Apply Now: NTEN’s Nonprofit Cybersecurity Readiness Program (Fully Funded)

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Application Deadline: August 26, 2025

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is no longer optional for nonprofits—it is essential. With rising cyber threats targeting civil society organizations, safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring digital resilience has become a top priority. To help nonprofits build long-term security capacity, NTEN has launched the Nonprofit Cybersecurity Readiness program, a fully-funded, three-month learning cohort designed to strengthen cybersecurity leadership, management, and functional security.

This initiative empowers nonprofit teams with the skills, strategies, and confidence needed to protect their data, staff, and communities against evolving digital threats.

What Is the Nonprofit Cybersecurity Readiness Program?

The Nonprofit Cybersecurity Readiness program is a three-month, closed-cohort training that provides nonprofits with the tools and knowledge to improve their security posture. Each cohort includes 20 organizations that participate in a mix of peer learning, professional development, tailored security assessments, and custom security planning.

The program builds on NTEN’s proven Nonprofit Tech Readiness model, which has supported more than 1,500 organizations since 2010 and earned an impressive 98% net promoter score.

Applications for the upcoming cohort are open until August 26.

Why Cybersecurity Readiness Matters for Nonprofits

1. Security Gaps in the Sector

For over two decades, NTEN has tracked how nonprofits use technology. Findings consistently show that cybersecurity ranks as the weakest area across organizations of all sizes and missions. Weak digital security exposes nonprofits to:

  • Data breaches that compromise sensitive beneficiary information
  • Service disruptions that hinder program delivery
  • Loss of community trust and credibility

2. An Escalating Threat Landscape

Nonprofits working in advocacy and human rights—especially those supporting marginalized communities—face heightened risks. LGBTQ+ organizations, immigrant rights groups, reproductive justice advocates, and racial justice movements are often deliberate targets of politically motivated cyberattacks, surveillance, and doxxing.

Civil society cannot thrive when organizations fear that beneficiary data will be exposed, staff will be harassed, or internal communications intercepted. The Nonprofit Cybersecurity Readiness program equips teams with the skills to navigate these risks and safeguard their missions.

What Participants Gain from the Program

The program goes beyond general training by offering a structured learning pathway with tangible outcomes:

  • Threat Assessment – Conduct a full evaluation of your organization’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities and receive expert guidance on addressing risks such as phishing, malware, and data breaches.
  • Tailored Learning – Engage in a structured three-month curriculum designed specifically for nonprofit contexts through the NTEN Training Center.
  • Custom Security Plan – Work with advisors to build a clear, actionable security roadmap for your organization.
  • Certification Pathway – Extend your training to earn an NTEN professional certificate as a milestone in your career development.
  • Peer Networking – Join a community of nonprofit leaders facing similar cybersecurity challenges and share strategies for resilience.
  • Fully Funded Participation – Thanks to NTEN’s partners, the program is offered completely free of charge.

Core Topics Covered

The curriculum is practical, comprehensive, and tailored to nonprofit realities. Participants explore:

  • Building a security-first mindset
  • Understanding the modern cybersecurity landscape
  • Protecting accounts, devices, and data from malware
  • Safe online practices for browsing, social media, and preventing harassment
  • Secure messaging and communications protocols
  • Data storage and minimization strategies
  • Planning for incident response
  • Travel and physical security considerations

This holistic approach ensures that organizations not only respond to threats but also foster a long-term culture of security.

Real Impact on Nonprofit Operations

Past participants highlight how the program reshaped their approach to technology and risk management. One organization noted that the Cybersecurity Assessment and Planning workshop exposed critical vulnerabilities in their physical server, leading them to migrate accounting and HR data to secure cloud-based platforms. This shift reduced risk and transferred much of the security burden to specialized IT providers.

Such transformations illustrate how the program helps nonprofits build resilience, streamline processes, and safeguard sensitive data without overwhelming internal staff.

Application Details

  • Application Deadline: August 26
  • Program Duration: 3 months
  • Eligibility: Nonprofits of all sizes and missions
  • Cost: Fully funded (no cost to participants)

The Nonprofit Cybersecurity Readiness program is more than training—it is an opportunity to strengthen the future of civil society. By investing in digital security, nonprofits can protect their beneficiaries, uphold trust, and ensure their missions thrive in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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