Web Design and Development

I think nonprofit websites are often heavily focused on driving donations. As a result, the mission, the why and the how get lost. Websites are so program-driven that they forget about the importance of inviting their community to get involved by donating, volunteering, raising funds, etc. Striking a balance is key. – Andrea Schwartz, Dear Jack Foundation

An explanation of member benefits must be apparent on a nonprofit’s website. While many individuals want to support nonprofits out of passion, many people also want to ask “What’s in it for me?” To appeal to current and future members, the nonprofit must be transparent about where the member’s donation will go and what they will receive in return. – Dr. Sherry McAllister, Foundation for Chiropractic Progress

Nonprofits should offer a chat feature on their website. As consumers or clients get more technologically savvy, access to quick information and question answers virtually is critical. Just be sure that you list specific times for chat if limited and that you have someone who can respond very quickly! You would be amazed how many people will use this feature. – Kim Jefferies, Brighton Center

Stories about impact and clear calls to action are critically important for today’s nonprofit websites. Some research indicates that people spend an average of 10-45 seconds on a website. This means you need to quickly and clearly communicate the difference their engagement makes, both to individuals and the wider community, and how they can take action to join your organization’s work. – Kyle Zimmer, First Book

One of the main features of the website is an interactive space with a community manager who can share news and events. The manager can invite members and also sponsors to propose new ideas to improve the actions of the organization and enhance the impact of the mission. This interactive space should have a podcast section to invite guests and provide updated material for the audience. People are asking more for continuous fresh material. – Lobna Karoui, AI Exponential Thinker

Nonprofit websites must offer forums and outlets for new members to become involved in the work of building a better world. The best nonprofits are focal points of change that bring in a vast array of resources and strategically deploy them to effect change. For an interested volunteer, a website should offer clear and direct avenues to become incorporated into the work. – Robin Ganzert, American Humane

One of the keys for nonprofit websites is the idea of “connected giving” platforms. I see too many websites where the donation experience is transactional and entirely different from the rest of the website. The donation platform must work to connect the mission of the organization with the donation taking place. – Bill High, The Signatry

Nonprofit websites can be rather static and infrequently updated. Conversely, an organization posts information in real-time on their social media accounts. In a rapidly changing environment, it becomes important to build websites that feature links to social media. In this way, website visitors can quickly access up-to-date information about the organization anytime and from anywhere. – Christopher Washington, Franklin University

The organization’s website is the most important element of a modern digital nonprofit. An effective events calendar that makes registration and payment easy is vital. It should also place the event on the customers’ calendars so they do not forget to attend the event. Reminders of the upcoming event have also become standard. All of these elements show that the organization is truly digital. – Randy Wolken, MACNY – The Manufacturers Association