Cybersecurity for Charities & Purpose-Led SMEs. By Experts. For Impact.
Empowering charities and purpose-led organisations with expert-led, affordable cybersecurity services, including vCISO support, backed by donations, partnerships, and a shared mission for good.
UK Charities and Purpose-Led SMEs Face Rising Cyber Threats
In today's digital landscape, UK charities, social enterprises, and purpose-led SMEs are increasingly targeted by cyber criminals who view them as vulnerable yet valuable targets. With limited IT resources and budget constraints, many purpose-driven organisations struggle to protect their sensitive data, donor information, and critical services.
Serenity Cyber Alliance bridges that gap, providing expert-level security services specifically designed for organisations that put purpose before profit. We understand the unique challenges facing organisations like yours and have tailored our approach to meet those needs.
"UK charities and purpose-led SMEs are facing rising cyber threats with limited resources. Serenity Cyber Alliance bridges that gap."
10+ years in incident response leadership
Our team brings extensive experience from the frontlines of cybersecurity, having managed complex incidents for organisations of all sizes.
Services tailored to nonprofits and purpose-led SMEs
We've redesigned traditional cybersecurity services to work within their unique constraints and address sector-specific threats.
Virtual CISO (vCISO) Service
Access high-level cybersecurity expertise and strategic guidance without the cost of a full-time executive, helping you develop and implement a robust security roadmap.
Our Core Pillars
Built for Charities and Purpose-Led SMEs
Everything we do is designed with the unique constraints, challenges, and missions of charities and purpose-led SMEs in mind. We understand limited budgets, lean teams, and the critical importance of maintaining trust.
Our services are streamlined, practical, and focused on addressing the most important risks, ensuring maximum impact with minimal disruption.
Backed by Experience
Our team brings decades of frontline cybersecurity expertise from high-stakes environments, including critical national infrastructure, financial services, and government.
This deep technical knowledge allows us to translate complex security concepts into clear, actionable guidance for non-technical leaders and teams within charities and purpose-led SMEs.
Strategic vCISO Guidance
We provide accessible virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services, offering strategic cybersecurity leadership and expert advice without the overhead of a full-time executive.
This ensures even the smallest charities and purpose-led SMEs can access top-tier security strategy, tailored to their unique operational context and safeguarding their mission.
Sustained by Sponsors
Our innovative funding model blends corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and paid services to create a sustainable ecosystem of support.
This approach allows us to deliver pro bono and heavily subsidised services to charities and purpose-led SMEs who otherwise couldn't access professional cybersecurity expertise.
Measured by Impact
We measure success not by profit but by the positive difference we make to the security posture of purpose-driven organisations across the UK.
Through careful tracking of risk reduction, incident prevention, and capability building, we demonstrate transparent and meaningful outcomes.
Practical Cybersecurity Services, Tailored to Nonprofits and SMEs
We deliver high-quality, scalable cybersecurity services designed to raise maturity, reduce risk, and prepare for real-world incidents. Our offerings are specifically adapted to work within the constraints and contexts of purpose-driven organisations.
Cybersecurity Maturity Assessment
A comprehensive review of your current security practices, identifying strengths, gaps, and practical improvement steps that respect your resources and priorities.
Incident Response Readiness
Preparation for the inevitable, ensuring your team knows exactly what to do when facing ransomware, data breaches, or other cyber incidents.
Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Engaging, relevant training that transforms your people from vulnerabilities into your strongest defence against social engineering and phishing attacks.
Virtual CISO (vCISO) Services
Gain strategic cybersecurity leadership and guidance without the cost of a full-time executive. Our vCISOs help develop and implement your security strategy, manage risks, and advise your leadership.
Crisis Management Plan Development
Tailored plans that help your leadership navigate security incidents while maintaining operations and stakeholder trust.
Board-Level Risk Workshops
Helping trustees, directors, and business leaders understand their cyber governance responsibilities and make informed risk decisions.
Policy & Playbook Development
Practical, jargon-free documentation that works for your organisation, not generic templates that gather dust.
Executive & Technical Tabletop Exercises
Realistic scenario practice that builds confidence and exposes gaps before a real incident occurs.
Advisory Support for Compliance
Navigating regulatory requirements like GDPR, NIS2, and funder security expectations, alongside broader business compliance.
Digital Forensics & Expert Witness Support
Professional investigation and evidence handling when incidents require deeper analysis or legal proceedings.
Need something bespoke? We're flexible. Our approach adapts to your organisation's unique needs and circumstances. Let's talk about creating a tailored security programme that works for your charity or purpose-led SME.
Who We Help: Charities, Social Enterprises, and Underserved SMEs
We prioritise organisations doing good—especially those lacking access to cybersecurity expertise. Our services are designed specifically for those who put purpose before profit but still need professional-grade security support. This includes tailored offerings such as our vCISO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer) service, adapted to meet the unique needs of these organisations.
Eligible Organisations
Registered UK charities
Of any size.
Community interest companies (CICs)
Voluntary organisations and foundations
Purpose-led SMEs
With under 250 staff.
Organisations in specific sectors
Health, disability, inclusion, youth, and education sectors.
While we serve all eligible organisations, we give priority to those working with vulnerable populations, handling sensitive data, or delivering essential community services.
Support Tiers
1
Pro Bono Services
For small charities and purpose-led SMEs with limited resources but significant cyber risk. Fully funded by our sponsors and partners, delivering essential security support at zero cost.
2
Discounted Services
For mid-sized organisations with some budget but requiring substantial subsidies. Typically offered at 30-70% below market rates depending on circumstances.
3
Paid Services
For larger charities and purpose-led SMEs with dedicated security budgets. Still priced below commercial rates, with proceeds supporting our pro bono work.
"We believe no mission-driven organisation should be held back by cybersecurity risk."
Fuel Our Mission. Protect Mission-Driven UK Organisations.
Every hour of cyber support we provide is powered by someone like you—a business, foundation, or individual who believes in impact. By supporting Serenity Cyber Alliance, you're not just funding a service; you're building cyber resilience across the entire UK charity sector and among purpose-led SMEs.
The cyber threats facing mission-driven organisations have never been greater, with ransomware gangs specifically targeting them for their valuable data and perceived vulnerability. Yet traditional cybersecurity services remain out of reach for most nonprofits and purpose-led SMEs due to high costs and technical complexity.
Your support changes this equation, creating a sustainable ecosystem where expert-level security becomes accessible to those who need it most. This includes critical services like virtual CISO (vCISO) support, providing strategic cybersecurity leadership to organisations that would otherwise be unable to afford it.
Whether you're a corporate partner looking to demonstrate social responsibility, a foundation interested in sector-wide impact, or an individual with a passion for both technology and social good—your contribution makes a measurable difference.
"Cybersecurity shouldn't be a privilege. Help us make it a right."
Corporate Sponsorships
Partner with us through financial support, volunteer hours from your security team, or in-kind technology donations. We offer recognition packages and impact reporting.
One-time Donations
Make a direct contribution of any size through our secure donation platform. All funds go directly toward delivering services to mission-driven organisations in need.
Monthly Contributions
Join our community of regular supporters who provide sustainable funding we can count on. Even ÂŁ10 monthly makes a significant difference.
Fundraise With Us
Organise a cybersecurity awareness event, charity run, or virtual challenge to rally your network around our cause.
Founded by Experience. Driven by Purpose.
Our Founder's Journey
After two decades leading global cyber investigations, our founder recognised a critical divide: large corporations could afford robust security, while charities and purpose-led SMEs were left exposed to escalating cyber threats. This vulnerability jeopardised the very organisations protecting our most vulnerable communities.
This insight led to the creation of Serenity Cyber Alliance. Our new model delivers enterprise-grade security expertise to the third sector and purpose-led SMEs, combining paid services with corporate sponsorships and pro bono work to bridge the digital security gap.
Our team blends deep technical knowledge with a genuine understanding of charity and SME operations. We develop practical security solutions that fit real-world constraints, moving beyond impractical 'ivory tower' recommendations. This includes our Virtual CISO (vCISO) service, offering expert strategic guidance without the overhead of a full-time executive.
Organisation Information
Based in the UK, operating nationally
While headquartered in London, we serve organisations throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland through a combination of remote services and on-site visits.
Registered as a CIC (Community Interest Company)
Our legal structure as a Community Interest Company ensures our mission remains front and centre, with profits reinvested into expanding our impact rather than enriching shareholders.
Launching pilot projects Q3 2025
We're currently in the final stages of preparation, with pilot programmes beginning with selected partner charities and purpose-led SMEs in autumn 2025 before wider rollout.
Ready to Work With Us?
Apply for Support
If your organisation needs cybersecurity assistance, our application process is straightforward and secure. We'll assess your needs, risk profile, and eligibility for our different support tiers.
Use our secure intake form to request services. We review applications weekly, prioritising based on urgency, impact potential, and resource availability.
All information provided is handled confidentially and protected by our secure systems. After submission, you'll receive an acknowledgment within 24 hours and a full response within 5 working days, including next steps and any additional information we might need.
Partner With Us
Interested in collaboration, events, or pro bono delivery? We're actively seeking partnerships with:
- Cybersecurity firms willing to provide pro bono services or volunteer hours
- Technology companies offering discounted or donated security tools
- Umbrella organisations representing multiple charities, social enterprises, or purpose-led SMEs
- Academic institutions researching cybersecurity for the third sector and purpose-led organisations
- Government agencies focused on nonprofit cyber resilience
Our partnership approach is flexible and focused on creating mutual value while maximising positive impact for the organisations we serve.
Virtual CISO (vCISO) Service
For organisations requiring senior-level cybersecurity leadership without the overhead of a full-time executive, our Virtual CISO (vCISO) service provides strategic guidance and oversight.
A dedicated cybersecurity expert will work with your leadership team to develop and implement a tailored security roadmap, manage risk, and ensure compliance.
This service is ideal for charities and purpose-led SMEs looking to mature their cybersecurity posture, meet regulatory requirements, or respond to complex threats with expert guidance, building a strong security culture aligned with your mission.
Free Tools and Guidance
We believe in democratising cybersecurity knowledge. While our hands-on services provide the most comprehensive support, we're committed to making essential security resources available to all purpose-driven organisations—regardless of whether they're formal clients.
Cybersecurity Playbooks
Ready-to-use response plans for common incidents like ransomware, phishing, and data breaches. These step-by-step guides help your team know exactly what to do when security incidents occur, minimising damage and recovery time.
Training Templates
Customisable security awareness materials designed specifically for purpose-driven organisations and SMEs. These slide decks, handouts, and activities make security relevant and engaging for non-technical staff, volunteers, and leadership.
Board Dashboards
Governance-focused reporting templates that help leaders of purpose-driven organisations and SMEs understand and oversee cyber risks without getting lost in technical details. These dashboards visualise key metrics and trends in an accessible format.
Self-Assessment Tools
Interactive questionnaires that help you benchmark your current security posture and identify priority improvement areas. These tools provide immediate feedback and tailored recommendations based on your responses.
All resources are regularly updated to reflect emerging threats and best practices. While freely available, we recommend combining these tools with some form of expert guidance for best results—whether through our formal services or community workshops.
Latest Insights & Impact
Stay informed with our regularly updated blog featuring practical advice, success stories, and important security alerts relevant to UK charities and purpose-led SMEs.
Impact Stories
Real-world examples of how improved cybersecurity has enabled charities and purpose-led SMEs to fulfil their missions more effectively and securely. These case studies highlight practical solutions to common challenges and demonstrate the tangible benefits of investing in security.
- How a small disability charity recovered from ransomware
- Securing sensitive data for domestic violence support services
- Building volunteer cyber champions at community organisations
Cyber Alerts
Timely warnings about emerging threats specifically targeting the charity and purpose-led SME sectors, with clear, actionable steps to protect your organisation. These alerts cut through the noise to focus only on what's relevant to purpose-driven organisations.
- New phishing campaign targeting charity donation pages
- Critical software vulnerabilities affecting common nonprofit systems
- Emerging social engineering tactics exploiting charitable causes
Best Practices
Practical, jargon-free guidance on implementing security improvements within the unique constraints of charity and purpose-led SME environments. These articles provide step-by-step advice that respects limited resources while still enhancing protection.
- Securing remote workers on a limited budget
- Vetting technology vendors as a small organisation
- Creating an effective security policy in one day
Behind the Scenes
Updates on our organisation's growth, impact measurements, and lessons learned as we build a new model for charity cybersecurity. These transparent insights share both our successes and challenges as we develop our approach.
- Quarterly impact reports and beneficiary statistics
- Reflections on our service delivery model evolution
- Interviews with our technical experts and partners