50 Best Non Profit Websites

Greetings, non-profit champions! Are you searching for some web design inspiration for your organization? Look no further, as we present to you our guide to the top 50 non-profit websites.

Our team of experts has combed the web to find and assess the best non-profit sites based on factors like design, functionality, uniqueness, and user experience. From charming and impactful designs to easy navigation, these sites are the epitome of online excellence in the non-profit world.

Not only will you find ideas for your own site, but you’ll also pick up some tips on how to make your online presence shine.

Give your non-profit a boost with the help of this guide! You’ll find website examples of charitable, educational, healthcare, religious, environmental, and advocacy non-profit organizations in this list! For creative website ideas within other industries, head back to our nice website design examples article!

Top Non Profit Organization Website Designs

1. Eden Reforestation Project

Over the years, the Eden Reforestation Project has planted over 977 million trees worldwide, and its video on the homepage stands as testimony to its achievements. Against a warm yellow background, the organization sends its message in red and olive green lettering to people. 

Right at the top, the “why Eden” section gives insight into its methodology, so donors can decide whether they wish to be a part of the organization or not. To build brand credibility, the website features inspiring stories from around the world to connect with the audience.

2. Acumen

Its unique approach, “changing the way the world tackles poverty,” has received donations from more than 350 people. Although there is not much text on the homepage, the brand speaks to its customers through images. 

At the right-hand corner of the website, the “donate” option allows donors, referred to as partners by Acumen, to donate their sum quickly and easily. 

Also, the website is user-friendly, thanks to the header that contains all the sections donors must be interested in. Investments, academy, funds, and reports– everything is available on its homepage, and the clear structure makes it easy to navigate.

3. WCS

The WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) boasts four-star ratings and has earned a charity score of 94.50 on Charity Navigator, thanks to the visually appealing website. And the organization calls attention to its mission by showcasing the images of animals it aims to protect, giving you a glimpse of nature on its homepage. 

Highly striking is its easy-to-follow sidebar menu that invites visitors to learn more about the organization, ensuring a seamless transition to its vast resource. Not only the logo, but the color scheme of the website also echoes its mission.

Related: Need help managing paid ads for your charity? We’ve got experience with Google Ad Grants.

4. Clean The World

The Clean The World website grabs attention for its striking tagline– “Recycle Soap. Save Lives. Protect The Environment.” 

This simple and easy-to-navigate website boasts a clean and professional look and gives the audience plenty of ways to be a part of its community. The “about us” section lets out every detail of the organization, so visitors can find everything on one page. 

Armed with a search box and a “Stay In Touch” form, it further enhances the user experience. Towards the end of the page, there are links to different social media accounts and contact information to make it easy for donors and visitors to connect with the organization.

5. Time To Choose

Want to hook visitors to your website and make them a part of your organization? Then check out the Time To Choose website that compels them to stay a little longer on the page with the live background. 

While plenty of features deserve applause, the multiple call-to-action buttons throughout the website add to a better user experience. 

Using a three-column layout, the website divides the content to improve readability. Its white-green color combination is fitting, as it reverberates the message of the organization. Plus, it has included “Share The Film” on every page to drive traffic to the website.

6. Urisino

Almost every organization uses words to convey its mission, but Urisino resorts to pictures to describe its initiative, and that’s what seized our attention. 

Although the logo may appear simple, the burnt orange color reminds us of the forests burned. While the “conservation” section talks about the projects completed by the organization, the “heritage” section walks visitors through the history of how Urisino was started, earning trust and building credibility. 

As the website employs multiple colors and high-definition images of animals, visitors tend to stay hooked to it for long.

7. Surfrider Foundation

Looking for volunteers and donors to help you in your initiatives? Check out the website of the Surfrider Foundation to get ideas to attract them to your organization. 

Instead of lengthy introductions, the organization has added a call-to-action button on the homepage, which is followed by the initiatives it undertakes. Dedicated to protecting the oceans, waves, and beaches, the white-blue color scheme makes the website more appealing. 

Campaigns, programs, partners, or donations– most of the information is displayed on the homepage, so you won’t have to search for anything. Almost every page is armed with a call-to-action form to move visitors further when they are piqued by something.

8. Water.org

Water.org is all about providing access to safe water, and its interactive background showcases the same. 

The layout of the website is simple but attractive, and the white background enhances content legibility. Also, the font sizing and color are consistent throughout the pages of the website. 

Not only above the fold, but the call-to-action buttons are used throughout the website in different ways. Towards the end, the organization has linked its various social media accounts, so people can connect with them easily.

9. Greenpeace

Greenpeace prioritizes action, and its multiple call-to-action buttons on the homepage testify to the same. 

Below the fold, the website features the news, research, and reports section. And if you scroll a bit further, you’ll come across the works carried out by the organization for over 50 years. 

What’s more, the “issues” page impressed us the most, as its layout is clear and simple. At the same time, multiple colors used make the page attractive, so visitors are likely to spend more time on the website.

10. Earth Justice

Over the years, Earth Justice has been fighting for the planet to combat climate change, and its website depicts just that. 

The dropdown menus at the header, displayed on every page, make it easy for visitors to browse the sections they want. And although the homepage features one picture, the impact it leaves in the minds of the visitors is tremendous. 

By including only essential information on the homepage, the organization piques the audience’s interest, so they keep browsing the site. Also, black font against a white background ensures the highest readability ratio.

11. Plant Chicago

Plant Chicago works for “to make our cities healthier and more efficient,” which fuels donors to donate. 

The dropdown menus, featured events, news, and the search box make the website user-friendly. With just a click of a button, you’ll be directed to any page you want. Also, the pages load within a few seconds, which decreases the bounce rate. 

The white-green-black color combination is in line with the objective of the organization. Furthermore, the well-organized homepage exudes sophistication, and the two-column layout below the fold contains plenty of information.

12. Oceana

Dedicated to protecting the oceans, Oceana aims to inspire people to join the noble cause through its easy-to-navigate professional website. 

It takes visitors on a journey using high-quality images, well-written blogs, and featured campaigns. This meticulously designed site contains call-to-action buttons on every page and links to social media accounts. The simple design coupled with bright colors leaves a lasting impact on the minds of the visitors. 

To encourage its visitors to donate, a pop-up appears on the homepage talking about seafood fraud, instilling trust.

13. Change The Course

Straight off the bat, the full-width slider makes the Change The Course website aesthetically appealing, as it divulges plenty of information in reduced space. Through a one-point stop, the sliders reveal to the visitors the vision and mission of the organization. 

As you scroll further, you’ll get the chance to explore the projects that it has completed over the years. Simply click on the thumbnail of the images, and you’ll get complete information about the project. 

On the right-hand corner of the homepage are the “contact us” and “about us” sections, making it easy for people to connect with the organization.

14. Benefunder

While the live video background makes the website immersive and interesting, its easy-to-follow sidebar menu on the left-hand side adds to a rich user experience. 

Although Benefunder has a lot to say, it uses a clean layout to arrange the information, avoiding overload. Besides its services and objectives, it proudly exhibits its partners on the homepage to earn the visitors’ trust. With a search box on the right side of the header, the website is easy-to-navigate.

15. Upstream

Upstream knows how to keep people engaged on its website, and that is why it features a video above the fold. 

After a warm welcome, the website introduces the visitors to its mission and emphasizes the importance of their support. Not only that, but it also uses plenty of images with headings that are simple yet powerful. 

Just above the CTA, the website highlights the areas the organization works for, so those who wish to support can browse the section. Overall, it inspires people to support the organization with the right use of heartwarming images of children, bold and bright colors, and a blog section.

16. Invisible Children

The website of Invisible Children gives off a minimalist feel, thanks to the bold font on the homepage. 

Featuring a horizontal accordion slider, the site allows supporters and visitors to peek into the works completed by the organization. Though packed with information, the easy-to-navigate website boasts a clean and professional layout. 

In the middle of the homepage is the blogs section that keeps users hooked to the site. Also, its floating CTA button makes it easy for people to join the community. Instead of a header, the navigation menu is on the right side of the site, which is impressive.

17. Charity: Water

From the get-go, Charity: Water makes its initiative clear, and its thoughtful short introduction informs visitors what the site is about. 

Using compelling images, the organization explains its work and offers ways to get involved through multiple CTAs on the homepage. Besides, it features a trailer of a Netflix film to spread awareness about the complexities faced by millions of people lacking access to clean water. Sure, the organization knows how to keep visitors hooked on the site. 

Interestingly, it offers multiple ways to be a part of the community, making it easy for people to support the organization.

Related: Rank your charitable organization higher in search results with SEO services.

18. Heifer International

Heifer International uses powerful photos on its website that speak a thousand words. The color scheme pairs blue with white, which gives the homepage an eye-catching layout. 

What’s particularly impressive is the site features real-life stories that discuss the change people can bring about with their donations. As thumbnails increase interactivity, you’ll find plenty of them on the site to keep audiences engaged. 

The entire layout of the website prioritizes making a difference by explaining the benefits with real examples of donating money or giving a gift.

19. Warrior Rising

Started by Veterans, Warrior Rising dedicates itself to helping military veterans of the U.S. to achieve success in their respective businesses. 

Designed creatively, the homepage keeps visitors engrossed with its slideshow, letting out the mission of the organization. The sticky header enhances the overall experience, as users can navigate to different pages without scrolling up. 

From “get started” to “register now,” the site is full of call-to-action buttons, so there’s a high possibility of increased engagement. And the “about us” section features a short introduction video from the founder that provides answers to the common question visitors may have in mind.

20. Free Street

Exhibiting a dark-theme marvelously, Free Street tells complicated stories in human ways that hit the heartstrings. 

The website features images rather than words to tell the world about its mission and work. But what caught our attention is its unique call-to-action button, as the site features a hashtag, inviting more clicks and increased donations. 

With a customer testimonial on the homepage, it aims to win the audience’s trust in its cause. Not to forget, its floating social media icons make the website user-friendly, as you can reach those accounts with just a click.

Related: Digital marketing services can help non profit organizations reach a broader audience and stay engaged with them over the long term.

21. Thorn

Thorn takes its bold goal of eradicating online sexual abuse of children to the next level with its dynamic site that features high-resolution graphics. The site draws in support using pictures of children, and its two-line message touches the heartstring of the people, encouraging visitors to join, support, and donate. 

Moreover, the use of white and dark blue colors helps keep the focus on orange CTA buttons spread all over the homepage. The website also grabs visitors’ attention by using a painting by Indrayanto Bambang to create a cohesive brand image.

22. Lions Club International

Incorporating high-definition images, videos, and stories on the homepage, Lions Club International makes its mission clear right from the get-go. 

Not only is the slider above the fold captivating, but it also does an excellent job of revealing details about its global cause areas and donations raised. The sticky header allows users to navigate to the pages they are interested in. 

Throughout the site, medium-sized fonts are used that allow readers to read the text without any issues. The blue and yellow call-to-action buttons are featured on the sticky header as well, so you can take action anytime.

23. International Rhino Foundation

Surely, International Rhino Foundation takes a unique approach to captivate its visitors, and that’s why it uses hoovering elements on its website. 

While visitors get a glimpse of its vision at the header, the rest of the homepage discusses its initiatives. The clean layout of the website is expertly balanced with the use of gray and white color schemes. 

To top it off, its sticky header features call-to-action buttons in varied colors that pop against the gray background. Also, visitors are given plenty of choices to decide how they would lend their support to the cause.

24. The Voices Project

The Voices Project uses the ‘Permanent Marker’ font on the homepage instead of the regular Sans Serif fonts to deliver its message to the people. 

Although the header and above the fold are dark-themed, the site features light colors on the rest of the homepage, creating a contrast between the two sections. The pale white and light cream colors are a perfect backdrop to the high-resolution images, posts, and news. 

While a call-to-action button is displayed on the sticky header, you’ll find one towards the end of the homepage and other web pages.

25. Mend

Unlike most of the websites on the list, Mend uses multiple colors on its homepage, which immediately caught our attention. 

Despite being packed with a lot of information, the homepage doesn’t appear disjointed or busy, so it wins brownie points for that. As it wants visitors to go through its newsletters, it has skilfully placed them above the fold. 

While scrolling the homepage of this minimalist site, you’ll come across stories and multiple CTA buttons. Besides donation, there are plenty of ways in which visitors can support the organization, making it a win-win situation!

26. buildOn

What sets buildOn apart from its counterparts is the short video clip on the homepage that reflects the true identity of the organization. Adding to that is the unique font, entrancing visitors right after landing on the page. 

The black lettering against the white backdrop makes for a clean design, which is why the rest of the elements are noticeable. Another feature that deserves attention is its footer which is designed in line with the logo of the organization, creating a strong impression in the minds of the people.

27. Alzheimer’s Association

As soon as you arrive at the Alzheimer’s Association, you’ll be greeted with a pop-up message with a CTA button to encourage helping those in need. 

Minimalistic yet intuitive, the header features all the sections that make it easy for users to navigate. As purple hue is the official color of the Alzheimer’s movement, it has been skilfully used on the landing page to grab visitors’ attention. 

We also love that the organization has smartly placed the social media channel links at the footer. Thus, people can browse them with a click and learn about the lives the charity has touched.

Related: Boost your digital marketing by hiring an agency to help bring awareness to your charity!

28. Best Friends Animal Society

Throughout the website, Best Friends Animal Society uses heartwarming images of animals to urge people to step forward to donate a sum to save them. 

The picture of Faith Maloney, the founder of the organization, takes center stage, and the inspiring stories below are sure to melt your heart. You’ll be taken on a little trip into its mission, vision, and principles as soon as you click on the orange button above the fold. 

Against the minimalist background, the elements in orange color spread throughout the site adds to the overall aesthetics.

29. Conservation International Foundation

The Conservation International Foundation website greets its visitors with images of nature, immersing them in their beauty. What sets it apart from others is an arrow at the bottom of the slider that takes you to the “about us” section below the fold. 

At the top of the homepage, visitors will find the navigation menu and call-to-action buttons. And the organization uses red color for the “donate” button, as it is known to boost conversion rates.

Plus, the “listen to nature” option at the footer enhances the overall user experience, for it allows you to explore the sound of nature on any device.

30. Nashville Zoo

By displaying high-quality images of animals on the homepage, Nashville Zoo manages to draw the attention of its visitors. 

A clear and uncluttered navigation menu lets you explore all the pages with ease, while the footer contains the address and links to social media accounts and partners. From the plain white background to the bold fonts, there is hardly anything amiss about the website. 

Also, the call-to-action buttons are scattered all over the web pages, so visitors know what to do next.

31. National Audubon Society

Nothing showcases your website better than a relevant high-resolution hero image, and the National Audubon Society understands that. 

Instead of sliders, the website has an eye-catching picture of a hummingbird flying over purple lavender flowers, which disappears as you scroll down to reveal the rest of the page. Not only that, but the navigation menu at the header also starts changing as per the theme of the rest of the homepage. 

The white background, simple fonts, and pictures of magnificent birds work together to create a stunning, unique, and minimal layout.

32. World Wildlife Fund

Although the homepage mentions the six goals of the organization along with other information, it isn’t cramped for space. Instead, it boasts a clean layout and is well-organized, so the bounce rates are likely to be low. 

While the navigation menu features everything, first-time visitors will appreciate the search box on the top right-hand side of the homepage, making it easy to use. 

As you move the cursor to the CTA buttons on the header, a dropdown menu appears that lets you take the desired action. Besides links, the footer contains a form and social media links so that you stay connected with the organization.

Related: Use paid advertising to help improve awareness of your non profit organization.

33. Coworker.org

Coworker.org is yet another minimalist website that knows how to keep people hooked to its website. Even without using bright colors, the design manages to send out its message, thanks to the bold fonts and powerful images. 

After scrolling down, you’ll come across plenty of resources that will walk you through important information to get started. And if you’ve got any doubts, you can take a look at the campaigns featured on its website. 

While the backdrop and colors are perfect, the floating “donate” button makes it easy for people to take action as and when they want.

34. Kiva

The moment we landed on Kiva, we liked the pop-up that appeared on the screen that reflected the interest of the organization in staying connected with its visitors. 

Boasting a black and green color scheme against a white background, the website is well-organized and encourages visitors to change lives by lending money. If you scroll a little further, you’ll see the loans being raised currently and can click on the thumbnails to know more. 

The organization wins its visitors’ trust and establishes credibility by featuring its success rates.

35. Wikimedia Foundation

From various languages to the live graphic illustration– Wikimedia Foundation has a unique visual language that urges visitors to scroll further. 

The header features links to every page of the website, but as you scroll down, you’ll learn more about the organization. Not only does the color scheme enhance readability, but it also complements the minimalist website design. 

Have any questions? Scroll towards the bottom of the website, and you’ll find the contact details of the organization. Overall, the immersive homepage design allows the organization to connect with its audience easily.

36. Convoy Of Hope

Convoy Of Hope reveals its mission by using the image of a child kissing his father as the hero image. 

While scrolling further, we stumbled upon some stories of people and children being helped by the organization. The placement of the CTA buttons beneath the heartwarming stories impressed us, as people are more likely to extend support after reading them. 

Besides, the gray letters against the blue background make it easy for people to read the text without straining their eyes. And a small video towards the end of the homepage is a great way to keep people engaged on its page.

37. Open Society Foundations

One of the things that we first noticed upon landing on the website is its clean homepage which adds to its aesthetics. 

Deliberate color choices coupled with a simple layout give off a vibrant and fresh feel, making us want to explore more about the organization. At first glance, the information on the homepage may appear simple, but clicking on them will reveal more about the organization. 

Thanks to the interactive text, every section of the website seems to be connected with the other.

38. Boy Scouts Of America

Boy Scouts Of America establishes its brand identity by using a compelling image of a group of people sea scouting. However, it is a diverse organization that accepts girls and boys and demonstrates its nature to visitors through the hero image. 

The slider at the header makes it easy for people to browse the website without scrolling further. Though contrasting, the bright white background paired with a shade of navy blue complement each other marvelously.

Sitting at the top of the page, the navigation menu adds to user-friendliness, and the subscription form above the footer ensures people take action before leaving.

39. Do Something

Even before the rest of the content loads, the yellow entry pop-up of the website arrests the visitor’s attention. And the claim of delivering a signed certificate is more likely to make people sign up for volunteering. 

The background is white throughout the site, but the organization keeps visitors engaged with colorful elements scattered all over. Also, there are multiple CTAs spread all over the homepage, from the header to the footer. 

Not to forget, the statistics below the fold do their job perfectly by arousing visitors’ emotions, pushing them to come forward.

40. Room To Read

Room To Read creates an emotional connection with people by using the picture of a girl staring right into the eyes of the visitor as the hero image. Furthermore, it uses heart-touching images throughout the site to keep visitors hooked. 

From the lives touched to the latest news, the clean layout of the homepage allows users to explore the organization without navigating here and there. Finally, the call-to-action button floating at the bottom of the site is what makes it unique from its contemporaries.

41. Teach For America

Overall, Teach For America uses texts to interact with its visitors, and the few images on its homepage are likely to convince them to support the organization. 

By sharing its success rate on the homepage, it manages to earn its visitors’ trust, so they are more likely to hit the red “apply” button on the sticky navigation menu. Its region map is highly striking, giving us a glimpse into the areas the organization works in. 

Needless to say, the website is easy to navigate and designed in such a way that it caters to the interest of both teachers and students.

42. The Trevor Project

Surprisingly, The Trevor Project greets its visitors with a pop-up that tells them the easiest way to leave the website. Though simple, the homepage is thoughtfully designed, featuring colorful images of boys and girls to pique their interests. 

The call-to-action button is displayed in exceptionally large fonts, so people won’t have trouble finding it. And if you want to take a short trip into the organization from your smart devices, click on “explore Trevor.” 

Also, the colors used in designing the website keep visitors engrossed. Overall, the high-resolution images, multiple CTAs, and graphic illustrations compel people to respond to the urgent needs of the people.

Related: Struggling to be found online? Try SEO services geared toward helping non profits excel online.

43. Girls Who Code

Besides its logo, the varied colors used in the header attracted us to dive into the depths. Girls Who Code provides an excellent example of how organizations can take their website to the next level by pairing bold texts with a compelling hero image. 

And if you take the cursor to the “get updates” button, the borders will change color. Adding to that is its toggle floating action button that allows visitors to change locations, enhancing the user experience. 

Surely, the designers know how to keep users engaged on the site for long. That’s why they’ve added features, a regional map, abstract CTA images, reviews from alumni, and a form above the footer.

44. Doctors Without Borders

First off, the spacious and clean layout of the website showcases the dedication of the organization to providing assistance to those in need. The fiery red color is contrasted with pearly white, which reflects the mission and vision of the organization perfectly. 

Another noteworthy feature is its “donate” button which changes its color from red to black when you place the cursor on it. Below the fold, you’ll find a few figures that talk about the far-reaching impact of the organization.  

That’s not all; the “how you can help” section is strategically placed towards the end of the homepage to help visitors make up their minds.

45. David Suzuki Foundation

The David Suzuki Foundation takes a different approach to make its website appealing. As soon as you land on the homepage, the “join our email community” in fresh mint color is likely to draw your attention. 

Besides the colorful hero image, the “scroll” option is another element that makes it stand out from the crowd. Furthermore, the uncluttered website uses hover animations to keep users on the edge of their seats by revealing one element at a time. 

Finally, the “meet our experts” and stories section are placed above the “you can help” section, so the visitors can take action right after reading them.

46. The Humane League

Working to end animal abuse, The Humane League uses a striking picture of a cow as the hero image to empower others to take action. Though there is a “donate” option on the top right corner of the homepage, the one above the fold grabs more attention. Another notable aspect is the CTA buttons throughout the site that change color upon placing the cursor. 

Although the organization has a lot to say, the site is clean and uncluttered, making it user-friendly. White and red color fonts displayed against the black backdrop improve readability and create a sense of consistency.

47. The Conservation Fund

Of course, the slider images do arouse the visitor’s curiosity, but what’s more appealing is the pop-up that appears right after landing on the website. Almost all the details are displayed above the fold, and the navigation menu contains links to the rest of the web pages.

The electric blue color paired with white makes the site appear more professional and adds a touch of sophistication. And as you scroll down, the motion graphics seem to communicate with audiences. 

Even the footer contains important links and contact details, so donors can connect with the organization without difficulty.

48. American Heart Association

Minimal and elegant, the website of the American Heart Association is laudable for its ease of navigation. Although it doesn’t use sharp, contrasting images, the impact it makes on the minds of the visitors is commendable. 

The stellar red shade, the color associated with heart disease awareness, is paired with white background, making the website attractive. Besides the color-changing CTAs, we like the informative pieces displayed on the homepage to spread awareness. 

To top it off, the “about us” section introduces the team of the organization, through which it earns the trust of its visitors.

49. The Nature Conservancy

What appealed to us the most is the navigation menu at the header that switches to white color as soon as you drag the cursor to it. From a crisp hero image to multiple CTA buttons spread across the page, the Nature Conservancy thoughtfully varies its content to make its homepage appealing.  

Plus, the designer has taken into consideration the user’s experience, as it has placed its mission, stories, and the ways you can help the organization on the homepage. It serves eight countries and provides both region-specific and global websites for easy accessibility.

50. Memphis Zoo

As much as crisp and clear images attract visitors, well-crafted elements and graphics draw people to explore more. And the website of the Memphis Zoo employs this technique to showcase the nature of the organization. 

Beneath the hero image is displayed a daily schedule in lime green color that catches the eye instantly. And if you’ve made up your mind to pay a visit, the map will come in handy for exploring the zoo. 

Interestingly, the high-resolution hippopotamus picture compels visitors to click on the “view all animal cams,” enhancing the user experience. Still have questions? The floating “chat us” option makes it easy for users to connect with the executives.

How to Build an Exceptional Nonprofit Website

Are you in the process of building a new website for your nonprofit organization? How exciting!

Let’s go through some of the most critical steps in building a new, or redesigning an existing, nonprofit website.

Feel free to skip the first few sections if you already have a domain name, hosting service, and website platform selected!

1.) Acquiring a Domain Name

Choosing a domain name for your nonprofit website is a vital step in establishing your organization’s online identity. It serves as the address that visitors will use to access your nonprofit website, and it plays a significant role in branding and recognition of your organization.

Here’s a step-by-step process to help you choose the perfect domain name:

1. Brainstorm: Start by generating ideas for your domain name, considering the name of your nonprofit, your mission, and the cause you support.
2. Simplicity: Strive to keep your domain name simple, easy to spell, and pronounceable. Avoid using complex words, hyphens, or numbers.
3. Consistency: Try to use your organization’s name, purpose, or location in the domain name. For example, if your nonprofit is called Johnny POW Foundation, don’t register a domain name like FightingForFreedom.org.
4. Availability: Check the availability of your desired domain names early in the process. Many common domain names have already been registered. If that’s the case, see if your desired domain name is being used and if it’s available for purchase. However, be cautious not to spend excessive money on buying a domain name that is up for sale.
5. Domain Extensions: Consider which domain name extension best suits your website’s purpose. While .org is the most common and widely recognized extension for nonprofits, there are other options available, such as .ngo or .cause.
6. Legal Considerations: Before registering your domain name, it’s important to conduct a trademark search to ensure that your chosen name doesn’t infringe upon someone else’s intellectual property. For instance, avoid registering a domain name that includes the name of another nonprofit organization or a popular charitable brand.
7. Register the Domain: Once you’ve settled on an available domain name, it’s time to register it through a reputable domain registrar. We’ve found GoDaddy and Namecheap to be the most user-friendly domain registrars.

2.) Selecting the Right Website Platform

After figuring out your domain name, the next step is selecting a website platform for your non profit website.

Most non profit organizations are going to develop content-based websites with event calendars, appointment registrations, live chats, donation forms, phone numbers and contact forms to drive conversions.

You’ll typically only see non profit websites adding ecommerce if they are selling fundraising products online.

For Content Websites:

For most nonprofits, WordPress serves as an excellent platform. However, you can also consider options like Wix and other user-friendly hosted website builders.

1. WordPress: WordPress is a versatile and widely-used content management system (CMS) that offers tremendous flexibility and customization options. It caters to all types of nonprofit websites, from simple to complex ones that require features like event registration or donation processing through plugins. With a vast collection of nonprofit-friendly themes and helpful plugins available, WordPress allows you to create a highly customized website tailored to your organization’s needs. It’s an ideal choice if you value control and want the ability to expand your website’s functionality over time. While there is a hosted version of WordPress available, most users opt for the open-source version installed on a web hosting account.
2. Wix: The Wix platform is similar to WordPress, offering many of the same page-building features. It is also a hosted solution, making it user-friendly. We have worked on nonprofit websites built with Wix, and it is a reliable page builder, making it another viable option. With Wix, you won’t need a separate web hosting service.

For Ecommerce Websites:

If your nonprofit organization sells products online, you’ll likely be satisfied with either WooCommerce or Shopify.

1. WooCommerce: If you plan to build an online store for your nonprofit using WordPress, WooCommerce is the ideal ecommerce plugin to install. It seamlessly integrates with WordPress, allowing you to add ecommerce functionality to your nonprofit’s website. With a wide range of extensions, payment gateways, and inventory management tools, WooCommerce is a perfect choice for nonprofits looking to sell products online.
2. Shopify: The Shopify platform is a leading ecommerce solution that provides everything you need to create and manage an online store for your nonprofit. It is a hosted ecommerce platform, eliminating the need to find a separate web hosting service. Shopify offers a user-friendly interface, customizable themes, built-in security, and various features for inventory management, payments, and shipping.

Web Hosting Requirements

If you choose a platform like WordPress or WooCommerce, you’ll need to find a reliable web hosting service.

As a suggestion, we often recommend our own web hosting service for its excellent compatibility with WordPress websites. For recommendations from other hosting companies, consider the following:

1. WP Engine: This is one of our preferred web hosting services for nonprofits. WP Engine offers a user-friendly control panel that simplifies the creation of staging websites. Their backup process is seamless. The only downside we’ve seen is the limits they impose on PHP max_execution_time. However, their pricing increases quickly if you require upgraded services.
2. SiteGround: We’ve always had a positive experience with SiteGround. Their live chat and email support are exceptional compared to more well-known hosting firms. We never had to wait long to connect with someone, and the first person we interacted with usually resolved the issue. Their backup tools are easy to use, and their pricing is reasonable for nonprofits.
3. Digital Ocean: This option is suitable for cloud hosting but may be too advanced for most nonprofit websites. We never encountered issues with the Digital Ocean cloud network, unlike other cloud networks we’ve tried. However, cloud hosting can be expensive when considering droplet (server instance) costs, operating system, control panel, server software, offsite backup, and server management fees. For server administration, check out AdminGeekZ.

3.) Selecting a Website Template

Most nonprofits prefer to purchase and customize a pre-built website template, as it significantly reduces web development costs and time. However, if your organization prefers a custom design, you can always hire a custom web developer or custom ecommerce developer to create a theme from scratch.

For the purpose of setting up a nonprofit website, let’s focus on suggestions for finding a pre-built website template! Here are some links to the main theme marketplaces to consider:

WordPress Nonprofit Themes

You can find free themes at wordpress.org, or explore nonprofit-inspired templates on ThemeForest.

Goodwish – Themeforest

$69

More info

DoGood – Themeforest

$79

More info

LoveIcon – Themeforest

$29

More info

Act – Themeforest

$44

More info

Wix Nonprofit Themes

Browse through free and paid themes in the marketplace at wix.com, which includes options suitable for nonprofits.

4.) Creating Content & Adding Visuals

Now that you have your domain name, website platform, and theme in place, it’s time to start building content for your nonprofit website!

Here are some tips to help you create engaging and effective website copy:

1. Know your target audience: Before writing, understand the demographics, preferences, and needs of your target audience. Tailor your content to address their pain points, provide value, and resonate with them. This will improve your visibility in search engines for relevant searches related to your nonprofit.
2. Define your key messages: Determine the main messages you want to convey through your website content. These should align with your nonprofit’s mission, highlight your unique contributions, and clearly communicate the impact of your organization.
3. Keep it concise and scannable: Online readers tend to skim content, so keep your writing concise and easy to digest. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, subheadings, and bold text to improve readability and make key points stand out.
4. Create clear and compelling headlines: Craft attention-grabbing headlines that immediately convey the value and relevance of your nonprofit. Engage visitors and encourage them to explore your website further.
5. Strategically incorporate keywords: Conduct keyword research and strategically incorporate relevant keywords throughout your content. This can boost your nonprofit website’s visibility in search engine results. However, avoid overusing keywords, as it can hinder readability. Tools like Ahrefs or Semrush can assist with keyword research.
6. Maintain a conversational tone: Write in a conversational style that connects with your nonprofit audience. Avoid technical jargon unless necessary. Engage readers by addressing them directly and adopting a friendly, approachable tone.
7. Edit and proofread: Always edit and proofread your content before publishing. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure the flow is smooth, logical, and aligns with your nonprofit’s brand voice and style guidelines. Tools like Grammarly can be helpful!
8. Leverage ChatGPT for assistance: If you need help generating ideas or refining your nonprofit website’s content, consider using AI tools like ChatGPT.

Break up long sections of text by incorporating relevant and high-quality images into your content. Consider the following tips:

1. Use high-quality images: Opt for visually appealing and well-composed high-resolution images. Avoid using blurry or pixelated images that can detract from the overall quality of your nonprofit website.
2. Ensure relevance: Select images that are relevant to your content and help illustrate your message. Choose images that enhance the text and provide additional context or visual interest for your nonprofit organization.
3. Consider stock photo resources: Utilize reputable stock photo websites like Unsplash, Pixabay, or Shutterstock to find a wide range of professional-quality images related to your nonprofit’s mission. Make sure to adhere to licensing requirements and provide proper attribution when necessary.
4. Customize images when possible: If you have the skills or resources, consider customizing or branding images to align with your nonprofit’s visual identity. This can create a cohesive and unique visual experience for your website visitors. Tools like Adobe Photoshop or Canva can be helpful for image customization.
5. Optimize image file sizes: Compress images to reduce file sizes without compromising quality. Large image files can slow down your nonprofit website’s loading speed, negatively impacting user experience and SEO. Tools like TinyPNG can assist with image optimization.

5.) Post Launch Strategies

Once you have built and launched your nonprofit website, there are several important tasks and services to consider for maximizing its effectiveness. Here are some basic suggestions to help you navigate post-launch activities:

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Implementing SEO strategies is crucial to improving your nonprofit’s visibility in local search results. Conduct keyword research, optimize your content, and ensure your website has a solid internal linking structure. Regularly update and create fresh, high-quality content to attract organic traffic. Consider hiring our SEO team or exploring third-party providers like The HOTH for assistance.
2. Paid Advertising: To drive targeted traffic to your nonprofit, consider utilizing paid advertising platforms such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads. Hire our PPC management services or find talented professionals on websites like Mayple for effective paid advertising campaigns.
3. Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO): Analyze your nonprofit website’s performance and user behavior using tools like Google Analytics. Identify areas where users may drop off or encounter barriers to conversion. Conduct A/B testing with tools like VWO to make data-driven changes that improve conversion rates and enhance user experience.
4. Website Security: Protecting your nonprofit website from security threats is essential. Implement robust security measures such as SSL certificates, web application firewalls (e.g., Sucuri), and regular backups. Keep your CMS, plugins, and themes up to date to minimize vulnerabilities. Monitor your website’s uptime using services like UptimeRobot.
5. Website Maintenance: Regularly maintain your nonprofit website to ensure optimal performance. If you are using WordPress, update plugins and themes, monitor website speed and performance, and resolve any broken links or errors. Consider our website maintenance services or find freelancers on platforms like Upwork for professional assistance. Regularly backup your nonprofit website to protect against data loss or technical issues.
6. User Feedback and Testing: Actively seek user feedback to understand visitor experiences and identify areas for improvement. Implement user testing to gather insights on how users interact with your nonprofit website. Use this feedback to make iterative enhancements and continuously optimize the user experience.
7. Content Updates: Keep your website content fresh and up to date. Regularly publish new blog posts related to your nonprofit’s mission, update information about your programs or services, and ensure all information is accurate and relevant. Engaging and valuable content not only attracts visitors but also encourages them to return and share your content with others interested in supporting your nonprofit.

Remember, post-launch digital marketing activities are crucial for the long-term success of your nonprofit website. Stay proactive, monitor performance, and adapt your strategies to achieve your organization’s goals and meet the needs of your audience.

FAQs about Web Development for Non-Profit Websites