To guide you through, we\u2019ve outlined the most important strategies for website branding, copy, design, navigation and conversions. We\u2019ve also included real nonprofit website examples to inspire your next redesign.<\/p>\n
What Should a Nonprofit Website Include?<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\nBefore we dive into the best practices, keep these must-have features in mind. Every effective nonprofit website should offer:<\/p>\n
\n- A clear mission statement and value proposition<\/li>\n
- Consistent branding across pages<\/li>\n
- Impact stories with real-world outcomes<\/li>\n
- Easy-to-use donation forms<\/li>\n
- Prominent calls to action<\/li>\n
- A mobile-friendly, responsive layout<\/li>\n
- Simple navigation and intuitive menus<\/li>\n
- SEO-optimized content<\/li>\n
- Integration with social media and email marketing<\/li>\n
- Accessibility features for all users<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Whether you’re building your site from scratch or updating an existing one, these elements form the foundation of your nonprofit\u2019s digital presence<\/a>.<\/p>\n1. Maintain a Consistent Brand<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\nYour website is the first impression most people have of your nonprofit \u2013 does it represent you well? \u00a0Think of your website as the digital face of your organization. Is your nonprofit bright, colorful and casual with fun graphics? Or perhaps your branding is streamlined with a simple color palette and real photos to represent your mission. Regardless of the image your nonprofit shares with the world, this should be seen clearly and consistently on your website.<\/p>\n
Think about it – if your nonprofit\u2019s website<\/a> looks outdated or inconsistent, visitors may question your credibility. You don\u2019t want your home page and your donation page to look like two different organizations. A unified look and tone across every page helps users know what to expect, builds trust and reinforces your identity.<\/p>\nYou\u2019ll be able to narrow in even further on your nonprofit\u2019s brand through the resources (like articles, videos and imagery) you share on your site. But, before diving into content, be sure to define the essentials:<\/p>\n
\n- Develop a website style guide<\/strong><\/b>: this will include fonts, colors, image styles and logo rules<\/li>\n
- Choose a voice and tone<\/strong><\/b> that matches your audience and stick to it<\/li>\n
- Plan layout structure<\/strong><\/b> including headers, spacing, lists and visual hierarchy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Read More: <\/strong><\/b><\/i>The Ultimate Guide to Nonprofit Branding<\/em><\/i><\/a><\/p>\nNonprofit Websites to Inspire: Acumen<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n![\"Acumen](\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-3.26.46-PM-1024x498.png\")
<\/p>\n
Why we love it<\/strong>: Acumen\u2019s site<\/a> reflects a sleek, modern brand. Their use of bold pink and gray, uniform typography and stylized icons creates a cohesive visual experience across all pages. The video loop on the main page provides an eye-catching visual hook and creates an immediate impression of Acumen as a leader and changemaker.<\/p>\nLooking for more examples? Check out our curated list of the best nonprofit websites<\/a> for inspiration.<\/p>\n2. Write Captivating Copy<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\nHow you choose to articulate your mission and services will make the difference between a new visitor staying on your site to learn more or exiting after a sentence or two.<\/p>\n
When it comes to nonprofit website best practices, writing good web copy is more than just telling a compelling story<\/a>. It’s clear, concise and centered around your audience. This is where your nonprofit\u2019s voice and tone will really shine. Ask yourself, \u201cIf my nonprofit could speak, how would it sound?\u201d<\/p>\nHere are a few things to keep in mind as you write your website\u2019s copy:<\/p>\n
\n- Know your primary audience and tailor copy to them<\/li>\n
- Use simple, everyday language<\/li>\n
- Avoid jargon, acronyms and vague program names<\/li>\n
- Break text into headings, subheadings and bullet points<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Nonprofit Website to Inspire: The Gates Foundation<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n![\"Gates](\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-3.36.08-PM-1024x556.png\")
<\/p>\n
Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>The Gates Foundation<\/a> leads with storytelling that feels personal, emotional and urgent. Instead of mission statements packed with jargon, they open with a first-person anecdote that invites the reader into their \u201cwhy.\u201d This human-centered approach builds trust and makes the cause feel tangible and real.<\/p>\n3. Show Your Organization\u2019s Impact<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\nYou likely want to shout about your amazing programs and initiatives from the rooftops \u2014 but people are more likely to support your work when they can see its real-world impact. Instead of just describing your programs, illustrate their results.<\/p>\n
Ways to demonstrate impact:<\/p>\n
\n- Share success stories with names and photos<\/li>\n
- Post short case studies with measurable outcomes<\/li>\n
- Use stats or infographics to show reach and results<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA)<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n![\"TWLOHA](\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-3.54.10-PM-1024x492.png\")
<\/p>\n
Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>TWLOHA<\/a> highlights their impact front and center on their homepage. By using data points and real stories, they prove their mission of how they support people in crisis.<\/p>\nRead More: <\/strong><\/b><\/i>The 50 Best Nonprofit Websites To Get You Inspired<\/em><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n4. Provide Clear Calls-To-Action<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\nYour site should always lead visitors to the next step: how they can get involved and support your mission. That might be donating, becoming a member<\/a> or signing up for an email list.<\/p>\nWhatever it is, your calls to action should be easy to find and easy to act on. Here are a few ways to promote calls-to-action, or CTAs, on your site:<\/p>\n
\n- Place your primary CTA above the fold and in the navigation; it should be visible without having to scroll down the page<\/li>\n
- Use engaging, action-oriented language like “Join Our Movement” rather than \u201cSubscribe to Newsletter\u201d<\/li>\n
- Limit to one or two CTAs per page to avoid overwhelming your website visitors<\/li>\n
- Highlight CTAs with color and spacing \u2013 don\u2019t forget to make sure it\u2019s accessible!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: Shofco<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n![\"shofco](\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-4.00.57-PM-1024x511.png\")
<\/p>\n
Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>Shofco\u2019s website<\/a> design has a particularly clear call-to-action: donate. The donate button is easy to spot in both the navigation and footer. They also feature three clear engagement options right on the homepage.<\/p>\n5. Make Your Site Searchable (SEO)<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\nWhen people are Googling services you provide, does your website come up? 75% of people<\/a> don\u2019t scroll past the first page of search results, so if you\u2019re not showing up there for the terms you want to, you\u2019re out of luck.<\/p>\nSearch engine optimization (SEO) helps people discover your nonprofit through Google<\/a> and other search engines. When done right, it increases traffic and visibility, allowing you to make a bigger impact for your mission.<\/p>\nEasy ways to improve SEO when building out your website:<\/p>\n
\n- Create valuable, original content around your mission<\/li>\n
- Keep content fresh by updating blogs and events<\/li>\n
- Use relevant keywords in headers, titles and meta descriptions<\/li>\n
- Promote your site through email, social media and events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Read More:<\/strong><\/b><\/i> SEO for Nonprofits in 2025: A Practical Guide to Getting Found in Google, AI Tools, and Beyond<\/strong><\/b><\/a><\/p>\nNonprofit Websites to Inspire: DonorsChoose<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"DonorsChoose](\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-4.05.48-PM-1024x441.png\")
<\/p>\n
Why we love it: DonorsChoose<\/a> regularly updates their content and uses clear, keyword-friendly page titles. Their search visibility brings in major organic traffic.<\/p>\n6. Include a Blog on Your Website<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\nWe highly <\/strong><\/b>recommend adding a blog to your nonprofit website \u2013 it’s a great way to drive traffic, boost your SEO and provide you with resources to share via email and social media. Plus, a blog can establish your nonprofit as a thought leader in your industry.<\/p>\nThink of your nonprofit\u2019s blog as the place for you to tell powerful stories, highlight your organization\u2019s impact and spread the word about your mission. It can also give donors an inside look<\/a> at your organization, helping them feel involved, understood and up to date.<\/p>\nNot sure what to write about? Here are some ideas for nonprofit blog posts to get you started:<\/p>\n
\n- Impact or success stories from members, volunteers or clients<\/li>\n
- Behind-the-scenes or in-the-field stories<\/li>\n
- Feature partner organizations<\/li>\n
- Highlight donors and volunteers<\/li>\n
- Share industry news and insight<\/li>\n
- Curate new resources from others in your industry<\/li>\n
- Summarize research reports your organization may be working on<\/li>\n
- Q&A with your CEO and expert staff<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: Greenpeace USA<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Greenpeace](\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-4.14.49-PM-1024x556.png\")
<\/p>\n
Why we love it<\/strong><\/b>: Greenpeace USA<\/a>\u2019s blog is a go-to source on all things environmental. They focus on breaking news and providing insight, making them an authority in their space. The blog is active, with posts on trending topics published weekly.<\/p>\n7. Use Compelling Visuals and Media<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\nNow comes the fun part: choosing media for your website! \u00a0Did you know it takes a tenth of a second for the human brain to process visual information? This is 60,000 times faster than the time it takes to process text<\/a> \u2014 meaning strong imagery grabs attention and communicates your mission faster than words alone.<\/p>\nHaving a visually interesting website structure will give visitors a better user experience and, when done properly, result in higher engagement rates, a better ROI and effectively accentuate your mission.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re using graphics, photos, videos or gifs, here are some tips for using media effectively on your nonprofit\u2019s site:<\/p>\n
\n- Use high-resolution images and videos<\/li>\n
- Resize and compress files to maintain site speed<\/li>\n
- Choose visuals that support your message<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t overwhelm \u2013 leave plenty of white space between media and copy<\/li>\n
- Get permission to feature real people<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For more tips on what to include, visit our guide to top nonprofit website features.<\/a><\/p>\nNonprofit Websites to Inspire: Rotary International<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n![\"Rotary](\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screenshot-2025-07-30-at-5.15.11-PM-1024x474.png\")
<\/p>\n
Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>Rotary International\u2019s website<\/a> uses high-impact visuals throughout the site, including homepage video content and photo-rich program pages that feel immersive and engaging.<\/p>\n8. Create User-Friendly Navigation<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\nEver used a website that was so user-un<\/strong><\/b>friendly you abandoned it, never to return? Even if there was useful information or content you were excited about? You don\u2019t want that to happen to your nonprofit\u2019s website.<\/p>\nHere\u2019s a quick test you can do to see how easy your website is to use. Find someone who\u2019s never been to your website before and ask them to sign up for a membership. Watch to see if it takes them more than three clicks.<\/p>\n
If it does, that\u2019s a problem. Many visitors leave a website when they can\u2019t quickly locate the information they need. Your website structure should be easy to use and navigate, no matter where a visitor lands.<\/p>\n
Tips for intuitive navigation:<\/p>\n
\n- Use standard labels like About, Programs and Contact<\/li>\n
- Avoid jargon and abbreviations<\/li>\n
- Keep menus short and organized with dropdowns as needed<\/li>\n
- Make sure each page links back to others logically<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: Public Health Solutions<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Public](\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-4.31.52-PM-1024x476.png\")
<\/p>\n
Why we love it<\/strong><\/b>: Despite offering a wide range of services, the Public Health Solutions<\/a> menu is clean and logical, helping users find what they need quickly.<\/p>\nRead More: <\/strong><\/b><\/i>The Complete Guide to Choosing a Nonprofit CMS<\/em><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n9. Make Donating Online Easy<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\nOf all your website goals, we bet increasing online donations tops the list. In today\u2019s tech-savvy world, you can buy a new outfit straight from Instagram and book a spa vacation right on your mobile device \u2013 in virtually no time at all. Your website users will expect the donation process to be just as smooth and seamless.<\/p>\n
A complicated donation process can discourage even your most motivated supporters. From slow-loading pages to error messages upon payment processing, there\u2019s a lot that can go wrong if your online donation form isn\u2019t optimized. Here are a few ways to streamline giving:<\/p>\n
\n- Make your donation page<\/a> easy to find. This is an important call-to-action, so make it very visible in your navigation and homepage<\/li>\n
- Place donate buttons<\/a> in the top navigation bar and homepage<\/li>\n
- Ask for minimal required fields (\u201cfirst and last name\u201d are essential, but maybe not \u201cjob title\u201d)<\/li>\n
- Offer preset gift amounts and recurring options<\/li>\n
- Keep the donation process on your site if possible; redirections can lead to distrust, slow loading times and SEO issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Read More:<\/strong><\/b><\/i> <\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/b>7 Steps to Create a Successful Donation Website for Your Nonprofit + 8 Great Examples<\/strong><\/b><\/a><\/p>\nNonprofit Websites to Inspire: charity: water<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"charity](\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-4.42.18-PM-952x1024.png\")
<\/p>\n
Why we love it:<\/strong> Giving simply does not get easier than charity: water’s donate page<\/a>. The donation experience is fast, intuitive and integrated into their site. It\u2019s easy to give without distractions or extra steps.<\/p>\nRead More:<\/strong><\/b><\/i> <\/i>12 Donation Website Templates + Examples to Inspire You<\/em><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n10. Simplify Your Forms<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\nYour donation page isn\u2019t the only place you\u2019re collecting information from your website visitors\u2014consider your forms for newsletter subscription<\/a>, membership enrollment or event registrations. The simpler a form is to complete, the more likely people are to follow through.<\/p>\nNo matter the type of form you have on your nonprofit\u2019s site, follow these quick tips for designing user-friendly, but engaging forms:<\/p>\n
\n- Use buttons instead of dropdowns<\/li>\n
- Keep forms to a single column<\/li>\n
- Minimize required fields<\/li>\n
- Clearly show errors and confirmation messages<\/li>\n
- Avoid filler text in the fields, which can lead to incorrect information<\/li>\n
- Group the information you are requesting logically<\/li>\n
- Automate a follow-up message and email confirmation to let users know their information went through<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Read more: The Complete Guide to Marketing Automation for Nonprofits + Top Tools to Use<\/strong><\/b><\/a><\/p>\nNonprofit Websites to Inspire: Macao Design Award<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n![\"Macao](\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screenshot-2025-07-30-at-4.01.19-PM-1024x553.png\")
<\/p>\n
Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>\u00a0Macao Design Award<\/a>\u2019s website structure proves that forms don\u2019t have to be boring for their design competition. They keep it simple and straightforward, while providing an interactive experience – who said forms can\u2019t be fun?<\/p>\n11. Link Internally<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\nWhen it comes to website best practices,\u00a0internal linking should be a priority. Internal links guide users to other relevant pages on your site, without them having to look for it\u2014like the donation page when reading about your upcoming fundraiser or additional volunteer articles when sharing impact stories.<\/p>\n
These internal links enhance your SEO, simplify site navigation and provide an overall better user experience for your website visitors.<\/p>\n
Tips for optimizing your nonprofit\u2019s internal linking:<\/p>\n
\n- Use descriptive links like “explore our programs” instead of “click here”<\/li>\n
- Make sure the link description is clear and accurate<\/li>\n
- Link related pages like blog posts about your nonprofit\u2019s impact to donation pages or volunteer opportunities<\/li>\n
- Use buttons for important links, especially on mobile devices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: God\u2019s Love We Deliver<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n![\"Gods](\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screenshot-2025-07-30-at-4.32.00-PM-1024x500.png\")
<\/p>\n
Why we love it<\/strong><\/b>: When browsing God\u2019s Love We Deliver\u2019s website<\/a>, visitors are frequently directed to more resources throughout the site. Their links are clear and logical, guiding visitors through services, programs and impact stories.<\/p>\n12. Make Sure Your Website Is Accessible<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\nAccessibility ensures everyone <\/strong><\/b>can use your site, including those with disabilities, like a visual impairment. If your site is not accessible, you\u2019re likely turning away potential donors and partners. The user experience is a crucial part of website design and many individuals utilize tools like a screen reader. Your website structure should take this into consideration to be fully inclusive.<\/p>\nThis inclusivity demonstrates good social responsibility, but accessible websites also tend to rank higher with search engines like Google and Bing, allowing your nonprofit to reach a wider audience.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Not quite sure what you can do to improve? Here are a few ways to optimize your website for accessibility:<\/p>\n
\n- Add alt text<\/a> to all images<\/li>\n
- Include captions for videos<\/li>\n
- Use clear, descriptive text for your links<\/li>\n
- Avoid embedding text inside images<\/li>\n
- Use high-contrast colors and readable fonts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)<\/a> has a wealth of resources all about website accessibility standards. Check out their Accessibility Fundamentals<\/a> to ensure you cover all your bases.<\/p>\nNonprofit Websites to Inspire: The Cram Foundation<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screenshot-2025-07-30-at-4.40.08-PM-1024x549.png\")
<\/p>\n
Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>The Cram Foundation<\/a> site features strong contrast, clear fonts and large text sizes, offering a user-friendly experience for all visitors.<\/p>\n13. Be Sure Your Website Is Responsive<\/h2>\n
Are people visiting your site, but not staying long? A likely culprit is that your website isn\u2019t where your visitors are\u2014their phones. After all, 94% of nonprofit websites are optimized for mobile use<\/a>. Your website should look fantastic, no matter what device or browser visitors use.<\/p>\nUpdating your website mobile responsiveness in mind keeps users on your site longer. Visitors will have a better user experience with an easier time accessing information and signing up for events, no matter where they are. This also allows your supporters to act in the moment \u2013 whether it\u2019s donating, registering or sharing on socials \u2013 without forgetting while on the drive home.<\/p>\n
Keep these tips in mind when making a mobile-friendly website design:<\/p>\n
\n- Use a responsive website builder or theme<\/li>\n
- Test pages on phones, tablets and multiple browsers<\/li>\n
- Ensure buttons and navigation work well on smaller screens<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
(PS: All WildApricot\u2019s website templates are fully responsive! If you want to try it for yourself, start a free 60-day trial today.<\/a>)<\/p>\nNonprofit Websites to Inspire: Aging Ahead<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n![\"Aging](\"https:\/\/www.wildapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screenshot-2025-07-30-at-5.16.50-PM-1024x698.png\")
<\/p>\n
Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>The design of Aging Ahead\u2019s website<\/a> looks great no matter where visitors access it\u2014desktop, tablet or mobile\u2014with intuitive navigation and layout across devices.<\/p>\n
Whether you’re building your site from scratch or updating an existing one, these elements form the foundation of your nonprofit\u2019s digital presence<\/a>.<\/p>\n Your website is the first impression most people have of your nonprofit \u2013 does it represent you well? \u00a0Think of your website as the digital face of your organization. Is your nonprofit bright, colorful and casual with fun graphics? Or perhaps your branding is streamlined with a simple color palette and real photos to represent your mission. Regardless of the image your nonprofit shares with the world, this should be seen clearly and consistently on your website.<\/p>\n Think about it – if your nonprofit\u2019s website<\/a> looks outdated or inconsistent, visitors may question your credibility. You don\u2019t want your home page and your donation page to look like two different organizations. A unified look and tone across every page helps users know what to expect, builds trust and reinforces your identity.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll be able to narrow in even further on your nonprofit\u2019s brand through the resources (like articles, videos and imagery) you share on your site. But, before diving into content, be sure to define the essentials:<\/p>\n Read More: <\/strong><\/b><\/i>The Ultimate Guide to Nonprofit Branding<\/em><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n Why we love it<\/strong>: Acumen\u2019s site<\/a> reflects a sleek, modern brand. Their use of bold pink and gray, uniform typography and stylized icons creates a cohesive visual experience across all pages. The video loop on the main page provides an eye-catching visual hook and creates an immediate impression of Acumen as a leader and changemaker.<\/p>\n Looking for more examples? Check out our curated list of the best nonprofit websites<\/a> for inspiration.<\/p>\n How you choose to articulate your mission and services will make the difference between a new visitor staying on your site to learn more or exiting after a sentence or two.<\/p>\n When it comes to nonprofit website best practices, writing good web copy is more than just telling a compelling story<\/a>. It’s clear, concise and centered around your audience. This is where your nonprofit\u2019s voice and tone will really shine. Ask yourself, \u201cIf my nonprofit could speak, how would it sound?\u201d<\/p>\n Here are a few things to keep in mind as you write your website\u2019s copy:<\/p>\n Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>The Gates Foundation<\/a> leads with storytelling that feels personal, emotional and urgent. Instead of mission statements packed with jargon, they open with a first-person anecdote that invites the reader into their \u201cwhy.\u201d This human-centered approach builds trust and makes the cause feel tangible and real.<\/p>\n You likely want to shout about your amazing programs and initiatives from the rooftops \u2014 but people are more likely to support your work when they can see its real-world impact. Instead of just describing your programs, illustrate their results.<\/p>\n Ways to demonstrate impact:<\/p>\n Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>TWLOHA<\/a> highlights their impact front and center on their homepage. By using data points and real stories, they prove their mission of how they support people in crisis.<\/p>\n Read More: <\/strong><\/b><\/i>The 50 Best Nonprofit Websites To Get You Inspired<\/em><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n Your site should always lead visitors to the next step: how they can get involved and support your mission. That might be donating, becoming a member<\/a> or signing up for an email list.<\/p>\n Whatever it is, your calls to action should be easy to find and easy to act on. Here are a few ways to promote calls-to-action, or CTAs, on your site:<\/p>\n Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>Shofco\u2019s website<\/a> design has a particularly clear call-to-action: donate. The donate button is easy to spot in both the navigation and footer. They also feature three clear engagement options right on the homepage.<\/p>\n When people are Googling services you provide, does your website come up? 75% of people<\/a> don\u2019t scroll past the first page of search results, so if you\u2019re not showing up there for the terms you want to, you\u2019re out of luck.<\/p>\n Search engine optimization (SEO) helps people discover your nonprofit through Google<\/a> and other search engines. When done right, it increases traffic and visibility, allowing you to make a bigger impact for your mission.<\/p>\n Easy ways to improve SEO when building out your website:<\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong><\/b><\/i> SEO for Nonprofits in 2025: A Practical Guide to Getting Found in Google, AI Tools, and Beyond<\/strong><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Why we love it: DonorsChoose<\/a> regularly updates their content and uses clear, keyword-friendly page titles. Their search visibility brings in major organic traffic.<\/p>\n We highly <\/strong><\/b>recommend adding a blog to your nonprofit website \u2013 it’s a great way to drive traffic, boost your SEO and provide you with resources to share via email and social media. Plus, a blog can establish your nonprofit as a thought leader in your industry.<\/p>\n Think of your nonprofit\u2019s blog as the place for you to tell powerful stories, highlight your organization\u2019s impact and spread the word about your mission. It can also give donors an inside look<\/a> at your organization, helping them feel involved, understood and up to date.<\/p>\n Not sure what to write about? Here are some ideas for nonprofit blog posts to get you started:<\/p>\n Why we love it<\/strong><\/b>: Greenpeace USA<\/a>\u2019s blog is a go-to source on all things environmental. They focus on breaking news and providing insight, making them an authority in their space. The blog is active, with posts on trending topics published weekly.<\/p>\n Now comes the fun part: choosing media for your website! \u00a0Did you know it takes a tenth of a second for the human brain to process visual information? This is 60,000 times faster than the time it takes to process text<\/a> \u2014 meaning strong imagery grabs attention and communicates your mission faster than words alone.<\/p>\n Having a visually interesting website structure will give visitors a better user experience and, when done properly, result in higher engagement rates, a better ROI and effectively accentuate your mission.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re using graphics, photos, videos or gifs, here are some tips for using media effectively on your nonprofit\u2019s site:<\/p>\n For more tips on what to include, visit our guide to top nonprofit website features.<\/a><\/p>\n Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>Rotary International\u2019s website<\/a> uses high-impact visuals throughout the site, including homepage video content and photo-rich program pages that feel immersive and engaging.<\/p>\n Ever used a website that was so user-un<\/strong><\/b>friendly you abandoned it, never to return? Even if there was useful information or content you were excited about? You don\u2019t want that to happen to your nonprofit\u2019s website.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a quick test you can do to see how easy your website is to use. Find someone who\u2019s never been to your website before and ask them to sign up for a membership. Watch to see if it takes them more than three clicks.<\/p>\n If it does, that\u2019s a problem. Many visitors leave a website when they can\u2019t quickly locate the information they need. Your website structure should be easy to use and navigate, no matter where a visitor lands.<\/p>\n Tips for intuitive navigation:<\/p>\n Why we love it<\/strong><\/b>: Despite offering a wide range of services, the Public Health Solutions<\/a> menu is clean and logical, helping users find what they need quickly.<\/p>\n Read More: <\/strong><\/b><\/i>The Complete Guide to Choosing a Nonprofit CMS<\/em><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n Of all your website goals, we bet increasing online donations tops the list. In today\u2019s tech-savvy world, you can buy a new outfit straight from Instagram and book a spa vacation right on your mobile device \u2013 in virtually no time at all. Your website users will expect the donation process to be just as smooth and seamless.<\/p>\n A complicated donation process can discourage even your most motivated supporters. From slow-loading pages to error messages upon payment processing, there\u2019s a lot that can go wrong if your online donation form isn\u2019t optimized. Here are a few ways to streamline giving:<\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong><\/b><\/i> <\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/b>7 Steps to Create a Successful Donation Website for Your Nonprofit + 8 Great Examples<\/strong><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Why we love it:<\/strong> Giving simply does not get easier than charity: water’s donate page<\/a>. The donation experience is fast, intuitive and integrated into their site. It\u2019s easy to give without distractions or extra steps.<\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong><\/b><\/i> <\/i>12 Donation Website Templates + Examples to Inspire You<\/em><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n Your donation page isn\u2019t the only place you\u2019re collecting information from your website visitors\u2014consider your forms for newsletter subscription<\/a>, membership enrollment or event registrations. The simpler a form is to complete, the more likely people are to follow through.<\/p>\n No matter the type of form you have on your nonprofit\u2019s site, follow these quick tips for designing user-friendly, but engaging forms:<\/p>\n Read more: The Complete Guide to Marketing Automation for Nonprofits + Top Tools to Use<\/strong><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>\u00a0Macao Design Award<\/a>\u2019s website structure proves that forms don\u2019t have to be boring for their design competition. They keep it simple and straightforward, while providing an interactive experience – who said forms can\u2019t be fun?<\/p>\n When it comes to website best practices,\u00a0internal linking should be a priority. Internal links guide users to other relevant pages on your site, without them having to look for it\u2014like the donation page when reading about your upcoming fundraiser or additional volunteer articles when sharing impact stories.<\/p>\n These internal links enhance your SEO, simplify site navigation and provide an overall better user experience for your website visitors.<\/p>\n Tips for optimizing your nonprofit\u2019s internal linking:<\/p>\n Why we love it<\/strong><\/b>: When browsing God\u2019s Love We Deliver\u2019s website<\/a>, visitors are frequently directed to more resources throughout the site. Their links are clear and logical, guiding visitors through services, programs and impact stories.<\/p>\n Accessibility ensures everyone <\/strong><\/b>can use your site, including those with disabilities, like a visual impairment. If your site is not accessible, you\u2019re likely turning away potential donors and partners. The user experience is a crucial part of website design and many individuals utilize tools like a screen reader. Your website structure should take this into consideration to be fully inclusive.<\/p>\n This inclusivity demonstrates good social responsibility, but accessible websites also tend to rank higher with search engines like Google and Bing, allowing your nonprofit to reach a wider audience.<\/p>\n \u00a0Not quite sure what you can do to improve? Here are a few ways to optimize your website for accessibility:<\/p>\n The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)<\/a> has a wealth of resources all about website accessibility standards. Check out their Accessibility Fundamentals<\/a> to ensure you cover all your bases.<\/p>\n Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>The Cram Foundation<\/a> site features strong contrast, clear fonts and large text sizes, offering a user-friendly experience for all visitors.<\/p>\n Are people visiting your site, but not staying long? A likely culprit is that your website isn\u2019t where your visitors are\u2014their phones. After all, 94% of nonprofit websites are optimized for mobile use<\/a>. Your website should look fantastic, no matter what device or browser visitors use.<\/p>\n Updating your website mobile responsiveness in mind keeps users on your site longer. Visitors will have a better user experience with an easier time accessing information and signing up for events, no matter where they are. This also allows your supporters to act in the moment \u2013 whether it\u2019s donating, registering or sharing on socials \u2013 without forgetting while on the drive home.<\/p>\n Keep these tips in mind when making a mobile-friendly website design:<\/p>\n (PS: All WildApricot\u2019s website templates are fully responsive! If you want to try it for yourself, start a free 60-day trial today.<\/a>)<\/p>\n Why we love it: <\/strong><\/b>The design of Aging Ahead\u2019s website<\/a> looks great no matter where visitors access it\u2014desktop, tablet or mobile\u2014with intuitive navigation and layout across devices.<\/p>\n1. Maintain a Consistent Brand<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: Acumen<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n2. Write Captivating Copy<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Nonprofit Website to Inspire: The Gates Foundation<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n3. Show Your Organization\u2019s Impact<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA)<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n4. Provide Clear Calls-To-Action<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: Shofco<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n5. Make Your Site Searchable (SEO)<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: DonorsChoose<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n6. Include a Blog on Your Website<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: Greenpeace USA<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n7. Use Compelling Visuals and Media<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: Rotary International<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n8. Create User-Friendly Navigation<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: Public Health Solutions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n9. Make Donating Online Easy<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: charity: water<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n10. Simplify Your Forms<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: Macao Design Award<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n11. Link Internally<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: God\u2019s Love We Deliver<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n12. Make Sure Your Website Is Accessible<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n
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Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: The Cram Foundation<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n13. Be Sure Your Website Is Responsive<\/h2>\n
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Nonprofit Websites to Inspire: Aging Ahead<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n
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