Nonprofit Website Design: Inspiring Examples and Tips for Success

A nonprofit website with a robust design can increase donations and motivate people to get involved.

A nonprofit website with a robust design can increase donations and motivate people to get involved.

A nonprofit website should:

  • raise awareness
  • provoke an emotional response
  • demonstrate the organization’s ability to address the problem
  • stir site visitors to action

What kind of web design can invoke such a response? The best nonprofit websites follow the same basic design as most websites.

A nonprofit organization’s mission is not too different from other websites. They appeal to people for contributions. In contrast, marketing websites attempt to sell a product. However, both websites strive to convince and assure visitors that they are spending their money in the right place.

So it makes sense that they should use the same design principles. Those basic design principles include a simple layout, compelling images, and consistent branding.

A nonprofit website should also include:

  • donation buttons throughout the site
  • impact statements
  • indicators to make sure donors feel secure

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry. If you are in charge of a nonprofit organization, you can look at examples for constructing a remarkable nonprofit web design. This article lays out the best nonprofit websites to assist in designing a nonprofit site.

Nonprofit Website Design Examples

Charity Non-Profit Website

Get Slider Revolution and use this template

This first example is a website template, meaning you can have this same design to create your own best nonprofit website.

This design makes sure that there are several donation buttons within a few inches of space. So no matter where a visitor is on the page, they can donate with ease.

It also includes essential nonprofit website features—for example, a story section explaining your organization’s purpose.

It also has animated indicators to show the organization’s accomplishments. And striking images pull at visitors’ heartstrings.

Quantified Planet

This nonprofit organization is dedicated to collecting data about nature and the planet’s health. This site makes good use of parallax scrolling to explain how the association works.

It also has a sticky header, so visitors can easily explore the site. Bright colors, illustrations, and CTAs dotted throughout the site increase its appeal.

Tools for Self Reliance

Take this website example as a lesson on building confidence in visitors. From the start, this organization is transparent in how they use the money they receive. Donors feel much better when they know exactly where their money is going.

Techleap.nl

Next is a site that definitely deserves to be part of the list of great nonprofit websites. Notice its use of a silent background video, white space, and impressive images.

The Wildlife Conservation Society

The Wildlife Conservation Society provides the best example of a donation page. The most important part is its donation form that includes branding, assuring visitors that it is not a scam.

It also displays a beautiful photo encouraging site visitors to continue the donation process. Further, FAQs are listed to dispel doubts even further.

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UNICEF Australia

The UNICEF Australia website opens to the most recent cause it is supporting. This teaches a vital lesson for nonprofit websites; stay up to date.

BLCK VC

Another great nonprofit website, BLCK VC, explains its purpose in one simple sentence. Contrasting colors highlight essential aspects and draw attention to the CTAs.

NL Recruitment

Take note of how this site uses whitespace, bold font, and a simple color scheme.

The Prem Rawat Foundation

The following site is very bold. The orange color scheme creates a cheerful atmosphere, teaching that the colors you choose are important. The site also highlights the organization’s successful track record.

Qe2 Activity

Strive to imitate the simple layout presented here because it’s easy for visitors to read and comprehend.

The Jewish Agency for Israel

Homepage features of this site include:

  • a full-width image
  • sticky header
  • an immense amount of information on the work it accomplishes worldwide

WearWithCare

The site aims to provide donors a product and then share the proceedings with several charities. It is an outstanding example of online fundraising and is successful because it offers a product to engage supporters.

Smile Train

This site’s web development team identifies with its visitors. Therefore, the design directs visitors to the section most relevant to them.

Surfers Against Sewage

It’s clear from this website’s entire design that it’s an organization that protects oceans.

SOS Violence Conjugale

Here is a beautiful example of keeping your visitors’ needs in mind. This organization’s mission is to help victims of domestic abuse. And it directs viewers to the relevant information immediately.

More importantly, it offers valuable calls to action. Just one click clears the site from the computer’s browsing history to protect the viewer, and another quickly loads a new site so that the abuser doesn’t catch the victim on the website.

Lemonade Giveback

Look at this web design for creative ways to display information about your nonprofit organization.

Harbor Path

Three words that describe this web design are simple, functional, and understandable.

Kavlifondet

Kavlifondet displays a header with social media buttons encouraging visitors to engage with the organization on other platforms.

Wild at Heart Foundation

Reimagine the way a website space is used. This website uses valuable features, like CTAs, but presents them in a unique way.

Ethnos 360

Don’t underestimate the power of wide-screen images.

Heifer International

Here is an excellent example of a donation page. Visitors can simply click on a specific donation amount to donate effortlessly.

Acumen Fund

Seven bold words, Changing the Way the World Tackles Poverty, summarize this organization’s purpose to reduce global poverty. Two donate buttons above the fold invite visitors to give immediately. And well-written content makes a complicated process easy to understand.

ServeGate

The layout and soft tones are easy on the eyes, appeal to website visitors, and beckon all to learn more.

Informative HIV Landing Page

This landing page is available for purchase. It has the most valuable features for a nonprofit website, including a simple layout, CTAs, easy to read text, and illustrations.

Adopt a Love Story (AALS)

Learn from this site’s boldness. It has a clear mission and uses images and videos to convey that mission. It also includes the information people need to know about who they are really donating to.

Global Wave Conference

This site exhibits a great way to present upcoming events.

Tree Aid

Animations, videos, timelines, goals, and success stories give prospective donors the knowledge they need.

Shelter from the Storm

A heartwarming mission statement moves potential donors to take action.

Mission of Hope

A web design’s functionality and aesthetics combine to create a beautiful piece of work.

MCF Impact Report

Succinctly, this site categorizes its yearly reports with accessible links.

Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada

Vintage photographs contribute to the seriousness of this cause. The organization has also adapted to the times by offering online events.

Slavery Footprint

Slavery is a complicated topic to discuss, but this website takes it on in a most intriguing way. It is an interactive site that helps people analyze their lifestyle footprint. If it’s within your budget, you’ll find adding an interactive element beneficial to your site.

Chatteris Education Foundation

Next, this site shows the practicality of using simple language.

Showcase your cause with an intriguing gallery.

Global Health Grades

Global Health Grades offers practical information understandably way.

Mayhew

Mayhew works hard to improve pet life and provide accurate information for that purpose.

Leading Non-Profit YSA

This site has an excellent interactive feature to introduce different people and their stories with a hover feature.

The Birthday Party Project

Let your web design reflect your organization’s energy in imitation of this site.

RAF Central Fund

Hiring a professional photographer to capture the emotions of your cause is a fantastic investment.

Case Foundation

The questions who, what, and why are answered within minutes. This organization also does an incredible job at incorporating social media to support its cause. And although the site presents a lot of information, it prioritizes speed.

ACNC

This site is visually dynamic and engaging. CTA icons identify actions, maps relate data, and the colors induce a calm, warm feeling.

Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Zoo provides an amazing educational experience and donation opportunities. The straightforward site navigation and simple user experience put this site on the list of best nonprofit websites.

Trefler Foundation

Although it may be tempting, it’s better to avoid auto-playing videos because they’re likely to overwhelm visitors. Following the Trefler Foundation’s example of adding an explanatory video is better. Right in the header, they add a call to action inviting visitors to watch a video.

National Buffalo Foundation

Here is an animal advocacy group committed to preserving the American bison. Their website piques visitors’ interest through compelling content and design.

Be One Percent

Let this site inspire you to be consistent with your organization’s brand. Choose your domain name and logo carefully, so you can incorporate them into every aspect of your site.

ASPCA

ASPCA furnishes a good lesson in using photographs. There are many photos of animals in agony, but ASPCA chose ones that would not frighten viewers. Instead of posting pictures that shock your visitors, photos of saving these animals can motivate them and make them feel good about helping.

Texas Healthcare Association

The THCA provides an exceptional example of a footer. Depending on your association, it is beneficial to organize the footer’s content for easy reference.

Towns and Trails Toolkit

Using an illustration throughout the entire site unifies content and urges visitors to keep scrolling.

Aflote

Use images to tell a story. Aflote makes sure that its visitors understand what their donations accomplish by showing them behind-the-scenes photos of the factory and final product.

Together for Animals

Pay attention to the hierarchy of this webpage. Its design lets visitors flow through the site. The highlights are placed at the top of the webpage, and scrolling down provides more in-depth content.

Oxfam

Oxfam heavily emphasizes donating, but they don’t minimize those who do not have the money to contribute. They provide opportunities to volunteer time if one can’t contribute financially. That means people can still make a difference regardless of their circumstances.

National Wildlife Foundation

Visit the Wildlife Foundation website to see the difference visuals can make. The menu encompassing a large amount of content is another excellent design feature.

Community Builders

Often overlooked by nonprofit sites, this site includes a language button that allows visitors from several countries to join the cause.

Access Now

This site efficiently displays a lot of content with grid page layouts.

Just Giving

Just Giving is a site that empowers others who need to raise funds. The homepage appeals directly to them, creating more engagement.

One Drop

This site’s domain name directly relates to the cause they support, safe drinking water. The water theme is also carried throughout the webpage. For example, a water drop is used as a loading icon.

Updated content, a world map displaying impact, and engaging photos contribute to this website’s great design. The footer is also an excellent example of properly organizing content and using social media feeds to engage more people.

Canadian Blood Services

The opening sentence explains the organization’s mission and current need for blood with a chart showing the level available in Canada. The site also presents several CTAs throughout.

If visitors want to donate blood, a donation center location search bar is available at the very top of the page. That means donors don’t have to search for it, providing a good user experience.

FEP

FEP produces photography exhibitions and circulates them around the world. Their web pages reflect their unique style.

Able Child Africa

A clean, modern, and user-friendly site design makes this one of the top nonprofit websites on this list. The homepage highlights the organization’s work through text and images.

Simple sentences and bold text allow every visitor to understand the charity’s purpose. And data, graphs, and videos bring their work to life.

Arctic Ice Project

The Arctic Ice Project fights to reverse climate change. A few design and graphic elements jump out. First, the frosty blue color scheme sends a chill down visitors’ spines. Second, the minimal layout makes it one of the most visually appealing sites.

The Rail Park

You can imitate this website’s large font, whitespace, and directional indicators. The color scheme also improves the design by highlighting only necessary sections.

In this particular case, bright green highlights the newsletter sign-up section, making it stand out to encourage more visitors to enter their contact information.

Children International

As soon as visitors enter this website, they feel personally connected to the organization and those it helps. The educational resources the site provides are easy to digest and share.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch

A mobile-responsive design is an absolute must in this day and age. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch is an informational website with a mobile app. The lesson is to have a website with a responsive design, and a mobile app is an extra advantage.

Jurassic Coast Trust

This site opens to a header that immediately makes visitors ooh and aww. Scrolling down, they see the rest of the website is equally awe-inspiring.

I love This Fame

The interactive element will draw any viewer into this site. Putting this concept into practice will undoubtedly put your site on the list of best nonprofit websites.

Invisible Children

Each section of this website immerses visitors with full-width backgrounds and large font. Graphics and visual organizers pack a lot of information into an easy-to-follow format. And the donate button follows users as they scroll down the page.

Malala Fund

It’s beneficial to make the donate button easy to find and use. This site has a large donate button in the header. But it also contains a donate section on the homepage with preset buttons to make it super convenient.

On The Edge

Take a look at this site to see the effect of bright colors. Interesting design features include a newsreel that continuously scrolls by.

GoFundMe

GoFundMe is a popular online fundraising website, so its minimal design is worth looking at. The campaign page delivers just the necessary details so that viewers don’t get overwhelmed.

Les Auberges de Jeunesse BE

The left side of this website is reserved for the booking CTA, and the header is engaging and interactive. The rest of the site is well-organized and informational.

New Story

Striking features of this website include its strong but simple header, heartwarming content, and well-organized layout.

The Legacy Senior Communities

This website takes the phrase visually engaging to a whole new level. A silent video is overlayed on a beautiful nature background image, and it has great drop-down menus offering clear options.

Upstream

Many people like how this website is organized into block sections. Almost every section contains a CTA for easy access.

charity: water

There are endless ways to design a website with an excellent UX and UI. And this site presents one of the more creative ways. Half of this site is devoted to scrolling images representing the cause and work. Additionally, sliders highlight success stories, and icons portray actions.

Jai Dog Rescue

Last but not least, on our list of best nonprofit websites is Jai Dog Rescue. This website puts the fun back into website design. Creative fonts and shapes cover the page, and cheerful color tones organize the information. It also provides an excellent multiple language option.

Understanding the Essentials of Nonprofit Website Design

The art of nonprofit website design isn’t just about aesthetic appeal. It’s about functionality, communication, and creating a platform that tells your story, makes connections, and furthers your mission.

Defining Nonprofit Website Design

Nonprofit website design focuses on creating a user-friendly platform that communicates your mission, engages visitors, and drives action – be it volunteering, donations, or just spreading the word.

Key Components of Effective Nonprofit Websites

When we talk about effective nonprofit websites, we’re talking about clean design, user-friendly navigation, clear messaging, and accessibility. These elements help ensure your site resonates with your audience and supports your mission.

Design Best Practices for Nonprofit Websites

Creating a winning nonprofit website design isn’t a one-size-fits-all operation, but there are some universal best practices to keep in mind.

Importance of Clean, Simple Design

A cluttered website can confuse and turn off visitors. Keeping things clean and simple makes for a more enjoyable, efficient user experience.

Use of White Space

White space is your friend. It helps your key elements stand out and reduces visual fatigue.

Design Consistency

Keeping your fonts, colors, and layouts consistent helps reinforce your brand identity and create a seamless user experience.

Website Accessibility

Inclusivity matters. Your site should be easy to navigate for everyone, including those with disabilities.

Effective Color Usage

Colors can evoke emotions and inspire action. Use them wisely.

Meaning of Colors in Nonprofit Websites

Different colors can convey different emotions. For instance, green often represents health and growth, while blue can convey trust and stability.

Consistent Color Schemes

Consistency in color scheme strengthens your branding and enhances visual cohesion.

Navigation and User Experience (UX) Best Practices

Your site’s navigation and UX can make or break your visitors’ experience and influence their perception of your organization.

User-friendly Navigation

A well-designed navigation bar helps visitors explore your site easily, improving their overall experience and engagement.

Designing Effective Navigation Bars

Your navigation bar should be straightforward, intuitive, and uncluttered, guiding visitors effortlessly through your site.

Importance of a Search Function

A search function lets visitors find exactly what they’re looking for, quickly and efficiently.

Mobile Optimization

With so many people accessing the web via mobile devices, mobile optimization isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential.

Why Mobile Optimization is Crucial

A mobile-friendly site offers a better user experience for mobile users and can even improve your search engine rankings.

Tips for Mobile-Friendly Websites

Ensure your site is responsive, meaning it adjusts to fit any screen size. Also, ensure your buttons and links are easy to click on a smaller screen.

Page Loading Speed

Slow loading times can frustrate users and increase the chances they’ll leave your site.

The Impact of Slow Page Loading

Beyond just being annoying, slow page loads can hurt your search engine rankings and your users’ perception of your organization.

Tips for Improving Page Loading Speed

Minimize the size of your images and videos, use website caching, and consider using a content delivery network (CDN).

Content Best Practices for Nonprofit Websites

Your content is what tells your story and engages your visitors. It needs to be clear, compelling, and true to your mission.

Clear and Concise Messaging

Effective messaging captures your mission and the impact of your work in a way that resonates with your audience.

The Power of Storytelling in Nonprofits

Stories can create emotional connections and inspire action in a way that facts and figures alone can’t.

Effective Use of Visuals

Images, videos, infographics – visuals can help tell your story and engage visitors in a way that text alone can’t.

Regularly Updated Blog

A blog isn’t just a way to share news and updates; it’s a tool to drive traffic, establish authority, and engage your audience.

Importance of a Nonprofit Blog

A blog can help establish your nonprofit as a thought leader in your field, engage your community, and drive traffic to your site.

Best Practices for Blogging in Nonprofits

Post regularly, use visuals, engage with your readers in the comments section, and don’t be afraid to show the human side of your organization.

Effective Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

CTAs guide your visitors to the action you want them to take, be it making a donation, signing up for a newsletter, or sharing your content.

Importance of CTAs for Nonprofits

CTAs can drive donations, encourage sign-ups, and help achieve your nonprofit’s goals.

Best Practices for CTAs Placement

Place your CTAs strategically, such as after an engaging piece of content or compelling success story.

Designing Effective CTAs

Your CTAs should be visually noticeable, concise, and clearly communicate what action you want visitors to take.

Donor-Friendly Practices

Your website should make it easy for donors to give and for volunteers to get involved.

Online Donation Options

Giving online should be as easy as possible for your donors.

Importance of an Online Donation Platform

An online donation platform can streamline the donation process, making it easier for donors and your organization alike.

Best Practices for Designing Online Donation Pages

Your donation page should be straightforward, secure, and convey the impact of the donation.

Membership or Volunteer Registration

A user-friendly registration process can help encourage more people to get involved with your organization.

Easy Registration Processes

A simple, intuitive registration process makes it easy for people to sign up and get involved.

Benefits of Having a Volunteer Sign-up Section

Having a dedicated sign-up section makes it easy for interested visitors to find out how they can get involved.

Importance of SEO and Analytics in Nonprofit Websites

SEO and analytics are key for increasing your site’s visibility and understanding your audience’s behavior.

Introduction to SEO for Nonprofits

SEO helps your site rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for people to find you.

Keyword Research and Optimization

Using the right keywords can help improve your search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your site.

SEO Friendly Content

Content that is written with SEO in mind can help improve your search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your site.

Analytics for Tracking Success

Website analytics let you see how people are interacting with your site, so you can make data-driven decisions.

Importance of Website Analytics

Website analytics can help you understand what’s working on your site, what’s not, and how you can improve.

Key Metrics Nonprofits Should Track

Key metrics might include things like page views, bounce rate, and conversion rates.

FAQ on Nonprofit Website Design

What’s the Purpose of Having a Nonprofit Website?

Your nonprofit website is your digital headquarters, where supporters, volunteers, and potential donors can learn about your cause. It should highlight your mission, outline your goals, and showcase your successes. This space serves as an effective tool for communication and engagement, where you can inspire visitors to take action and support your cause.

How Should We Structure the Nonprofit Website?

Your website should be intuitive and user-friendly. Include key sections like ‘About Us’, ‘Our Mission’, ‘Donate’, and ‘Contact Us’. Try to maintain a logical flow that guides visitors towards your call to action. Remember, simplicity and clarity go a long way in website design.

Why is Mobile-Friendliness Important for Our Website?

More and more people use mobile devices for browsing. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you may lose potential supporters. Responsive design ensures your site looks great on all devices, providing a positive user experience. Don’t underestimate the power of convenience!

How Can We Encourage Donations Through Our Website?

Place ‘Donate’ buttons strategically and make the donation process simple. Let potential donors know how their money will be used. Share stories of impact to show the tangible difference donations make. Transparency builds trust, which can lead to increased support.

What Role Does Website Speed Play?

Speed is crucial. Users typically leave a website if it takes too long to load, which means you could lose potential donors. Faster websites provide better user experiences and rank higher in search engine results. Optimizing your website’s speed is a must!

How Do We Optimize Our Nonprofit Website for SEO?

SEO is a key element for increasing visibility online. Use keywords related to your cause in your content, tags, and meta descriptions. Provide high-quality, original content regularly. Having a blog can greatly aid in this. Also, ensure your website structure is clean and navigable for better crawling and indexing.

Should We Include Social Media on Our Website?

Definitely! Social media integration not only expands your reach but also promotes engagement. Visitors can share your content on their profiles, raising awareness of your cause. Remember to keep your social media active and engaging.

How Important are Visual Elements in Our Website Design?

Visual elements greatly enhance user engagement. Images, infographics, and videos can bring your mission to life, providing a deeper emotional connection to your cause. But remember, while visuals are important, they should be used strategically, complementing the text rather than overpowering it.

Can We Include a Blog on Our Nonprofit Website?

A blog can be a great tool for storytelling and connecting with your audience on a deeper level. Regular, relevant, and engaging posts can draw more traffic to your site, improve SEO, and strengthen your relationship with supporters. So yes, consider including a blog!

How Do We Measure the Success of Our Nonprofit Website?

Metrics! Use tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic, visitor behavior, and conversion rates. Monitoring these will give you insights into what’s working and what isn’t, helping you to optimize your website over time. Your website is successful if it aids your mission and engages your community.

Ending Thoughts on Nonprofit Website Design

To wrap things up, nonprofit website design isn’t just about making your site look appealing. It’s about weaving a web that connects the hearts of people to your mission. Your site is the digital face of your cause, the hub from where you reach out to and reel in those supporters and donors. It’s a delicate dance of functionality and aesthetics, simplicity and storytelling.

The design should be user-friendly, with a clear structure. It should sing on all devices, not just desktops but mobile too. Encouraging donations is an art, with transparency and impact stories as your brush and palette.

A splash of SEO, a sprinkle of social media, and you’ve got yourself a dish that’ll grab the attention of the internet. Pepper in some visuals for taste, and serve it all on a fast-loading platter. A blog on the side? Why not! It’s a great tool for serving fresh, relevant content.

But remember, at the end of the day, success isn’t just about having a high-traffic site. It’s about whether your site helps you achieve your mission, engages with your community, and really makes a difference. So keep an eye on those metrics, and keep tweaking that recipe!

If you liked this article about the best nonprofit websites, you should check out this article about unique website designs.

There are also similar articles discussing food website design, WebGL examples, how to start a web design business, and how to get more web design clients.

And let’s not forget about articles on how much web designers make, contact us pages, horizontal scrolling websites, and website headers.

Nonprofit Website Design: Inspiring Examples and Tips for Success

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The Author

Moritz Prätorius

To construct is the essence of vision. Dispense with
construction and you dispense with vision. Everything you experience by sight is your construction.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this blog's posts, please don't hesitate to comment on the post or reach out to me at [email protected].

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