Non-governmental organisations, charities, civil society groups and humanitarian organisations increasingly depend on their websites to communicate with communities, publish important information, coordinate programmes and reach supporters.
But these organisations can face a difficult challenge: maintaining a secure online presence while working with limited technology budgets.
A website can become a target of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, malicious traffic, automated abuse and other cyber threats. For organisations involved in journalism, human rights, public advocacy and humanitarian work, losing access to their website can affect more than their online visibility. It can interrupt communication and limit access to important information.
What many organisations may not know is that Cloudflare operates a programme called Project Galileo, which provides eligible public-interest organisations with free cybersecurity services.
For qualifying organisations in Zimbabwe, this could be an important opportunity to strengthen website protection without having to purchase a standard commercial security package.
This guide explains what Project Galileo is, who may qualify, what protection it offers and how Zimbabwean organisations can explore an application.
What Is Cloudflare Project Galileo?
Project Galileo is a Cloudflare initiative established to help protect vulnerable public-interest websites against cyberattacks.
The programme supports organisations whose work may expose them to online threats, including human rights defenders, journalists, civil society organisations and humanitarian groups.
Rather than requiring every eligible organisation to purchase commercial cybersecurity services, Cloudflare provides qualifying participants with access to security and performance technologies through the programme.
According to Cloudflare’s official Project Galileo information, participating organisations receive Business-level services that include DDoS mitigation, DNS, SSL, a web application firewall (WAF), content delivery network (CDN) and other tools.
The programme was established in 2014 and has grown to support thousands of vulnerable internet properties around the world.
For more information, visit Cloudflare Project Galileo.
Why Is Project Galileo Important for NGOs in Zimbabwe?
Many organisations in Zimbabwe operate with limited budgets and must prioritise spending between programmes, staff, administration, equipment and operational costs.
Cybersecurity can therefore become something that receives attention only after an incident occurs.
However, organisations that depend on websites for public communication should consider security before a disruption happens.
1. Protecting Websites Against DDoS Attacks
A distributed denial-of-service attack attempts to overwhelm a website or online service with traffic, making it difficult or impossible for legitimate visitors to access it.
For an NGO publishing research, programme information or public announcements, website unavailability can interrupt important communication.
Cloudflare provides DDoS mitigation through Project Galileo to help eligible organisations maintain the availability of their online properties during attacks.
2. Protecting Public-Facing Web Applications
A website may contain contact forms, registration pages, application forms and other interactive features.
These features can introduce security risks if they are not properly maintained and protected.
Cloudflare’s Web Application Firewall helps identify and filter certain malicious HTTP requests before they reach the protected application.
A WAF is an important security layer, although it does not replace secure application development, software updates, access controls or server security.
3. Improving Website Delivery
NGOs may communicate with audiences across different cities and countries.
A content delivery network can help distribute website content through a network of servers, improving the delivery of supported content to visitors.
Cloudflare’s CDN services can help improve the delivery experience while supporting website availability.
4. Strengthening Secure Website Connections
Websites should use HTTPS to encrypt communication between visitors and the website.
Cloudflare provides SSL/TLS services as part of its platform, helping organisations establish secure connections.
However, HTTPS alone does not make a website completely secure. Organisations must also protect administrator accounts, applications, databases and the underlying hosting environment.
5. Supporting Organisations With Limited Security Budgets
For an eligible organisation, access to Business-level Cloudflare services through Project Galileo can reduce the cost of obtaining certain advanced website protection capabilities.
This can allow more of an organisation’s budget to remain available for its programmes and activities.
Importantly, Project Galileo is not a general discount programme for every nonprofit. Organisations must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements and receive approval.
Which Organisations in Zimbabwe May Qualify?
Project Galileo is designed for public-interest organisations that may face online threats because of the work they perform.
Cloudflare identifies areas such as:
- Human rights.
- Civil society.
- Journalism and independent media.
- Democracy and public-interest advocacy.
- Humanitarian and related public-interest activities.
Examples of organisations that may be worth assessing include:
Human rights organisations: Groups documenting human rights issues, supporting affected communities or advocating for the protection of fundamental rights.
Independent media organisations: Journalism platforms, investigative reporting groups and organisations supporting independent reporting.
Civil society organisations: Groups working on public-interest issues, community advocacy and civic participation.
Humanitarian organisations: Organisations providing humanitarian assistance and supporting vulnerable communities.
Research and advocacy organisations: Groups publishing research and public-interest information that may expose them to online threats.
The organisation’s name or nonprofit status alone does not guarantee eligibility.
Cloudflare considers the organisation’s mission, activities, public-interest contribution and vulnerability to online attacks.
A charity or community organisation should therefore not assume it automatically qualifies simply because it is registered as a nonprofit.
What Does Project Galileo Provide?
Cloudflare’s official Project Galileo page identifies several Business-level services available to participants.
These include:
Unmetered DDoS Mitigation
Protection designed to help keep websites and online services available during distributed denial-of-service attacks.
Web Application Firewall
A security layer that helps inspect and filter malicious web requests before they reach an application.
Content Delivery Network
A distributed network that helps deliver website content to visitors.
DNS Services
Tools for managing the domain name system and directing visitors to the appropriate online services.
SSL/TLS
Services that support encrypted communication between visitors and protected websites.
Cloudflare Workers
A platform for running code across Cloudflare’s global network.
Zero Trust and Cloudflare Gateway
Additional tools that can support secure access to applications and internet resources, subject to the programme’s available services and configuration.
The exact features, access and implementation should be confirmed with Cloudflare for the organisation’s approved participation.
For the current programme information, see Cloudflare’s official Project Galileo page.
How Does Project Galileo Differ From Cloudflare Pro or Business?
Organisations researching website protection may come across Cloudflare Free, Pro and Business subscriptions.
Project Galileo is different because it is an eligibility-based programme for qualifying public-interest organisations.
| Service | Intended users | Pricing arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare Free | General website owners | Free standard plan |
| Cloudflare Pro | Websites needing additional paid features | Paid subscription |
| Cloudflare Business | Businesses requiring additional security and performance features | Paid subscription |
| Project Galileo | Eligible public-interest organisations | Qualifying services provided free through the programme |
The important distinction is that an organisation does not simply purchase Project Galileo as another subscription.
It must apply or be referred through the programme’s approval process.
An eligible organisation may receive services that would otherwise require a commercial Cloudflare Business subscription.
This makes Project Galileo particularly relevant for qualifying organisations that need stronger website protection but cannot easily accommodate additional cybersecurity expenditure.
How Can an NGO in Zimbabwe Apply for Project Galileo?
The application process begins by establishing whether the organisation meets the programme’s requirements.
Cloudflare explains that organisations can seek sponsorship through one of its trusted partners or submit information through its application process.
A useful starting point is to prepare the following information:
1. Your Organisation’s Website
Cloudflare requests the domain that the organisation wants protected.
The website must be live, so organisations should have their domain and website operational before applying.
2. Your Organisation’s Mission
Explain what the organisation does, whom it serves and how its work contributes to the public interest.
Avoid vague descriptions. Provide clear information about its activities and objectives.
3. Nonprofit or Organisational Status
Prepare information explaining the organisation’s legal or nonprofit status and the nature of its activities.
The exact supporting information required should be confirmed during the application process.
4. Why Your Organisation May Be Vulnerable
This is an important part of the application.
Explain the factors that may make the organisation a target of online attacks.
For example, does it publish investigative reporting, conduct human rights advocacy, document sensitive public-interest issues or support communities exposed to online threats?
Describe the circumstances accurately. Do not exaggerate or invent incidents to strengthen an application.
5. How the Website Supports Your Work
Explain why the website matters to your organisation.
For example, it may be used to publish research, communicate programme updates, provide public resources, receive enquiries or share important information with communities.
Cloudflare can use this information when assessing the organisation’s application.
You can begin by reviewing the official Project Galileo application information.
Can Tremhost Help Zimbabwean NGOs Access Project Galileo?
Yes. Tremhost has developed services specifically for NGOs, charities, civil society organisations and donor-funded projects in Zimbabwe.
The aim is to help organisations establish and maintain a professional online presence while addressing their hosting, communication and security requirements.
For organisations interested in Project Galileo, Tremhost can help assess whether the organisation appears to fit the programme’s intended eligibility categories and provide assistance with the application process.
If the organisation is accepted, Tremhost can also help with the technical aspects of setting up Cloudflare protection for its website.
However, acceptance is determined through Cloudflare’s programme process. Tremhost cannot guarantee approval or independently grant Project Galileo access.
What Other Services Can Tremhost Provide?
Not every organisation will qualify for Project Galileo, and even eligible organisations may require services beyond website protection.
Tremhost provides several solutions that can support nonprofit operations.
NGO and Nonprofit Website Design
An organisation needs a professional website where donors, partners, beneficiaries and communities can learn about its work.
Tremhost can help create websites featuring organisational information, programmes, impact stories, news, resources and enquiry forms.
Domain Registration and Web Hosting
Tremhost provides domain registration and website hosting options for organisations establishing their online presence.
Professional Business Email
Organisations can use email addresses on their own domains, helping create a consistent identity for communication with donors, partners, staff and beneficiaries.
Cloud and Server Infrastructure
Organisations with more demanding requirements can explore VPS, cloud and dedicated server infrastructure for their websites, databases and applications.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection
Tremhost also provides cybersecurity and data-protection services for organisations that need additional protection beyond basic website hosting.
Explore Tremhost’s NGO and Nonprofit Services to learn more.
Why NGOs Should Take Website Security and Data Protection Seriously
An NGO’s website may be publicly accessible, but the information behind its operations may be much more sensitive.
Depending on its activities, an organisation may handle:
- Beneficiary contact information.
- Employee and volunteer records.
- Donor information.
- Programme applications.
- Research documents.
- Sensitive correspondence.
- Internal organisational information.
Protecting the website is only one part of protecting this information.
Organisations should also establish appropriate access controls, use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, maintain software updates, secure databases and maintain reliable backups.
They should understand where their information is stored and which service providers can access it.
Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07] provides a legal framework for the processing and protection of personal information. Organisations handling personal information should assess their responsibilities under the applicable law rather than assuming that website security services alone establish compliance.
Cloudflare protection does not automatically secure an organisation’s email accounts, employee computers, internal applications or every part of its hosting infrastructure.
A broader security strategy is therefore essential.
What If Your Organisation Does Not Qualify for Project Galileo?
Not every NGO or charity will meet the programme’s eligibility criteria.
That does not mean the organisation should ignore website security.
There are several practical steps it can take.
First, use a reputable hosting provider and keep the website’s software updated.
Second, enable HTTPS and implement appropriate security controls for administrator accounts.
Third, maintain independent website and database backups.
Fourth, consider a web application firewall and DDoS protection service appropriate to the organisation’s risk and budget.
Finally, establish a procedure for responding to security incidents and recovering important information.
For organisations that do not qualify for Project Galileo, Tremhost can discuss commercial Cloudflare protection options through its Cloudflare services.
The appropriate solution will depend on the organisation’s risk profile, website requirements and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Project Galileo in Zimbabwe
Is Cloudflare Project Galileo free?
Yes. Cloudflare provides qualifying organisations with access to services through Project Galileo at no charge. Eligibility and approval are required.
Can any NGO in Zimbabwe apply?
Organisations can seek consideration, but not every NGO automatically qualifies. The programme is intended for public-interest organisations that may be vulnerable to online attacks because of their work.
Do ordinary charities qualify for Project Galileo?
Not automatically. Cloudflare assesses the organisation’s mission, public-interest activities and vulnerability. Being a registered charity alone does not guarantee acceptance.
Does Project Galileo provide Cloudflare Business-level protection?
Yes. Cloudflare states that participants receive Business-level services, including DDoS mitigation, WAF, DNS, SSL and CDN capabilities, alongside other programme services.
Can a Zimbabwean organisation apply directly?
Cloudflare provides an application route for organisations seeking participation. It also works with trusted partners that can sponsor or approve proposed recipients.
Does Tremhost guarantee Project Galileo approval?
No. Cloudflare controls programme eligibility and approval. Tremhost can help assess an organisation’s potential suitability and assist with technical preparation and application support.
Does Project Galileo protect the organisation’s entire IT environment?
No. The programme’s website and Cloudflare services should not be confused with comprehensive protection for every computer, email account, internal application or server used by an organisation. Additional security controls may be necessary.
What happens if an organisation is not accepted?
It can still use standard Cloudflare services and explore other appropriate website security options. Tremhost can discuss commercial solutions based on the organisation’s needs and budget.
Final Thoughts: Eligible Zimbabwean NGOs Should Explore Project Galileo
For organisations working in human rights, civil society, journalism, humanitarian support and other public-interest areas, maintaining a secure online presence can be essential to their mission.
Cyberattacks can disrupt communication, restrict access to important information and create additional pressure on organisations that already operate with limited resources.
Cloudflare Project Galileo offers qualifying organisations an opportunity to access Business-level website protection without paying the standard commercial subscription price.
If your organisation operates in Zimbabwe and believes its work may make it vulnerable to online attacks, it is worth exploring the programme.
Tremhost can help assess your organisation’s potential suitability, guide you through the next steps and assist with the technical setup if your application is approved.
Your organisation’s mission deserves a website that stays accessible, secure and ready to serve the people who depend on it.
Learn more at Tremhost NGO and Nonprofit Services or contact the Tremhost team to discuss your organisation’s requirements.
