How to Approach Nonprofit Website Design

Each of the organizations we partner with is a little different than the last, and we like that. With diversity of mission, however, comes diversity of need. Are there certain standards that hold true across all types of organizations? Certainly. Still, what fits the bill for a small retail shop may be completely wrong for a donations-based platform or a charity website. Likewise, a local small business build may move quickly with minimal oversight, but web design for nonprofit organizations and charity websites often requires a longer timeline and a different approach altogether.

So You Want to Do Web Design for Nonprofit Organizations?

Awesome! Nonprofit website design projects can be super rewarding, and you'll probably learn a lot in the process. From The Ohio Eastern Star Home to a local choral group called Capriccio Columbus, some of our longest standing partnerships revolve around web development for nonprofits. Take it from us, there are a few strategies you should consider adopting to make these relationships successful.

The first thing to know going in is that not-for-profit organizations are structured differently from LLCs and corporations. This reality will likely be reflected in any web dev partnerships they enter into. For this reason, flexibility and hands-on availability can go a long way. So, when that critical 2am email notification dings, the proper response is... c'est la vie and pass the triple espresso shots, baby!

Here are three strategic considerations that will help you pitch, design, and deliver the best nonprofit websites possible.

Know Your Audience

As we touched on before, web development for nonprofits may not be a standard 9-5 business relationship. You'll need to be available when your client is available. Resources are often stretched somewhat thin at philanthropic organizations. Remember that some positions will likely be volunteer-staffed.

What does this mean? You can set your own boundaries, but it's generally a good idea to keep that cell phone on (unless you're in a movie theater, you maniac), and treat yourself to a cappuccino for the occasional after-hours tutorial.

Perk #1 of Building Websites for Nonprofits:
Interacting with dedicated folks working hard for something they believe in.

Aid the Ask

Securing grants is a big part of life in the nonprofit sector. In fact, virtually all project movement may hinge on funding to some degree. It isn't uncommon for nonprofits to request that a partner step in and help with that. Be prepared to justify project price points and provide options for keeping costs down on your end. This allows grant writers make their best case for outside fiscal involvement.

It's good to keep in mind throughout this process that there's a common goal for everyone involved — even the grant organizations. That goal is to adequately fund a justifiable project. Grants have to go somewhere, and each time a decision maker picks up a new grant proposal, they'll be rooting for a nonprofit to step up and make a strong case.

Perk #2 of Building Websites for Nonprofits: Once the ball gets rolling, everybody is working on the same team to fund a project that all parties believe in.

Be the Board

There may not be a single head honcho making all of the calls. From Chairman to Treasurer, you'll want to cater your presentations to ensure pertinent information reaches the right ears. Slide decks, traditional meetings... use whatever it takes, really. Communicate with flexibility and variety to address the collective and individual concerns of the room. Go get that board on board!

Perk #3 of Building Websites for Nonprofits: Rallying multiple viewpoints to a single plan is a valuable skill to cultivate. In the world of web design for nonprofit organizations, the more that you can demonstrate mutually beneficial outcomes, the more successful you'll be.

The Best Nonprofit Website Design Projects are Highly Rewarding Partnership Experience

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to building cool nonprofit websites (is there to anything in business?). As long as you remember who you're dealing with, however, you'll get the hang of what's needed in these projects. Building nonprofit and charity websites can be quite rewarding, so don't be afraid to go for it. The more you're able to keep the big picture in mind as you pitch, position, and participate in the machinery of these organizations, the further you'll go.

Need a better hosting setup for your nonprofit? Chek Creative provides website hosting for nonprofits on a monthly or yearly basis. Take a look at our hosting plans and be sure to ask for the nonprofit discount!