Community-based organizations and other nonprofits face the same technology concerns as large companies and institutions. They need secure data, reliable networks, up-to-date equipment, and access to the latest software to work with their partners and communities.
But putting these resources together and keeping them current can be difficult and costly, particularly for those without dedicated staff and resources for IT.
That’s why the Health Fund partners with the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) to offer IT consulting and financial support to help health-focused organizations address their technology needs.
With funding through the Health Fund’s Capacity Building program, MNA provides technology assessments, allocates up to $5,000 for new equipment, and offers up to two years of cybersecurity support for a cohort of approximately 15 nonprofits each year.
MNA Technology Director Adam King oversees the program and works with partner organizations to assess and respond to their technology needs. These organizations range in size from one employee to 50.
King noted that many nonprofits request help to prepare for organizational growth, build secure systems for data, and improve outdated or insufficient infrastructure. Most participants enroll in cybersecurity support to help protect their data and prevent cyber-attacks.
Making technology “accessible and sustainable”
Among the groups receiving recent support is the Revive & Thrive Project, a Grand Rapids-based organization providing home-delivered, low-cost meals to individuals and families facing a health crisis. Based in a local church with a staff of four, Revive & Thrive has used MNA support to upgrade its technology infrastructure and practices in several ways.
MNA has helped the organization upgrade from a Google-based file storage system to an integrated Microsoft 365 platform, purchase computers, fund equipment to improve network connectively, set up a firewall, and more.
The changes have made it easier for staff to collaborate, improved organizational effectiveness, and enhanced security practices, making it easier for staff to focus on Revive & Thrive’s mission.
“The MNA program improved so many aspects of our technology infrastructure that impact our daily work. For a nonprofit organization like ours with very limited staffing, MNA’s support made new technology, improved security, and increased storage both accessible and sustainable.” said Abbie Larink, Director of Program Development at Revive & Thrive.
“They not only provided funding for hardware, but they also provided on-site setup and support to get all of our new resources working well.”
Can your organization benefit?
The MNA technology program is one of several non-grant capacity building resources that the Health Fund offers to health-focused nonprofits across Michigan. To learn more about eligibility requirements and processes for these programs, please see our capacity building page or contact Veronica Marchese, Program Manager for Community Health and Capacity Building, at [email protected].