How Much Does Cybersecurity Cost for Churches and Nonprofits?

Cybersecurity costs can feel vague and hard to pin down. Especially for churches and nonprofits trying to be good stewards of limited budgets. But if you’re planning responsibly, you deserve straight answers.

This article will walk through what churches and nonprofits typically pay for cybersecurity services, what factors influence cost, and how to plan for it without overspending.

What’s the Typical Range?

Cybersecurity services for small to mid-sized nonprofits typically fall into these ranges:

• $500 to $5,000 for one-time assessments

• $3,000 to $15,000 for strategic planning and remediation roadmaps

• $2,000 to $10,000 per quarter for ongoing support and compliance services

These are industry-wide estimates. Actual pricing depends on your size, risk level, technology infrastructure, and support needs.

What Are You Paying For?

Cybersecurity services can vary in scope. Here’s a breakdown of the most common services and what you might expect to pay:

• Cybersecurity Assessment

• A one-time audit of your systems, risks, and compliance posture.
  Typical range: $1,500 to $5,000

• Cybersecurity Roadmap

• A custom action plan that outlines the specific steps needed to secure your systems, address compliance requirements, and prioritize remediation efforts.
  Typical range: $8,000 to $15,000

• Ongoing Cybersecurity Support

• Monthly or quarterly service that includes advisory support, compliance updates, incident response, documentation management, and staff training.
  Typical range: $85000 to $10,000 per quarter

• Incident Response

• Emergency support in the event of a cyberattack or breach. This may include containment, communication, forensic investigation, and recovery.
  Typical range: $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on severity

• Free Consultations

• Some providers offer an initial conversation or basic infrastructure review at no charge. This isn’t always available, but it’s a good way to start the conversation.

These prices reflect a broad spectrum of service providers, from large national firms to niche specialists. Many churches and nonprofits are surprised to learn that high-quality cybersecurity services can be accessible and scalable to their needs. The key is finding a provider who understands your environment and offers right-sized solutions.

What Factors Affect the Cost?

Several factors influence how much your organization might need to spend on cybersecurity services:

• Size of your organization — More staff and devices increase complexity

• Current IT infrastructure — Outdated systems often require additional remediation

• Compliance needs — Regulations at the state or federal level can expand scope

• Past incidents or known risks — If you’ve already experienced issues, services may require a more urgent or in-depth response

• Internal capacity — Organizations without IT or operations support may need more hands-on help

How to Budget for Cybersecurity (Without Overspending)

If you’re getting started:

1. Start with an assessment
   This gives you clarity about where you stand before you commit to additional services.

2. Avoid guesswork
   A strategic roadmap saves money by outlining the exact steps to get secure and stay compliant.

3. Consider a partner program
   Ongoing support can reduce your long-term risk and ensure you stay ahead of evolving requirements.

Final Word

Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue. It’s a matter of stewardship and trust. You’re responsible for protecting donor data, member records, and the systems your ministry relies on every day.

If you're unsure what your organization might need, we offer a free consultation to help you understand where to begin and what’s realistic for your budget.

Schedule a Free Discovery Call