For nonprofits, the right IT partner can make a critical difference

This piece is sponsored by Direct.

Nonprofits have enough challenges to tackle day-to-day: Technology shouldn’t be one of them.

But that was the case for Volunteers of America, Dakotas.

“Technology was one of the top stressors in our organization … from computers failing to systems needing upgraded and lots of outstanding tickets needing resolution,” said Sarah Hanson, managing director of marketing and grant outcomes for Volunteers of America, Dakotas.

That changed in 2014 when the Sioux Falls-based nonprofit partnered with Workplace by Direct — then known as Workplace IT Management.

“Our organization needed more support to strengthen our technology infrastructure, improve help-desk responsiveness and create a more stable and secure IT environment,” Hanson said.

“The Workplace IT team quickly became a trusted partner with their qualified team and ability to address challenges in a timely manner.”

Today, Volunteers of America, Dakotas operates 23 locations in the Sioux Falls area across four primary service areas: behavioral health, youth and family services, intellectual and developmental disability support, and homelessness services.

Roughly 275 employees support programs that often operate around the clock.

“Our staff work various shifts — days, nights, evenings, weekends and holidays — with some programs being 24/7/365,” Hanson said. “Workplace staff are available for technology needs during regular business hours and then also have an on-call system, so our 24/7 staff can receive help when needed.”

Nonprofit organizations such as VOA Dakotas often require a unique approach to IT support.

“Nonprofits hold a lot of people’s information,” said Joe Henderson, director of technology and IT for Workplace by Direct. “Whether it’s birth dates, Social Security numbers or driver’s license photos, keeping that HIPAA-compliant and private is important because that would be valuable data for someone to compromise.”

At the same time, many nonprofits face challenges tied to staffing turnover, multiple locations and limited internal technology resources.

“The industry can have higher turnover, so being able to take care of the end points and the backbone security is key,” Henderson said.

Cybersecurity concerns also extend beyond internal operations.

“You’re working with donors, so email security is really important,” Henderson said. “Somebody could spoof an email saying they’re a donor and looking for information.”

That’s why Workplace by Direct emphasizes proactive system reviews, staff education and consistent support.

“We’ll review how things are configured,” Henderson said. “We also communicate directly with end users so they know we’re their IT team, how to contact us and how to get support.”

For Volunteers of America, Dakotas, the partnership has evolved far beyond simple troubleshooting.

“What stands out is the consistency, responsiveness, knowledge and professionalism of the team,” Hanson said. “Some of our favorite Workplace IT staff have been with the company since we began our partnership in 2014, which is important to us.”

Because the nonprofit’s services and organizational structure are unique, long-term familiarity with operations has become especially valuable.

“Our services and structure are unique, and the Workplace team knowing us really creates trust and efficiency,” Hanson said.

The relationship also has helped the organization expand services more smoothly.

“I would say the biggest thing is as they stand up new locations, we’re able to get those up and running,” Henderson said. “Their day center on the east side of Sioux Falls is one example, and it’s important to get online and secure, so when people come in, they can use the services fully, and the staff can work efficiently from the technology side.”

For nonprofits, budgeting predictability can be just as important as technical expertise.

Workplace by Direct offers discounted nonprofit pricing and a flat-rate structure designed to help organizations better forecast expenses.

“Sometimes, nonprofits don’t always know how funding will trend year to year or what increases may be coming from vendors,” Henderson said. “With our flat rate, it’s a predictable cost and easy to budget for.

“There are no surprises, so we can provide a favorable result.”

The nonprofit discount itself traces back to Workplace founder Joe Zueger, who established the policy as a way to support organizations serving the community.

When Workplace IT Management was acquired by Direct Cos., that commitment continued.

“Fortunately, this continued, and we are truly grateful,” Hanson said.

The relationship extends beyond technology support, she added.

“Workplace by Direct continues to support the mission through generous in-kind support and donations,” Hanson said.

In late 2025, Workplace by Direct employees voted to direct charitable donations to area nonprofits in lieu of traditional corporate gifts, with Volunteers of America, Dakotas among the recipients.

For Henderson, that broader involvement reflects how Workplace by Direct approaches nonprofit partnerships overall.

“We attend their events and are donors too,” he said. “We view it as a relationship. We want to show we value their relationship and their mission.”

To learn more about working with Workplace by Direct, visit here.