Best Non-Profit Websites

A solid online presence is critical for all non-profits to communicate their mission to potential donors, grantmakers, volunteers, supporters, and other stakeholders. However, establishing this web presence for smaller non-profits can seem daunting when designing the site yourself or employing a designer or agency to help.

This article aims to demystify what makes a great non-profit website, highlighting some of our favorite examples. We hope this gives you some inspiration and a better idea of how these best practices can translate to your website.

What Makes a Great Nonprofit Website?

A great non-profit isn’t much different than a great business website or any other type of website.

First and foremost is the user experience (UX). It's not just about making your site easy to navigate and mobile-friendly. A well-designed website can significantly enhance your audience's perception of your non-profit's mission. It should load quickly, be visually appealing, and be consistent with your brand.

Content is another essential factor. You have a concise window to capture a website visitor’s attention and clearly articulate why they should keep reading your website. You want your content to be captivating and clearly explain your mission, real-world impact, and up-to-date information.

Functionality is a critical consideration for a non-profit website. It's important to ensure that visitors can easily find and take the actions you want them to, such as donating, learning more about a program, volunteering, or making an inquiry. The process should be simple and straightforward, and once they've taken these actions, it should seamlessly sync with your backend systems.

The final primary consideration is search engine optimization. Is your website set up correctly from a technical SEO standpoint? Are you doing on-page or off-page SEO, focusing on keywords your prospective stakeholders are searching for?

Learn more about technical SEO services here

Best Nonprofit Websites of 2024

Now that we know what goes into a good website let's look at some good examples. Of course, these are some of the largest non-profit or NGO organizations, so their budgets are higher than yours. But they can certainly serve as inspiration.

Learn about Peak Digital Studio’s non-profit discounts and pay-as-you-go websites.

Charity: Water

charitywater.org

Charity: Water is dedicated to bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries.

Website Strengths:

• Clear call to action: The primary action they want visitors to take is donating to their cause, so the donate widget is front and center above the fold on the website.
• Storytelling through Visuals: The website uses high-quality images and videos to tell the stories of the communities they help. This makes the impact of donations tangible and personal.
• Transparency: Donors want to know where their money goes. That's why transparent donation tracking is crucial. Detailed project updates and maps allow donors to see exactly how their money is being used. This transparency builds trust and encourages continued support.

Doctors Without Borders

msf.org

Also known as Médecins Sans Frontières, this organization provides medical care where needed most, such as war zones and humanitarian crises..

Website Strengths:

• Compelling Photography: The site features powerful images from the field, highlighting the critical work and the people being helped.
• Easy Donation Process: The donation page is user-friendly, with clear options for one-time or recurring donations. It also provides detailed explanations of how donations are used.
• Informative Content: The website is rich with articles, reports, and updates on various crises and medical issues, making it a valuable resource for understanding global health challenges.

The Humane Society

humanesociety.org

The Humane Society works to protect animals and confront cruelty globally.

Website Strengths:

• Heartfelt Storytelling: The website features stories of rescued animals and the people who helped them, creating an emotional connection with visitors.
• Clear Calls to Action: The Humane Society’s site makes donating, volunteering, or adopting a pet easy with prominent buttons and straightforward instructions.
• Extensive Resources: The site offers many resources on animal care, advocacy, and education, making it a go-to destination for animal lovers and activists.

Key Features of Successful Nonprofit Websites

As we’ve identified, the best non-profit websites are more than just attractive designs. Here are some of the key features you’ll find from our examples.

Visual Storytelling: Using Images and Videos to Convey the Mission and Impact

Visual storytelling is not just a tool for nonprofits to connect with their audience. It's a powerful way to create an emotional connection. High-quality images and videos can vividly convey the stories of those impacted by your non-profit’s work, making your mission relatable and enhancing the credibility and transparency of your organization.

Donor Engagement Tools: Seamless Donation Processes, Recurring Donation Options

A seamless donation process with clear calls to action, minimal form fields, and various payment options encourages more contributions. Offering recurring donation options is also crucial, allowing donors to commit to regular giving and ensuring sustained support. Additionally, displaying how donations are used, such as through impact metrics or success stories, can enhance donor trust and engagement.

Volunteer and Event Management: Easy Sign-Up Processes, Event Calendars

Volunteers are vital to many nonprofits, and an efficient website makes it simple for them to get involved. Implementing accessible sign-up forms for volunteering opportunities and maintaining an up-to-date event calendar can streamline volunteer management.

Educational Resources: Blogs, Articles, Infographics to Educate Visitors

Providing educational content is an effective way for nonprofits to raise awareness about their cause. Regularly updated blogs, articles, and infographics can inform visitors about the issues the nonprofit addresses and showcase the impact of their work. This content positions the nonprofit as a thought leader and keeps the audience engaged and informed, which can foster a deeper connection and commitment to the cause.

Tips for Improving Your Nonprofit’s Website

Improving your nonprofit’s website can significantly enhance its effectiveness in engaging supporters and furthering your mission. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:

Conduct a Website Audit: Evaluate Current Performance, Identify Areas for Improvement

Begin by conducting a thorough website audit to assess its current performance. Analyze key metrics such as page load times, bounce rates, and user engagement. Identify areas that need improvement, such as outdated content, poor navigation, or slow load times. This audit will clearly understand where to focus your efforts to enhance the website’s functionality and user experience.

Here at Peak Digital Studio, we offer free website audits for non-profits. To get started, send a quick email with your website address to audit@peakdigitalstudio.com.

Focus on Mobile Optimization: Ensure the Site is Fully Responsive

Ensuring your site is fully responsive across mobile, tablets, and desktop devices is critical. A mobile-optimized website adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes, offering a smooth user experience across all devices. This includes having touch-friendly buttons, streamlined navigation, and fast load times. A mobile-friendly site helps retain visitors and encourages actions such as donations and volunteer sign-ups.

Enhance SEO Practices: Use Keywords, Meta Descriptions, and Alt Text Effectively

Improving your site’s search engine optimization (SEO) can increase its visibility and attract more visitors. Use relevant keywords throughout your content, including headings, meta descriptions, and image alt text. Regularly updating content and ensuring it is valuable and relevant to your audience can boost SEO.

Prioritize Accessibility: Implement ADA-Compliant Features

Making your website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is both a legal and ethical obligation. Implement ADA-compliant features such as alt text for images, video captions, and keyboard navigation. Clear fonts, sufficient color contrast, and simple layouts enhance readability. An accessible website ensures everyone can engage with your content, supporting inclusivity and widening your reach.

Regular Updates and Maintenance: Keep Content Fresh and Relevant, Fix Broken Links

Regularly updating your website’s content keeps it fresh and relevant for visitors. This includes adding new blog posts, updating event calendars, and refreshing images and videos. Regular maintenance checks are essential to fix broken links, update software, and ensure all features function correctly. Keeping the website current and functional enhances user experience and maintains visitor trust.

Summary

Creating a compelling website is crucial for any non-profit looking to connect with donors, volunteers, and supporters. Your organization can significantly enhance its online presence by focusing on user experience, visual storytelling, and seamless functionality. Use high-quality images and videos to emotionally engage your audience, make donation processes straightforward, and provide valuable educational resources. Regularly audit your website’s performance, optimize it for mobile use, and improve SEO practices to increase visibility. By maintaining an accessible and up-to-date site, your non-profit can foster stronger connections and drive meaningful support for your cause. Remember, a well-crafted website is more than just a digital brochure; it’s a powerful tool to amplify your mission and impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do nonprofit agencies often include blogs on their websites?

Nonprofit agencies often include blogs on their websites to engage with their audience, share success stories, and provide updates on their activities. Blogs help in building a community by offering valuable content that educates and informs supporters about the nonprofit’s mission and impact. Additionally, regular blog posts can improve the website’s search engine ranking, making it easier for potential donors and volunteers to find the organization online. It also serves as a platform to highlight upcoming events and fundraising campaigns.

What online payment system is best for nonprofits?

The best online payment system for nonprofits depends on specific needs, but some popular options include PayPal, Stripe, and Donorbox. PayPal is widely recognized and easy to set up, with special rates for nonprofits. Stripe offers seamless integration with various platforms and supports recurring donations. Donorbox is specifically designed for nonprofits, providing features like customizable donation forms and donor management tools.