Why Successful Nonprofits Embrace the Cloud
Want to improve your organization’s reach, responsiveness and security? Look to the cloud.
Cloud is mission-critical for nonprofits
Cloud technology plays an essential role in helping nonprofits deliver services efficiently, protect sensitive donor data and scale their impact. In fact, 4 out of 5 nonprofits are more likely to adopt a cloud-based solution than they were two years ago, and almost 9 out of 10 nonprofits say they are confident in the cloud.1
This trend is reflected across industries, with 86% of organizations saying they use a multicloud model to match specific workloads to their most effective solutions.2
While challenges like cost control, security and resource constraints are common, they also represent key areas where strategic improvements can unlock value. Finding the right cloud approach can streamline operations and redirect time and budget back to mission work.
Ensure security and compliance
Security threats against nonprofits continue to increase. Protecting sensitive donor and beneficiary data requires a robust security approach. Currently, 44% of nonprofits rate security as one of the greatest benefits they’ve experienced from cloud migration.1 However, continuing to ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR can be challenging without proper cloud governance.
Advanced email attacks on nonprofit organizations have grown by 35%4
Phishing attacks on nonprofit organizations have increased by 50%4
Malware attacks targeting nonprofits have increased by 26%4
Conquer cloud sprawl and reduce costs
Nonprofits have embraced the cloud but often adopt cloud solutions ad hoc, leading to fragmented systems that are difficult for IT to manage — even if they keep the organization satisfied with their current results. Hiring experts to optimize your cloud environments can reduce your long-term cloud expenditures, rescue time for your staff and improve the predictability of your budget. On average, nonprofits that transitioned to the cloud save about 15 hours a week, with nearly 1 in 4 saving more than 21 hours.1
of CFOs believe their operations have been stunted due to cloud computing performance issues that some attribute to sprawl3
of nonprofits are at least somewhat satisfied with their current software and systems1
are still planning to upgrade data security, software, systems or protocol technology1
Fill the resource gaps
Many nonprofits lack dedicated IT staff, making it difficult to manage complex cloud infrastructures. This limitation can hinder the organization’s ability to fully experience the potential of cloud technologies. No matter where a nonprofit is with staffing, dealing with burnout is a universal concern.
of nonprofit leaders reported difficulty in filling staff vacancies in the last year5
of nonprofit leaders are concerned about staff burnout5
of nonprofits experience greater organizational efficiency with cloud technology1
Discover CDW’s tailored nonprofit cloud solutions
CDW understands the nonprofit sector and delivers cost-efficient and secure cloud solutions tailored to the unique needs of mission-driven organizations. From planning to support, CDW helps nonprofits reduce operational friction, protect sensitive donor data, and redirect more time and resources to what matters most: the people and communities you serve.
Cloud assessment and strategy development. Align your cloud adoption goals and budget with comprehensive evaluations and strategic planning services.
Cost optimization services. Identify and eliminate unnecessary expenses and maximize your investment in cloud infrastructures.
Security and compliance support. Protect sensitive data, ensure compliance with regulations, safeguard donor information and establish robust data governance.
Managed IT services. Manage cloud operations more efficiently, even with limited IT staff.
Sources:
1 Community Brands Nonprofit Solutions, “The State of Nonprofit Fundraising, Technology, and Operations: Impact on Mission Sustainability,” June 2024
2 Flexera, “State of the Cloud Report 2025,” March 2025
3 CFO.com, “55% of CFOs say poor cloud network performance has ‘stunted’ operations,” April 2025
4 Abnormal, “Mission Interrupted: Nonprofits Face a Rising Wave of Email Attacks,” March 2025
5 The Center for Effective Philanthropy, “State of Nonprofits 2024,” May 2024