Resource library · free toolkits, templates and guides

The practical library for people who build nonprofits

211 really practical toolkits, templates and guides for nonprofit and NGO leaders, and the consultants and funders who support them. A mix of the classics and newer methods.

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211 resources · 15 topics · 137 publishers · 197 free to use

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6 resources found

  • Search: security risk management
  • 11.1C144

    Good Practice Review 8: Humanitarian Security Risk Management

    The 3rd edition of a widely used reference on security risk management for humanitarian organisations. Practitioner experts revised it over 3 years. Its 7 chapters cover foundations, ecosystems, organisational and operational elements, people, technology, and specific threats. The 2025 edition adds a person-centred approach, the security burden on national and local actors, partnership security, access and deconfliction, and digital risks such as disinformation and surveillance. Security managers use it to design policies and plans.

    CurrentKey manual or guideFree
  • 11.1C145

    Security to go: a risk management toolkit for humanitarian aid agencies

    A toolkit for staff who are not security specialists and need to set up basic safety and security systems in a new context or a sudden emergency. Modules are grouped into planning and preparedness, response, and support services. Topics include actor mapping, risk assessment, digital security, security plans, facility security, communications, travel safety, medical evacuation and private security providers. It contains a risk rating matrix, a security plan template, sample SOPs, checklists and a glossary.

    CurrentTool or templateFree
  • 11.1C143

    Workbook on Security: Practical Steps for Human Rights Defenders at Risk

    A workbook that guides human rights defenders through writing a security plan for themselves and, where relevant, their organisation. Its 6 chapters cover introduction, assessing risk, analysing threats, wellbeing, creating security plans and context. 17 appendices give practical material on topics such as SWOT analysis, office and home security, detention and arrest, travel, computer and phone security, and surveillance. Defenders work through it alone or in groups.

    ClassicTool or templateFree
  • 11.3C154

    Risk Appetite Statements: A guide for NGOs

    A guide that explains what a risk appetite statement is, why it is useful and how an NGO can develop one. It focuses on security risk and shows how security risk management fits into organisation-wide enterprise risk management. Chapters cover the strategic value of a statement, its role in governance and accountability, and practical steps for putting it in place. It is written for security practitioners, senior leaders and boards.

    EmergingKey manual or guideFree
  • 11.1C141

    Holistic Security: A Strategy Manual for Human Rights Defenders

    A strategy manual that helps human rights defenders plan for their security and well-being. It joins self-care, digital security and information security with traditional security management. The online version has 4 sections that form a cycle: Prepare, Explore, Strategise and Act. Chapters cover context and threat analysis, security plans, organisational security and protests. Exercises, further reading and a separate Trainers' Manual support group workshops.

    Start hereClassicKey manual or guideFree
  • 11.1C142

    Protection Manual for Human Rights Defenders

    A manual from Protection International that gives human rights defenders knowledge and tools for security and protection. It sets out a method for defenders to assess their own risk and to define security rules and procedures that fit their situation. The content draws on more than 25 years of staff experience and has been tested in protection work and training workshops. Trainers use it to run security and protection courses.

    ClassicKey manual or guideFree

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