ups, freeing up staff to focus on can cover costs related to data recovery, legal fees, and notification expenses.
2. ENHANCED CYBERSECURITY MEASURES strategic initiatives. AI-powered chatbots can also enhance donor engagement It provides a safety net, allowing nonprofits to recover more quickly from cyber is expected to shift from IT departments to security teams. As identity-based
by providing instant responses to inquiries. attacks escalate, security professionals will be needed to eliminate potential
Cybersecurity remains a top priority as cyber threats become more sophisticated. incidents. entry points and enhance overall security.
Nonprofits are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals due to their often limited 4. DATA PRIVACY AND COMPLIANCE 8. BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY
security resources. In 2025, nonprofits must invest in robust cybersecurity 13. EMPLOYEES WILL BE TARGETED WITH AI SCAM TOOLS
measures, including: With increasing data privacy regulations, nonprofits must ensure compliance Blockchain technology is gaining traction in the nonprofit sector for its potential AI-enhanced malicious attacks are predicted to continue into 2025. These
to protect donor information and maintain trust. Implementing data protection to enhance transparency and trust. By using blockchain, nonprofits can create
► Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security to measures and staying updated on regulations like General Data Protection immutable records of donations, ensuring that funds are used as intended. This attacks, including business email compromise and voice impersonation scams,
protect sensitive information. Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is essential. technology can also streamline grant management and reduce administrative will target employees, especially those in finance, HR, and IT roles. Nonprofits
Nonprofits should also develop clear data privacy policies and communicate must educate their staff on recognizing and responding to such threats.
► Regular Security Audits: Conducting frequent audits to identify and address them to donors and stakeholders. costs.
vulnerabilities. 9. IT INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNIZATION By staying informed about these IT and cybersecurity trends, nonprofits can
Cybersecurity and Data Responsibility: The adoption of CCPA and GDPR in protect their data, improve operational efficiency, and enhance their impact in
► Employee Training: Educating staff on best practices for cybersecurity to recent years has put increased attention on data responsibility practices. Only 2025 and beyond.
prevent phishing attacks and other threats. 39% of Gen Z say they trust organizations to keep their data safe, the lowest rate Modernizing IT infrastructure is crucial for nonprofits to stay competitive and
efficient. This includes upgrading hardware, adopting new software solutions,
► Data Encryption: Ensuring that all sensitive data is encrypted both in transit of any generation. Knowing this trend will only continue, now is the time to shore and ensuring that IT systems are scalable and secure. Investing in modern IT
and at rest. up your data governance policies. Consider implementing practices like single infrastructure can improve overall organizational performance and support long- ALBERT BORGHESE, CPA
sign-on (SSO) and email list hygiene, as well as other responsible data habits. term growth. PARTNER
It’s also extremely important to have a dedicated page or blog on your website CERINI & ASSOCIATES, LLP
that explains your data governance or cookie policy.