A small nonprofit can find volunteer security help through CISA's Cyber Volunteer Resource Center, which points to local volunteer clinics, through volunteer networks built for nonprofits, and through regional programs listed in NIST's finder. Prepare a short list of needs first so the volunteers can be useful.
Three places to look
CISA Cyber Volunteer Resource Center. CISA's high-risk communities page describes this center as the place to learn about your local cybersecurity volunteer clinic, how to become a volunteer, or how to receive help. It is aimed at civil society organizations, and it is a US resource.
Volunteer networks for nonprofits. The Protect.ngo site (the Cyber Peace Builders project) says its cyber volunteers defend nonprofits and that it offers a "Get help" route. Read its current eligibility and process on the site before you rely on it, because programs change.
Regional support programs. On October 5, 2026, NIST posted a Small Business Cybersecurity Support Programs Finder. NIST describes it as a tool to help small businesses and entities locate programs across the United States hosted by non-profit institutions that have dedicated services for their region. Check whether your organization counts as an entity that can use it.
Prepare before you ask
Volunteers are generous with time but they cannot guess your setup. A one page brief saves hours.
- List your systems: email provider, website host, donor database, file storage, payment page.
- Name who owns each one. If nobody does, write "unknown".
- List who has admin access to each.
- Note the worst thing that could happen, such as donor data leaking or the site going down in a campaign week.
- Say how much time your staff can give to help.
Set the scope of the volunteer's access
Outside helpers should get the least access that lets them work. A volunteer who reviews settings may only need read access. Ask for a time limited account that you can remove, and keep a record of what was shared. Our checklist on offboarding volunteers and staff covers removal.
| Request | Safer approach |
|---|---|
| "Send me the admin password" | Create a separate account for them |
| "Export all donors so I can test" | Give a small sample with names removed |
| "Disable MFA to make it easier" | Decline and find another way |
| "I will keep notes on my laptop" | Agree where notes live and who can read them |
Ask for outputs you can keep
Treat a volunteer session as a chance to leave behind assets, not just fixes.
- A list of accounts and owners.
- MFA turned on for email and admin logins.
- A written backup and restore note.
- A short list of next steps ranked by effort.
Without these, your security depends on one person's memory, and volunteers move on.
Quick check
Is volunteer help safe to accept?
It can be, if you limit access, avoid sharing real donor data and remove the account afterward. Choose helpers through a known program rather than an unsolicited offer.
Should we wait until we have a budget?
No. Account security, updates and backups cost time more than money, and a volunteer can help you set them up now.
Sources
Last reviewed: 19 October 2026.
