Essential guide to developing non-profit websites

best practices for non profit websites

Smashing Magazine is a useful resource for web developers. The points raised in their article on best practices for non profit websites, though a few years old, are still valid and important.

When hiring a web developer, non profits often look at price only, seeing their website as a "nice to have" add-on to their organisation, and not as a key part of their communication, branding and fundraising strategies. Hiring web developers who are not experienced in the non profit sector means that it is unlikely your website will be seen in this light. Here are some of the key factors that make non profit website a successful one.

Your website should:

... make your cause immediately obvious. I've looked at dozens of non profit websites where I have no idea what the organisation actually does.
... be donor friendly. Is it easy for people to donate via your site? Does your site explain why people should even consider donating to you, and where their money would go?
... make it easy for people to contact you. Do you list key spokespeople and their contact details? Do you make it easy for people to access your services via your site?
... motivate people to get involved. So I've read your site. Now what? Do you need volunteers? Do you need me to spread information? Do you make it clear to people what they can do?

We can critically assess your website, and help write, edit your content and shape your site into a more effective resource for your organisation.