Compliance & Governance

PCI DSS

By: Alec Hollingsworth

Updated:

July 16, 2025

Definition:

PCI DSS is a set of security standards for organizations handling credit card payments to protect sensitive cardholder data.

PCI DSS, or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all organizations that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. Established by major credit card companies, PCI DSS aims to protect cardholder data from theft and misuse. Compliance requires organizations to implement measures such as regular security testing, maintaining secure networks, and managing vulnerabilities. Nonprofit organizations that process donations or payments via credit card must adhere to PCI DSS requirements to safeguard donor information and prevent data breaches, as failure to comply can result in financial penalties and reputational damage.

Key Takeaways

PCI DSS ensures secure handling of credit card data.
Compliance is required for organizations accepting card payments.
Noncompliance can result in penalties and data breaches.
It builds donor trust by safeguarding sensitive information.

Why It Matters

PCI DSS compliance protects donor payment data and maintains trust in your organization.

Real World Example

Imagine a nonprofit uses an online platform to accept credit card donations for a fundraising campaign. To protect their donors’ payment information, the nonprofit ensures their payment processing system complies with PCI DSS standards, such as encrypting card data and conducting regular security scans. This diligence pays off when an attempted cyberattack fails to compromise donor data, as the security controls prevent unauthorized access. As a result, donors feel confident contributing through the nonprofit’s website, knowing their sensitive information is protected in accordance with industry best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PCI DSS stand for?

PCI DSS stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, a set of requirements for safeguarding credit card information.

Do nonprofits need to comply with PCI DSS?

Yes, any nonprofit that accepts, processes, or stores credit card payments must comply with PCI DSS to protect donor information.

How does Keela help with PCI DSS compliance?

Keela’s donation and payment tools are built with PCI DSS compliance in mind, helping nonprofits securely collect and process credit card donations.

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