“Securing Nonprofits’ Mission” Initiative to Deliver No-Cost Cyber Training, Risk Assessments, and Executive Strategy for Mission-Driven Organizations

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.: #CityofJacksonville--In a public-private partnership, the City of Jacksonville, the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida, and Jacksonville-based cybersecurity firm OnDefend have announced Securing Nonprofits’ Mission, a free cybersecurity program for nonprofit organizations across Northeast Florida.

This initiative, supported by Mayor Donna Deegan’s administration, addresses growing cyber threats to mission-driven organizations. Participating nonprofits will receive no-cost risk assessments, live cyber awareness training, executive strategy sessions, and monthly cyber town halls.

“Nonprofits are the backbone of our community, but many do not have the tools they need to protect themselves, which is essential to securing the future of Northeast Florida,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “This initiative ensures that nonprofits, regardless of size or budget, can access the resources they need to stay secure.”

Through initial risk assessments, each participating organization will receive a custom security roadmap and be placed into one of three tailored security maturity tracks:

• Cyber Basics – Establishing foundational safeguards and practices for nonprofits developing an initial cybersecurity foundation.
• Cyber Compliant – Implementing key frameworks and controls to meet industry standards and cyber insurance requirements.
• Cyber Mature – Advancing cybersecurity strategy and technology for organizations with evolving security needs.

The program includes training for staff and volunteers to reduce risk from phishing and social engineering attacks, along with board-level sessions focusing on governance and strategic planning. Monthly cyber town halls will provide access to expert insights and emerging threat updates.

OnDefend is leading the design and delivery of the program, leveraging its expertise in threat simulation and validation to strengthen nonprofit cyber resilience.

“At OnDefend, we secure the future of companies around the world—but nonprofits are the ones securing the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Chris Freedman, CEO of OnDefend. “Nonprofits are increasingly targeted by cyber threats, and we’ve made it our mission to protect theirs.”

The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida is key in driving awareness and supporting nonprofits throughout the program.

"We are proud to partner with the City of Jacksonville and OnDefend to provide our nonprofit community with these vital cybersecurity resources,” said Dawn Lockhart, CEO of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida. “It is critical that nonprofits can protect their sensitive data, maintain public trust and prevent disruptions in service delivery. Comprehensive cyber security will equip nonprofits with the ability to ensure operational continuity and protect the beneficiaries they are dedicated to serving."

The program officially launches on July 7, 2025, near Jacksonville City Hall, with Mayor Deegan, OnDefend, and the Nonprofit Center hosting a joint announcement.

About OnDefend

OnDefend is a cybersecurity services firm specializing in proactive security testing and advisory. Its breach and attack simulation platform, BlindSPOT, helps organizations validate that their tools and teams can detect and respond to real-world threats. Founded in 2016, OnDefend supports global clients in strengthening their cyber resilience. Learn more at www.ondefend.com.

About the City of Jacksonville

The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the contiguous United States, serving one million residents. Leadership includes Mayor Donna Deegan and a 19-member City Council led by President Kevin Carrico. To learn more, visit jacksonville.gov.

About The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida

The Nonprofit Center supports and strengthens Northeast Florida’s nonprofit sector through training, advocacy, and community partnerships. We equip organizations with the tools and knowledge to lead effectively and improve quality of life across the region.

Fonte: Business Wire