If you work at a nonprofit and you’re tasked with redesigning your website or launching one for the first time ….first of all: we see you, and we get it. This is a huge undertaking. You’re balancing a tight budget, multiple internal stakeholders, and the high stakes of communicating a mission that truly matters to your community. On top of that, you’re trying to reach different audiences including donors, volunteers, clients, board members, and more - each with their own needs.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

That’s why you need a partner who really understands your world and what it takes to build a website that serves your mission, not just looks good.

At Blue Archer, we’ve helped mission-driven organizations across Pennsylvania and beyond navigate this process. We want to share everything we’ve learned so you can find the perfect agency to bring your nonprofit website to life without the headaches. This guide will walk you through how to find a vendor who gets your mission, delivers strategy and storytelling, and has the technical chops to get the job done right.

Not for Profit Web Design vs. For-Profit: Why Your Strategy Needs to Be Different

Here’s a truth: designing a nonprofit website isn’t the same as designing a site for a business selling products or services. You’re not just making a sale; you’re inviting people into a story, a community, a cause. That subtle but important difference changes everything.

Your website needs to build trust, communicate impact, and make it easy for different audiences to get involved. Here’s why your strategy should be tailored:

• Your CTAs reflect your mission: Instead of “Buy Now,” you’ll be asking visitors to “Donate,” “Volunteer,” “Get Support,” or “Learn More.” The emotional pull is different.
• Multiple audiences with distinct needs: Your donors want transparency, volunteers want clear steps to get involved, clients want services, and board members want to see governance info. Your site should serve them all.
• Accessibility is essential: Nonprofits serve diverse communities. Your website needs to be ADA-compliant and mobile-friendly.
• Fundraising & program integration: Donation processing, volunteer portals, event registration, and impact dashboards need to be seamless.

With these factors, your nonprofit website becomes a tool for connection, action, and community building, not just a brochure.

The Blue Archer Approach to Choosing the Right Vendor for Your Nonprofit Website

We know the vendor world can be tricky. In digital marketing, anyone can call themselves a web designer, and the quality of vendors varies wildly. You deserve a partner who is competent, professional, and invested in your mission.

Here’s how we recommend you find that partner:

Phase 1: Identify Your Short List

• Search smart: Use Google with regional and industry keywords. For example, “Pittsburgh nonprofit web design” or “nonprofit website agency Pennsylvania.” This will bring up agencies that specialize or at least have experience in your space. Using ChatGPT or another favorite AI tool can also help you create a short list of prospective vendors. Explain in your prompt what kind of website partner you are looking for (size, budget, experience, location, etc.)
• Review websites carefully: Look for agencies with portfolios that showcase nonprofit work. Are their sites clean, accessible, and user-friendly? Do they identify key staff like project managers and developers? Is their content clear and helpful? Often, their own website quality reflects their capabilities.

Phase 2: Engage with Potential Vendors

• Reach out and evaluate responsiveness: How fast do they reply? Prompt, clear communication now is a great sign they’ll be responsive as a client.
• Assess competency: Do they listen and ask questions about your nonprofit and goals, or do they just pitch you their services? You want a partner who seeks to understand your unique challenges.
• Understand their process: Do they clearly outline discovery, design, development, and launch phases? Transparency here means fewer surprises down the road.

Phase 3: Interact and Vet Finalists

• Meet your team: Ask to talk with the project manager, creative lead, or others who will be involved. You want people who are not just skilled, but a good relational fit.
• Review detailed proposals: Good proposals are tailored to your goals, outline phases and deliverables, and clearly define costs. Watch out for one-size-fits-all or vague quotes.
• Check references and case studies: Have they done similar nonprofit projects? Can they share measurable outcomes?

What Makes the Best Non Profit Web Design?

Great nonprofit websites share a few essential characteristics. Whether you’re comparing agency portfolios or evaluating your own redesign, look for:

• Intuitive navigation — everyone from donors to volunteers should find what they need quickly.
• Emotional storytelling — through compelling content, photos, and videos that show real impact.
• Secure, easy donation systems — streamlined and mobile-friendly.
• Mobile-first and accessible design — meeting ADA standards for inclusivity.
• CMS flexibility — so your team can update content without a developer every time.
• CRM and event integrations — essential for managing relationships and registrations.
• SEO optimization — so your mission and services can be found by those who need you.

If you’re looking for the best non profit web design, make sure these elements are baked into the agency’s approach.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Nonprofit Web Design Agency

Choosing the right partner is critical. You want someone who understands both design and mission-driven work. Start with these questions:

• Have you worked with nonprofits before? Can you share examples?
• How do you approach telling complex missions in simple ways?
• What CMS platforms do you recommend, and why?
• Do you provide help with storytelling, copywriting, and SEO?
• How do you ensure ADA compliance and mobile responsiveness?
• What’s your step-by-step process from discovery to launch?
• How do you handle hosting, training, and ongoing support?
• What are typical ongoing maintenance costs for your nonprofit clients?

The best agencies offer thoughtful answers—not vague promises.

Reviewing Portfolios: What to Look For in Nonprofit Website Examples

An agency’s portfolio can reveal a lot about their priorities. Don’t just admire the aesthetics—dig into the substance.
Look for:

• User Experience (UX): Are the websites easy to navigate?
• Mission Clarity: Is the nonprofit’s purpose instantly understandable?
• CTA Visibility: Can you easily find ways to get involved or donate?
• Accessibility and Mobile Design: Do the sites perform well across devices?
• Custom Work: Ask if the site was built from scratch or templated.

The best non profit websites don’t just look nice. They serve real goals.

Budget Realities and Planning for Your Nonprofit Website

We get it. Most nonprofits don’t have six-figure website budgets, and that’s okay. Here’s how to make your money work harder:

• Prioritize a solid foundation: homepage, donation page, about/mission, and navigation come first.
• Plan phased rollouts: add blogs, resource centers, and events after launch as funds allow.
• Seek agencies offering nonprofit discounts or grant assistance.
• Insist on transparent pricing, including hosting and support fees.

Keyword tip: nonprofits looking for websites for nonprofits often search for value and scalability. Make sure the agency speaks to both.

Platform Choices: Website Builders vs. Custom CMS

Your platform choice impacts your budget, flexibility, and growth.

• Website Builders (Wix, Squarespace, Morweb): Quick, cost-effective, and good if your team can manage updates and you don’t need complex integrations.
• Custom CMS (AccuCMS, WordPress, Drupal, proprietary, etc.): More flexible and scalable, essential for complex donation systems, CRM integration, and multiple user types.

Your agency should guide you through this choice based on your goals, not push their favorite tool.

Accessibility & ADA Compliance for Non-profit Websites

For nonprofits, accessibility is mission-critical. Your organization exists to serve the community—and that includes people with disabilities. A website that isn’t ADA compliant can unintentionally exclude individuals who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers, keyboard navigation, or captioned video.

That’s why accessibility should be a non-negotiable when choosing your web design agency.

What to Look For:

• Alt Text for All Images: Essential for users with visual impairments.
• Keyboard Navigation: Menus, forms, and links should work without a mouse.
• Readable Design: Strong color contrast, clear fonts, and logical heading structure.
• Accessible Forms: Proper labeling, error messages, and clear instructions.
• Video Captions & Transcripts: So content is accessible to users with hearing impairments.

Ask your potential agency how they address ADA compliance during design and development. Do they follow WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)? Will they test your site with accessibility tools? Can they offer ongoing support?

Some agencies (like us!) also recommend adding an accessibility widget, which helps users customize their experience in real time.

Bottom line: accessibility isn’t just about checking a legal box. It’s about making sure your website truly serves everyone who needs it. If you’re comparing agencies, make sure this is part of the conversation from day one.

Why a Thorough Discovery Process Matters

No two nonprofits are alike. A deep discovery sets your project up for success by:

• Exploring your mission, goals, and audience deeply.
• Mapping user journeys and custom sitemap design.
• Crafting wireframes that highlight key programs and impact.
• Aligning content strategy with your voice.

Our approach at Blue Archer is highly collaborative and tailored because cookie-cutter just doesn’t work for mission-driven organizations.

Smooth Collaboration Tips for Success

• Assign a single project lead internally for clear communication.
• Define measurable goals early (more donations, fewer phone calls, volunteer recruitment).
• Provide timely feedback to keep the project on track.
• Keep communication open and ask questions often.

Great teamwork leads to great websites.

Watch for Red Flags

• Vendors who don’t ask about your mission or programs.
• Those who dominate conversations without listening.
• Unrealistic promises for unrealistically low prices.
• Agencies who don’t offer training or post-launch support.

You need a partner - someone invested in your success, not just a vendor.

Beyond Launch: Ongoing Support and Growth

Your website launch is the start, not the finish.

• Ensure your team gets training to confidently update the site.
• Confirm your agency offers ongoing support for bugs and improvements.
• Use analytics tools (Google Analytics, Hotjar) to understand visitor behavior.
• Plan regular content updates to keep the site fresh and relevant.

A great agency helps you grow (not just go live).

Real Experience: Our Nonprofit Web Design Portfolio in Action

At Blue Archer, we don’t just talk about creating websites for nonprofits. We do it. Our team has partnered with mission-driven organizations of all sizes to craft websites that are functional, accessible, emotionally resonant, and strategically designed to drive engagement.

Achieva – www.achieva.info

Custom Website Design & Development

Achieva came to us with a clear mission: modernize their site and better reflect their growing network of services. Their challenges included outdated navigation, accessibility barriers, and an inflexible CMS.

What We Did:

• Created a business units module to showcase affiliated organizations
• Designed custom smartform routing, calendars, and intranet features
• Shifted from department-focused to user-focused structure
• Integrated ADA-conscious design and vibrant brand colors
• Delivered a strategic site ready for future growth and updates

The result? A beautiful, intuitive site that better serves individuals with disabilities and their families.

SAFE Pittsburgh – www.safepgh.org

Custom Website Design & Development

SAFE needed a warm, welcoming site that connected people to life-saving resources while also reducing stigma and building community trust.

Our Approach:

• Refreshed the brand while maintaining their iconic lighthouse symbol
• Designed a warm, inclusive user experience with diverse imagery
• Built a resource center, searchable calendar, and dynamic blog
• Used illustration and wave transitions to enhance visual empathy

This site balances functionality with compassion—and serves as a true beacon for the community. View our full case study.

Fred Rogers Institute – www.fredrogersinstitute.org

Custom Website Design & Development

Fred Rogers Institute needed a platform that honored Mr. Rogers’ legacy while serving educators, researchers, and families.

Highlights:

• Created an archive module to house and display historic materials
• Developed a resource center and team directory
• Built a multi-author blog and event calendar
• Balanced whimsy with professionalism through thoughtful design

See the full case study for project details.

“It isn’t easy to find the space between childlike and childish – with all the whimsy and intensity that made Fred, Fred. I appreciate the care Blue Archer brought to our work.”

Additional Projects:

We’ve also had the privilege of working with:

• Allegheny County Conservation District – www.accdpa.org
• NAMI Keystone PA – www.namikeystonepa.org
• Breathe Pennsylvania – www.breathepa.org
• The Frick Pittsburgh – www.thefrickpittsburgh.org

From health and history to education and advocacy, our nonprofit websites are always built with purpose.

Final Thoughts: The Right Partner Makes All the Difference

Redesigning a nonprofit website isn’t just a design job. It’s a strategic chance to grow your reach, deepen trust, and better serve your community.

You need an agency that listens, understands nonprofit challenges, and provides clear, tailored options without pressure or confusion.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, that’s normal. You don’t have to go it alone.

We’re here to help you find your perfect website partner and guide you every step of the way.

Let’s start the conversation today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofit Web Design

Q: What is a nonprofit website?
A: A nonprofit website is an online platform representing a nonprofit organization’s mission, programs, events, and resources. It’s designed to inform visitors, attract donors and volunteers, and foster community engagement—often including donation processing and accessibility features.

Q: What makes a good nonprofit website?
A: A good nonprofit website is user-friendly, mobile responsive, accessible, and tells a compelling story that connects emotionally. It offers easy navigation, secure donation options, clear calls to action, and resources that serve its audience effectively.

Q: How much does a nonprofit website redesign typically cost?
A: Costs vary widely depending on the size, complexity, and features you need. Extremely simple sites might start around $6,500–$10,000, while more custom projects with donations, events, and integrations can range from $25,000 and up. Many agencies offer nonprofit discounts or phased approaches to help manage budgets.

Q: How long does a nonprofit website project usually take?
A: Most projects take 4-6 months from discovery to launch, depending on scope, content readiness, and feedback cycles. Very large projects with significant and complex content needs can take 6-12 months. It’s important to build in time for strategy, design, development, testing, and training.

Q: Can I update the website myself after launch?
A: Absolutely! Most nonprofit websites are built on easy-to-use CMS platforms. Agencies should provide training so your team can confidently update content, add events, post news, and more.

Q: What are some must-have features for nonprofit websites?
A: Key features include secure online donation processing, volunteer sign-up forms, event calendars, resource libraries, impact storytelling sections, and accessibility compliance.

Q: How do I ensure my site is accessible to all users?
A: Look for agencies familiar with ADA compliance standards and web accessibility guidelines like WCAG 2.1. Accessibility testing should be part of the development process to make your site usable by people with disabilities.

Q: Should I choose a custom-built website or a nonprofit website builder like Wix or Squarespace?
A: If your needs are simple and you have internal bandwidth, website builders can work. But if you need specialized functionality (donations, CRM integration, multiple user roles) or want a unique design, a custom build with an experienced agency is best.

Q: How to create a nonprofit website for free?
A: You can create a free nonprofit website using platforms like WordPress.com, Wix, or Weebly, which offer free plans and nonprofit templates. However, free versions often come with limitations such as platform branding, restricted features, or limited storage. For a professional, scalable site, investing in a custom or paid platform is usually worthwhile.

Q: How do I find the right agency for my nonprofit?
A: Start by reviewing portfolios of nonprofits similar to you, ask about their experience with mission-driven storytelling, and get detailed proposals. Choose a partner who listens, understands your goals, and offers clear communication and ongoing support.

Q: What happens after the website launches?
A: Ongoing support is crucial. Your agency should provide training, maintenance, updates, and analytics so you can continue improving your site’s impact over time.

Q: How to create a nonprofit organization website?
A: Start by choosing a domain name and hosting provider, then select a website platform (CMS or builder). Plan your site’s structure based on your audience’s needs, create compelling content focused on your mission, and incorporate features like donation forms, event calendars, and volunteer sign-ups. Testing for accessibility and mobile usability is crucial before launch.

Q: Which type of URL is associated with nonprofit organizations?
A: Nonprofits often use the .org top-level domain (TLD) to signify their mission-driven, nonprofit status. While it’s not a requirement, .org is widely recognized and trusted by donors and visitors. Other options like .ngo or country-specific domains can also be used depending on your audience.