Cloud Adoption Guide for Nonprofit Organizations
Moving to the cloud can unlock flexibility, scalability and cost savings for nonprofits. This guide outlines the benefits of cloud computing, how to plan your migration and what to consider when choosing providers.
Why the Cloud?
Cloud services allow nonprofits to access enterprise‑grade tools without large capital expenses. Benefits include predictable operating costs, remote access for staff and volunteers, built‑in disaster recovery and automatic updates to keep your software secure and compliant.
Planning Your Migration
- Inventory your existing systems and prioritize which workloads to move first (email, file storage, donor databases).
- Assess your internet connectivity and network infrastructure to ensure adequate bandwidth and security.
- Determine compliance requirements (HIPAA, GDPR, local regulations) and confirm your cloud provider can meet them.
- Create a migration timeline and budget that accounts for data transfer, user training and potential downtime.
Choosing the Right Provider
Major providers like **Microsoft 365**, **Google Workspace** and **Amazon Web Services** offer nonprofit‑specific plans. Consider factors such as ease of use, integration with your existing tools, data residency options and available support. Hybrid solutions can combine on‑premises servers with cloud services if you need to maintain certain systems in‑house.
TTS can guide your organization through the entire cloud journey—from initial planning and migration to ongoing management and optimization. Our Services and Quick Wins make it easy to start small and grow at your pace.
Related Resources
- Automate your workflows – reduce manual tasks to prepare for the cloud.
- Clean your donor data – ensure your data is ready for a cloud migration.
- Fund your tech upgrade – explore grants and donations to support your move.