Partners
What to expect as a partner
Nonprofit organizations partner with SFU through a structured, term-based engagement. The focus is on practical, achievable improvements, not extensive or highly technical interventions.
Step 1
Express interest using our intake form.
Step 2
If selected, you will complete our client intake form and meet with our Cyber Clinic Program Manager to help us better understand your organization’s needs.
Step 3
When the semester begins, you will be matched with a small student team (typically 4–5 students).
Step 4
Over the course of the semester, you will meet with the students to identify your organization’s unique risks and opportunities, developing a plan to improve your digital resilience long-term. Students are supported by faculty and program staff throughout.
Step 5
At the end of the term, you will receive recommendations and tools to support you in implementation.
Depending on your organization’s needs, work may include:
- Reviewing current practices and identifying potential gaps
- Supporting general cybersecurity awareness and next steps
- Providing guidance on policies, processes, or training approaches
- Helping you better understand risks and priorities
- Developing an action plan to improve your organization’s digital resilience
All work is educational in nature and designed to support learning while offering useful, grounded insights for your organization.The Cybersecurity Clinic brings these needs together in a structured, supported environment.
Who is this designed for?
We are currently seeking nonprofit partners that:
- Are based in British Columbia
- Have an interest in strengthening their cybersecurity practices
- Do not have dedicated internal cybersecurity resources
- Are open to working with students in a learning-focused environment
No prior technical knowledge or cybersecurity experience is required.
Cost
There is no cost to participate, but you will need to ensure there is someone from your organization who can work with the students to provide them with insight into your organization’s current practices and identify areas for improvement.
The Cybersecurity Clinic is offered as part of SFU’s academic programming and is intended to make cybersecurity support more accessible to nonprofit organizations.
Our approach
The clinic is designed to be:
- Collaborative – Partners work alongside students
- Practical – Focused on realistic and achievable improvements
- Accessible – Appropriate for organizations without technical expertise
- Educational – Supporting student learning while contributing to community resilience
Timing
The Cybersecurity Clinic is expected to launch its first cohort of partners in Fall 2026.
Initial placements will be limited as the program is launched and refined.
Express interest
If your organization is interested in participating as a partner, we encourage you to express interest. This helps us understand your needs and determine fit for upcoming cohorts.
FAQ
Is the SFU Cyber Clinic currently accepting new applications?
The SFU Cyber Clinic is currently seeking community partners for its Fall 2026 pilot program. Following the pilot phase, the Clinic is expected to expand opportunities through a full launch in Spring 2027.
Who is eligible to participate in the Cyber Clinic program?
The SFU Cyber Clinic currently partners with non-profit and charitable organizations based in British Columbia. Priority is given to organizations that do not have a dedicated cybersecurity strategy or team in place and are interested in collaborating with SFU students and faculty. The Clinic is particularly interested in supporting organizations that advance Indigenous communities, women, and other equity-deserving groups.
What outcomes can my organization expect from participating?
Participating organizations will develop a cybersecurity risk assessment, practical recommendations, and a documented Cybersecurity Action Plan to help strengthen their cybersecurity resilience and support future planning.
Does the Cyber Clinic support us from cyber-attacks?
The SFU Cyber Clinic provides guidance on cyber incident preparedness and response planning. While the Clinic does not offer emergency incident response services, it helps organizations understand how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents, including considerations related to reporting, mitigation, and recovery.
How much does it cost to participate in the Cyber Clinic?
The SFU Cyber Clinic provides eligible organizations with cybersecurity support and a documented Cybersecurity Action Plan at no cost.
How can I support the Cyber Clinic?
You can support the SFU Cyber Clinic by sharing information about the program within your networks, referring eligible organizations, and help raise awareness of the Clinic's impact. Organizations that participate in the Clinic may also choose to provide testimonials or success stories that help demonstrate the value of the program and support its continued growth.
How can I register to be a student in the Cyber Clinic?
The Fall 2026 pilot cohort is currently at capacity. Students interested in participating are encouraged to monitor SFU course enrollment and program announcements for opportunities to join the Cyber Clinic beginning in Spring 2027.
Questions
If you would like to learn more about the Cybersecurity Clinic or whether it may be a good fit for your organization, please contact: sfu_cyber_clinic@sfu.ca