According to the 2020 Global Trends in Giving Report, “92% of donors worldwide say that NPOs [Nonprofit Organizations] must invest financial resources in digital communications in order to stay relevant.” The report also points out that 55% of donors across the globe prefer to make their donations online using a debit or credit card. It seems clear from these numbers that, in our digital age, having an online presence is critical to increasing the visibility and outreach of any nonprofit organization.
Why create a website for my nonprofit?
Building and getting a functional and visually appealing website online is part of a nonprofit’s communication strategy. A website for a nonprofit is a gateway for your target audience to enter into your NPO’s world: your mission, cause, identity, what you do, whom you serve, and how others can be part of it. Whether your goal is inspiring volunteers, calling donors to action, or getting new members on board, a professionally designed nonprofit website is a critical asset that can help you advance your organization's mission.
How can I create my nonprofit’s website?
First, you need to be clear on two foundations that support the entire nonprofit website development process: your mission statement and the purpose of your NPO’s website. Your mission statement defines your organization’s purpose, cause, and plans concerning that cause. A clear mission statement is fundamental because it guides your website's design, tone, and content. Your homepage is an excellent place to present your nonprofit’s mission statement so visitors can immediately see “the big picture” that drives your organization.
On the other hand, defining the purpose of your nonprofit’s website will orient the design and development process. What is your target audience? Who are you trying to engage? What is your call to action for these people? Although your NPO may reach out to audiences as diverse as government agencies, volunteers, or private sponsors, it is crucial to prioritize audience segments according to your goals. For example, suppose your primary target audience is young university students who you would like to participate as volunteers. In that case, the design of your website might focus on inspirational stories, testimonies, and university alliances.
With a clear mission statement and purpose for your nonprofit’s website, you can begin creating your website. Although there are do-it-yourself options, like site builders (Wix and Squarespace) and Content Management Systems (WordPress), that allow non-programmers to create their websites from scratch, your best option is to hire a professional website designer to manage the process for efficiency and effectiveness.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
