Nonprofits do incredible work, but we know that keeping costs low is always a challenge. The good news? With the right IT budgeting strategies, your nonprofit can save money and strengthen its mission.
In this guide, we’ll share practical IT budgeting tips for nonprofits, from setting clear priorities to finding budget-friendly solutions.
1. Set clear IT goals and priorities
Before spending on new software or equipment, take time to evaluate your current setup and align technology decisions with your mission. A strong nonprofit IT budget starts with clarity.
- Review your current tech: Identify what’s working, what’s outdated, and where there are gaps.
- Listen to your team: Ask staff and volunteers what tools would make their work easier.
- Connect IT to your mission: Every purchase should support your nonprofit’s goals, not just add “nice-to-have” features.
Some guiding questions:
- Are your current IT systems helping operations run smoothly?
- Do you have a plan to stay protected from cyber threats?
- Is your IT setup flexible enough to support future growth?
💡Tip: A nonprofit technology planning session can help you uncover gaps and prioritise what matters most.
2. Choose budget-friendly tech solutions
Cutting costs doesn’t have to mean cutting corners. With the right approach, your nonprofit can get powerful tools at a fraction of the cost.
- Look for nonprofit discounts: Programmes like Microsoft’s nonprofit pricing or Xero’s charity packages provide enterprise-level tools at lower rates.
- Go cloud-first: Cloud-based solutions reduce expensive hardware, maintenance, and energy costs.
- Buy only what you need: Avoid paying for extra features your team won’t use. Consider a licensing manager.
💡Pro tip: Nonprofit software discounts and special pricing can save thousands per year when planned into your IT budget.
3. Reduce IT costs with managed services
Managing everything in-house can overwhelm small teams. Partnering with a managed IT services provider for nonprofits helps you reduce risk, gain expert support, and keep costs predictable.
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Set monthly costs: Managed services give you clear pricing, so there are no surprise expenses.
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Access to expertise: Get the latest tech and ongoing support without hiring full-time IT staff.
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Stay secure: Providers help protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with nonprofit standards.
Bringing it all together for your nonprofit
By setting clear priorities, choosing budget-friendly solutions, and considering managed services, your organisation can make the most of its nonprofit technology budget. It’s all about making smart choices that help you focus more on your mission and less on tech headaches.
Helping nonprofits for over 12 years
At XP, we understand how tough it can be for nonprofits to manage IT and keep budgets under control. For over a decade, we’ve been helping nonprofit organisations of all sizes plan their technology budgets and timelines for more affordable digital transformations.