Your nonprofit’s website isn’t just a place to share information—it’s where your mission comes to life. It’s often the first stop for potential donors, volunteers, and advocates who want to understand what you do and why it matters. A well-designed site doesn’t just tell your story—it inspires people to take action.
At Big Drop, we’ve worked with nonprofits of all sizes to design websites that don’t just look good—they drive real impact. Here’s what we’ve learned about creating nonprofit sites that turn interest into involvement.
1. Lead with Your Story
People give to people—not logos or abstract entities. Your website has to bring your mission to life with real stories, powerful images, and videos that show the change you’re making. Provide visitors with a sense. When they see the difference, they’re more apt to give.
2. Make Donating Easy
If someone wants to give, don’t make them work for it. A confusing or laborious donation process will prompt individuals to abandon ship altogether. Simplify with one-click options, monthly donations, and mobile-friendly forms. Put the “Donate” button front and center—and make it impossible to miss.
3. Design with Users in Mind
A well-planned, responsive website simplifies navigation for visitors so they don’t get frustrated. Whether someone wants to learn more about your programs, sign up to volunteer, or make a quick donation, your website must guide them there quickly and logically—on desktop or mobile.
4. Use Clear, Strategic CTAs
Donate Now,” “Join Our Newsletter,” or “Become a Volunteer,” clear calls-to-action help visitors know what to do next. Place them where they make the most sense—on the homepage, in blogs, and throughout your website content. Every page should have a purpose.
5. Show Where the Money Goes
Today’s donors want to know their gift is making a difference. Transparency matters. Use your site to highlight where donations go, what outcomes you’re achieving, and why it matters. Include annual reports, testimonials, and stats that prove your impact.
6. Don’t Forget SEO and Site Speed
Your purpose should be found. That means optimizing your site for SEO so that people looking to donate to causes like yours can easily find you. And a secure, fast site isn’t just good for SEO—it builds trust and keeps visitors from clicking away.
7. Build Community with Social Proof
Spotlight your volunteers, showcase your supporters, and share stories from the people you’ve helped. When visitors see others getting involved, they’re more likely to do the same. Encourage shares, shoutouts, and stories that keep your mission top of mind.
8. Keep Learning and Improving
Use tools like Google Analytics to figure out what’s working—and what’s not. Are people finding your donation page? Are they bouncing after a few seconds? Use that information to make changes that gradually increase engagement and conversions over time.
Final Thoughts
Crafting an excellent nonprofit website is not merely a matter of appearance—it is about developing a digital experience that inspires individuals to take action. With an effective strategy, content, and design, your website can turn into one of your most effective tools for fundraising and establishing long-term relationships.
At Big Drop, we help purpose-driven organizations create websites that engage, convert, and scale. If you’re ready to take your nonprofit website to the next level, get in touch to start the conversation.