6 Steps All Nonprofits Can Take to Improve Security

In a time of heightened rhetoric, increased political tension, and threats against Jewish community groups and schools, many nonprofits may want to enhance their security — especially those that work on contentious issues. But many groups lack the resources to pay for high-tech security systems or guards.

One source for assistance is a federal program for vulnerable organizations in designated urban areas. However, the money can only be put toward security infrastructure, equipment, and planning — not staffing.

Still, there are low-cost measures your organization can take to improve security, says Steven Sheinberg, who leads the Anti-Defamation League’s privacy and security team. His organization has produced guidelines for religious institutions that he says can easily be adapted to any nonprofit.

The Chronicle spoke with Mr. Sheinberg and other experts about security practices they recommend all nonprofits adopt, regardless of their resources.

1. Take basic precautions.

Make sure alarms are set and that windows and doors are locked when not in use, says Mr. Sheinberg.

2. Build relationships with local law enforcement.

Police and other agencies are often willing to visit nonprofit facilities and do a walk-through to find vulnerabilities, says Jay Tcath, executive vice president of the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, which oversees and supports nearly 70 Jewish groups in the Chicago area.

It’s a plus to have a good rapport with law-enforcement officers, says Mr. Sheinberg, and for them to know your facilities and key staff members well.

3. Don’t neglect cybersecurity.

Basic measures can help keep websites and donor databases secure. Install anti-virus software and regularly back up essential data. And for social media, Mr. Sheinberg recommends two-step verification, a system that most often involves using both a password and a code texted to a cellphone to access accounts.

4. Control access.

Take notice of who is entering your facilities, Mr. Sheinberg says. That can be done through a front-desk guard or some other system.

Volunteers can be used to help with this task. The Al Madany Islamic Center of Norwalk in Connecticut plans to designate congregants to watch who enters the mosque’s grounds during large gatherings like Friday prayers, says board member Farhan Memon. The center started updating its security protocols and systems last summer amid an uptick in threats against mosques across the nation.

5. Plan for the worst.

Create a system for reporting security threats and concerns and establish who will be in charge in an emergency, says Mr. Sheinberg.

Mr. Tcath advises convening a group of staff members and volunteers to draw up written security protocols. Share the final plans widely with staff members and the people you serve, he says, and conduct exercises so that people understand their roles in an emergency.

6. Look outside your organization for ideas.

Other nonprofits may be able to provide security tips and share their plans, says Mr. Tcath. Applying these ideas might make it easier and quicker to get your own protections in place.