Creating a nonprofit website can be a huge task. Usually, most nonprofits outsource this kind of work. They hire a web designer or other expert.

Beyond creating the website itself, there’s another difficult ask. It’s deciding exactly what to include on your website and where. Many organizations nail the basics, like a donation button and contact information. But many miss a few crucial elements. 

In this blog, post, we’ll walk you through some of your biggest questions about nonprofit websites, including:

• The essential pieces of great nonprofit websites 
• Some of the 3 most common errors on nonprofit websites
• Best practices for great nonprofit websites

Great nonprofit websites do 3 things

Great nonprofit websites inspire action, build connections, and spread awareness.

Inspire action. The website encourages users to donate, volunteer, or otherwise get involved. They feel motivated to contribute to the mission.

Build connection. In reading the website, users feel tied to the vision and goals of the organization. Plus, they trust the charity and its mission.

Spread awareness. One of the keys to attracting and retaining donors is by keeping them informed. Great nonprofit websites communicate an issue and their solution to the problem.

To do this, these nonprofit sites offer a few key pieces of information. Things like stating the mission and values are key, as well as including a few important CTAS. But, there are a few other pieces that separate good nonprofits websites from great ones.

The 3 most common things people miss on their nonprofit websites

A clear statement of your mission is essential to any great nonprofit website. But, too many nonprofits stop there when communicating impact. To inspire action and build connection, and spread awareness, nonprofits are responsible for showcasing progress.

While including testimonials from beneficiaries is a great start, it’s crucial that nonprofits dedicate an entire section of their website to evidence. On this tab, we recommend embedding the following reports on their site:

Annual reports

One of the best ways to showcase impact is through your nonprofit annual report. When visiting your website, users should be able to scroll through many years of impact. They should be able to review your revenue and expenses as well as your yearly goals and progress.

Impact reports

Like annual reports, impact reports should be available on your nonprofit website as well. Impact reports are great for updating supporters on initiatives and programs and reminding them of the importance of their contributions.

Quarterly updates

Does your nonprofit publish quarterly updates for stakeholders? Consider embedding these reports right on your site, too. Users will appreciate the consistent information.

Nonprofit events are essential to networking and fundraising. From galas to charity walks, events are the bread and butter of most organizations. Despite that, many organizations often leave out information about these events on their websites. Usually, they only include information to upcoming events. While necessary, this leaves out one crucial piece of the puzzle. 

To keep users informed, it’s crucial to include event recaps on your nonprofit website. For new attendees who are curious about your events, and what to expect, a recap is a great way to give them a preview. As all great retention practices do, an event recap keeps attendees feeling confident, reassured, and excited.

People often search for nonprofit websites to answer a question they have. That’s why it’s essential that every website have a tab for additional resources. Here, users can find exactly what information they need.

In this section of your website, we recommend including several reports. Examples include:

Volunteer onboarding packet

Are volunteers crucial to your mission? Be sure to embed an information packet for potential new volunteers. In it, include expectations, needs, and benefits.

Board member information

Nonprofits are always looking for new board members. Entice newcomers with a report that details board member expectations, benefits, and opportunities. 

Sponsorship package

If your organization relies on sponsorships this one is essential. In this report, include each tier of sponsorships and their offerings. Plus, show off some of your current sponsors here, too. This will encourage potential sponsors to jump in on the action.

The 3 nonprofit website best practices

Now that we’ve nailed the things you won’t want to exclude from your site, let’s tackle some best practices.

Make it clickable. When visiting your nonprofit websites, users should be able to access any and all information with the click of a button. Whether they’re interested in volunteering or donating, be sure that users have an easy way to get involved.

Make it scannable. Like any great annual report, a website should be scannable. Your website design should be easy to read and easily navigated. Use videos, photos, and scrollable content.

Make it engaging. No one wants to read a boring website. Stand out from competitors by embedding your reports right into your site.

Wrapping it up:

Many nonprofit websites include the basics. But, they often miss the opportunities to connect with users and inspire them to take action. Great nonprofit websites, with embedded digital reports, are great ways to build that connection and double your impact.

Want to create an amazing nonprofit website? Use Yearly’s free trial to start creating your website’s digital reports.