Is Your Nonprofit Struggling to Fulfill IT Needs? Discover How to Find Your Ideal Managed Service Provider

Running a non-profit organization is a labor of love, but it comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to managing technology. We work with several nonprofits here at Gant Systems, but we’ll share an anonymous example here. 

Imagine a nonprofit organization, we’ll call them, “Hope for Tomorrow”, dedicated to providing after-school programs for at-risk youth. They’ve grown significantly over the years, thanks to their passionate team and generous donors. However, as they expanded, their IT needs became more complex. They struggled with outdated hardware, data security concerns, and unreliable internet connections. When their donor database crashed during a crucial fundraising campaign, they realized it was time to seek professional IT support. They needed an MSP but didn’t know where to start.

Why Nonprofits Need an MSP:

Nonprofits, like Hope for Tomorrow, face unique challenges when it comes to managing technology. Limited budgets, evolving technology needs, and the importance of data security make it essential to have reliable IT support. An MSP can handle these challenges, allowing nonprofits to focus on their mission and impact.

Step 1: Identify Your IT Needs

Before you start searching for an MSP, it’s essential to understand your specific IT needs. Ask yourself:

• What are the current IT challenges your nonprofit is facing?
• Do you need support with cybersecurity, data backup and recovery, or software management?
• Are you looking for help with cloud computing and remote work capabilities?

By clearly defining your needs, you can find an MSP that specializes in the areas most critical to your organization.

Step 2: Research Potential MSPs

Start by gathering a list of potential MSPs. You can do this by:

• Asking for recommendations from other nonprofits or businesses in your network.
• Searching online for MSPs in your area and reading reviews.
• Checking industry-specific forums and professional networks for suggestions.

Look for MSPs with experience in the nonprofit sector, as they will better understand your unique challenges and requirements.

Hope for Tomorrow’s Approach: The team reached out to other nonprofits in their network and asked for recommendations. They also searched online and found several MSPs with positive reviews and experience working with nonprofits.

Step 3: Evaluate Their Services and Expertise

Once you have a list of potential MSPs, evaluate their services and expertise. Consider the following:

• Service Offerings: Do they provide the services you need, such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and regular maintenance?
• Expertise: Do they have experience working with organizations of your size and in your sector?
• Certifications: Are their technicians certified in relevant areas, such as Microsoft, Cisco, or VM Ware?

Hope for Tomorrow’s Approach: They shortlisted MSPs that offered comprehensive services, including data backup, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions. They checked the certifications and expertise of the MSPs’ technicians to ensure they were qualified.

Step 4: Assess Their Communication and Support

Good communication and reliable support are crucial when working with an MSP. Evaluate their:

• Response Time: How quickly do they respond to support requests? Do they offer 24/7 support?
• Communication: Are they easy to contact, and do they keep you informed about issues and updates?
• Customer Service: Read reviews and ask for references to understand their level of customer service.

Hope for Tomorrow’s Approach: They contacted the shortlisted MSPs and assessed their responsiveness. They also read reviews and reached out to references to gauge the MSPs’ communication and support quality.

Step 5: Understand Their Pricing Model

MSP pricing models can vary, so it’s essential to understand what you’re paying for. Common pricing models include:

• Flat Rate: A fixed monthly fee covers all services.
• Per Device/User: Charges based on the number of devices or users.
• A La Carte: Pay for specific services as needed.
  • A note about A La Carte - while it sounds ideal in terms of your budget and cashflow, it's important to consider that when IT services are purchased A La Carte, YOU are ultimately still responsible for the overall success or failure of your IT infrastructure. This means when something inevitably goes wrong, there will likely be especially costly fees in this model to make it right.

Make sure there are no hidden fees and that the pricing model aligns with your budget and needs.

Hope for Tomorrow’s Approach: They reviewed the pricing models of the shortlisted MSPs and chose one that offered a flat rate, providing predictability in their budget planning.

For instant pricing for your nonprofit from Gant Systems, click here.

Step 6: Request Proposals and Compare

Request proposals from your shortlisted MSPs. Compare their offerings, pricing, and terms. Look for:

• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Detailed SLAs outline the scope of services, response times, and guarantees.
• Customization: Are they willing to tailor their services to your specific needs without cutting corners that are sure to cost you more in the long run?
• Value: Which MSP offers the best value for your investment?

Hope for Tomorrow’s Approach: They requested detailed proposals and compared the SLAs, customization options, and overall value. They selected the MSP that offered the best combination of services and value.

Step 7: Make an Informed Decision

After comparing proposals, make an informed decision. Choose the MSP that offers the best combination of services, expertise, and value. Remember, the right MSP will not only address your current IT challenges but also help your organization grow and adapt to future technological changes.

Managing a nonprofit’s technology doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these steps, you can find a reliable MSP that understands your needs and provides the support you require. 

At Gant Systems, we specialize in helping small businesses and nonprofits thrive with practical and dependable IT solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can support your organization and give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Get an Instant Price Quote for Your Nonprofit

Click this link to discover our nonprofit pricing. You’ll get an instant price quote and have the option to schedule a Discovery Call so you can learn if we’re the right MSP to empower your mission through IT support!