The Ultimate Free Resource Library for Nonprofits & Startups
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This guide spotlights the best free or discounted cybersecurity and IT tools that South African nonprofits and startups can use to protect their systems and data.
This guide spotlights the best free or discounted cybersecurity and IT tools that South African nonprofits and startups can use to protect their systems and data. From secure email and password managers to endpoint protection and threat awareness, these tools help small teams operate safely online — even with limited budgets.
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Quick Overview: Cybersecurity Tools for South African Nonprofits
# | Tool | Summary |
|---|---|---|
1 | Cloudflare Project Galileo | Free enterprise-grade website protection (DDoS, WAF, CDN) for public interest organisations. |
2 | Okta for Good | Identity management with free SSO and MFA for up to 50 users. |
3 | Bitdefender (via TechSoup) | Donated antivirus protection with centralised management. |
4 | Bitwarden | Open-source password manager with nonprofit discounts. |
5 | Let’s Encrypt | Free SSL certificates to encrypt your website. |
6 | ProtonMail & ProtonVPN | Encrypted email and VPN with nonprofit pricing. |
7 | 2FA Apps (Authy, GA) | Free two-factor authentication apps to secure logins. |
8 | Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace | Free cloud productivity tools with built-in security. |
9 | Cisco Umbrella / Fortinet | Network-level threat protection for NGOs and educators. |
10 | KnowBe4 Awareness Kit | Free cybersecurity training toolkit. |
11 | Internet Safety Resources | Free monthly tips and staff training toolkits. |
Tool Details: Cybersecurity Software for South African Nonprofits
Explore the top cybersecurity and IT tools that South African nonprofits can use to protect their systems and data. Each tool listed below offers either a free or heavily discounted nonprofit plan. Click the tool name to visit the official site.
1. Cloudflare Project Galileo
Description | Enterprise-grade website protection for nonprofits. Includes DDoS mitigation, content delivery network (CDN), web application firewall (WAF), and traffic filtering. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Keeps websites online during cyberattacks, increases loading speed, and provides advanced protection tools at no cost. |
Use-cases | Ideal for NGOs hosting sensitive content or advocacy campaigns vulnerable to attack. Boosts both uptime and credibility. |
Register | Apply at cloudflare.com/galileo with your nonprofit credentials. |
2. Okta for Good
Description | Okta provides secure single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and user access controls. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Free for up to 50 users; unifies login credentials and protects all major platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and CRMs. |
Use-cases | Small teams managing multiple tools and needing centralised, secure access control. |
Register | Submit an application through the Okta for Good Nonprofit Program. |
3. Bitdefender (via TechSoup)
Description | Business-grade antivirus and endpoint security platform available to nonprofits via TechSoup. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Real-time protection, anti-ransomware, firewall, web threat detection. Licences are donated or low-cost for NPOs. |
Use-cases | All devices used by staff, including desktops, laptops, and shared terminals. |
Register | Join TechSoup South Africa and apply for Bitdefender under the security category. |
4. Bitwarden
Description | Encrypted password management tool with secure team sharing. Offers open-source transparency and affordable nonprofit plans. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Secure password vaults, team access controls, random generator, and encrypted notes. Free and 50% discounted team plans. |
Use-cases | Sharing login credentials for banking, CRM, and donor platforms securely. Encourages strong password hygiene. |
Register | Sign up at bitwarden.com, then request nonprofit pricing via support. |
5. Let’s Encrypt
Description | Free, automated SSL certificates that secure your site with HTTPS. Trusted globally. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Enables secure web encryption without licensing costs. Enhances trust and SEO. |
Use-cases | Any website handling donations, personal data, or membership content. |
Register | Use Certbot or check if your web host offers one-click Let’s Encrypt setup. |
6. ProtonMail & ProtonVPN
Description | Encrypted email service and VPN provider based in Switzerland. Built for security and privacy. |
|---|---|
Benefits | End-to-end encrypted emails, secure data centres, strong data protection laws. Free and discounted nonprofit plans. |
Use-cases | Privacy-critical communications: legal clinics, human rights NGOs, whistleblower platforms. |
Register | Create an account at proton.me and request NPO pricing. |
7. 2FA Apps: Authy / Google Authenticator
Description | Free apps for generating time-based one-time passcodes (TOTP) used in two-factor authentication. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Adds a layer of login security beyond passwords. Works offline and supports most major services. |
Use-cases | Protecting email, banking, document storage, CRM, and admin tools from phishing. |
Register | Download from the App Store or Play Store. Add services via QR code scan. |
8. Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace for Nonprofits
Description | Full productivity suites including email, cloud storage, docs, sheets, and video conferencing. Secure, cloud-based, and collaborative. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Free to eligible nonprofits with security and compliance features built in (e.g., DLP, 2FA). |
Use-cases | Running core operations: communications, reporting, donor documents, and file sharing. |
Register | Apply via Phambano Technology or TechSoup ZA. |
9. Cisco Umbrella / Fortinet Security Tools
Description | Cloud-delivered threat intelligence, DNS filtering, and network security tools. Fortinet offers training and device-level protection. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Blocks malware, phishing, and botnets at DNS level; improves web filtering and network visibility. |
Use-cases | Protecting office Wi-Fi, preventing malicious site access, securing network devices. |
Register | Explore via Cisco's nonprofit page or local Fortinet Security Academy partners. |
10. KnowBe4 Cybersecurity Awareness Kit
Description | Annual free training kit with cybersecurity videos, checklists, posters, and a phishing quiz. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Helps small teams understand and identify common threats. Regular training improves security habits. |
Use-cases | Staff induction, monthly awareness moments, internal communication boards. |
Register | Download each October at KnowBe4.com. |
11. Internet Safety Resources (SANS OUCH!, SAFECyber)
Description | Trusted cybersecurity newsletters and educational content for non-technical users. Updated monthly. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Ongoing free training and reminders that reinforce cyber hygiene in teams. |
Use-cases | Monthly security email tips, printable office posters, quarterly workshop content. |
Register | Subscribe via SANS OUCH! or SAFECyber. |
Cybersecurity & Digital Hygiene Support
Staying secure isn’t just about installing software — it’s about daily habits. Who has access? Where are passwords stored? What happens if a laptop is lost or a team member leaves?
Need some assistance?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Civil Society Organisations
1. What makes philanthropy in South Africa unique?
Philanthropy in South Africa is unique due to its deep roots in the philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes generosity and interconnectedness. This has created a strong culture of individual and community giving. Today, this is blended with a growing trend towards strategic philanthropy, where donations are treated as investments designed to achieve measurable, long-term social impact rather than just short-term charity.
2. What is the role of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in South African philanthropy?
Corporate Social Investment (CSI) is a major force in the South African philanthropic landscape, with companies investing billions of rands annually (approximately R12.7 billion in 2024). It goes beyond compliance, with a significant focus on education, which receives nearly half of all CSI spend. CSI also includes non-cash donations like employee volunteering and pro bono services, playing a crucial role in funding and supporting the NPO South Africa ecosystem.
3. How is strategic philanthropy changing funding for NPOs in South Africa?
Strategic philanthropy is shifting how funding for NPOs works by moving beyond simple donations. It focuses on models like impact investing South Africa and venture philanthropy, which seek measurable social returns. This means philanthropic capital is now used more as a "catalyst" to de-risk innovative social enterprises, provide long-term mentorship, and attract larger, more conventional investments, ultimately helping NPOs achieve greater scale and financial sustainability.
4. What are the most effective ways for individuals to engage in philanthropy in South Africa?
Individuals can engage in South African philanthropy in several effective ways. Beyond direct donations, high-impact engagement includes skills-based volunteering, where professionals offer their expertise (e.g., legal, financial, marketing) to NPOs. Another powerful method is collective giving, where resources are pooled with others through informal groups like Stokvels or formal online crowdfunding platforms, amplifying the impact of smaller individual contributions.
