In today's digital-first world, your nonprofit's website isn't just a digital brochure – it's often the first meaningful interaction someone has with your mission. Your website needs to tell your story, build trust, engage supporters, process donations, and serve your community – all while being accessible and easy to maintain.
Finding the right developer for this important job isn't simple. The perfect partner needs to understand both technology and the unique challenges nonprofits face.
Making the wrong choice can lead to frustration, wasted resources, and a website that fails to advance your mission. But with the right developer, your website becomes a powerful tool that amplifies your impact and connects with supporters.
In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know to find a developer who truly understands nonprofit needs. We'll cover how to assess your requirements, what features matter most, the right questions to ask, and how to set your project up for success.
Nonprofit website design has never been more important for mission-driven organizations, and finding the right partner is the critical first step.
Understanding Your Nonprofit's Website Needs
Before you start reaching out to potential developers, it's essential to clarify exactly what you need. This groundwork will help you communicate your requirements clearly and evaluate whether a developer truly understands your organization.
Assessing Your Current Website
Start by evaluating what's working and what isn't with your current website. Is your donation process confusing visitors? Are you unable to update content easily? Does your site look terrible on mobile devices?
Make a simple list of pain points that are holding your organization back. This becomes a valuable roadmap for conversations with potential developers.
Your team members who regularly use the website will have valuable insights here. Ask your development team about donation form issues and your program staff about content limitations.
Defining Clear Goals
Every successful website project begins with clear objectives. Your goals might include increasing online donations, improving volunteer sign-ups, or making program information more accessible.
Be specific about what success looks like. Instead of "get more donations," try "increase online donation conversion rate by 20% and increase average donation amount."
These clear goals help developers understand what matters most to your organization and design solutions accordingly.
Identifying Your Audiences
Your website needs to serve multiple audiences – donors, volunteers, program participants, board members, and more. Each group has different needs and priorities when visiting your site.
Recent research from M+R Benchmarks and NTEN reveals how diverse stakeholder groups interact with nonprofit websites. For example, while 57% of nonprofit website traffic now comes from mobile devices, desktop users are far more likely to complete donations with a 20% conversion rate compared to just 8% for mobile users.
This mobile-desktop split is crucial - although mobile visitors make up the majority of traffic, desktop users still generate 68% of donations and 76% of revenue. Understanding these patterns helps you structure your nonprofit website to better serve different user needs.
Organizations like NTEN recommend collecting input from all stakeholders through surveys, one-on-one interviews, and focus groups to better understand how different groups interact with your website and what they expect from it.
Creating Your Feature List
With your goals and audiences defined, you can create a prioritized list of features your website needs. Be sure to separate must-haves from nice-to-haves.
Essential features for most nonprofits include:
- Mobile-responsive design
- Secure, user-friendly donation processing
- Content management system your team can easily update
- Integration with your email platform and CRM
- Accessibility compliance
Understanding these priorities helps you evaluate whether a developer's approach aligns with what matters most to your organization.
Setting a Realistic Budget
Website development costs vary widely based on complexity, features, and the partner you choose. Small nonprofit websites might start around $5,000, while complex sites with custom functionality can exceed $50,000.
According to industry reports, most nonprofits should expect to invest $15,000-$50,000 for a professionally developed website with custom functionality and responsive design. This range represents the most common cost for effective nonprofit websites that balance quality with cost efficiency.
Remember to account for ongoing costs like hosting, maintenance, and future updates. The lowest bid rarely delivers the best long-term value for nonprofits.
Determining Your Timeline
Most quality nonprofit websites take 3-6 months to complete, depending on complexity and how quickly your team can provide feedback and content.
Be wary of developers promising unrealistically fast timelines. A rushed website often leads to poor user experience and technical problems down the road.
Consider your organization's calendar when planning your timeline. Avoid launching during your busiest season or major fundraising campaigns.
Essential Website Features for Nonprofit Success
Nonprofits have unique website needs that differ from corporate sites. A developer with nonprofit experience will understand these specialized requirements.
Effective Donation Systems
Your online donation system directly impacts your fundraising success. Look for developers with experience implementing:
- Streamlined donation forms that minimize friction and abandonment
- Integration with popular nonprofit payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, or specialized platforms like Classy or Donorbox
- Recurring giving options that make monthly donations simple
- Mobile-friendly payment processes (over 25% of donations now happen on mobile devices)
Recent data shows that the overall conversion rate on a nonprofit's main donation page is currently 12%, with desktop conversion rates reaching 16% while mobile conversions lag at 10%. This gap highlights the importance of optimizing donation processes for all devices.
Monthly giving continues to grow in significance, now accounting for 31% of all online revenue - a 6% increase year-over-year. With the average monthly gift at $24, setting up effective recurring donation systems can provide sustainable funding for your organization.
The right developer will understand donation form best practices like suggesting giving amounts, minimizing form fields, and creating compelling confirmation pages.
Content Management Flexibility
Your team needs to update your website easily without calling a developer for every change. This requires a thoughtful content management system (CMS) implementation.
Popular CMS options for nonprofits include WordPress, Drupal, and Squarespace, but the specific implementation matters more than the platform itself.
Ask potential developers how they'll structure your CMS to make updates intuitive for your team. Can staff members with minimal technical skills easily update program information, post news, or change images?
Accessibility Compliance
Your website must be accessible to people with disabilities – not just for legal compliance but to fulfill your mission of inclusion. A developer with nonprofit experience will understand accessibility requirements like:
- WCAG 2.1 compliance standards
- Screen reader compatibility
- Keyboard navigation
- Proper color contrast
- Alt text for images
Ask potential developers about their approach to accessibility and how they test for compliance. This reveals whether they truly understand nonprofit values and requirements.
Mobile Responsiveness
More than half of website traffic now comes from mobile devices. Your developer should prioritize mobile-first design that works seamlessly across all device sizes.
This means more than just a site that "looks okay" on phones. Forms, donation pages, and interactive elements must function perfectly on small screens.
Ask to see examples of mobile sites they've built, and test them yourself on your phone to evaluate the experience.
CRM and Email Integration
Your website doesn't exist in isolation – it needs to connect with your other systems. A good nonprofit developer understands how to integrate with common platforms like:
- Donor management systems (Bloomerang, Neon CRM, Salesforce NPSP)
- Email marketing tools (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Emma)
- Event management platforms (Eventbrite, Classy Events)
- Volunteer management systems
Seamless integration prevents manual data entry and ensures constituent information flows properly between systems.
Content Strategy Support
The best nonprofit websites tell compelling impact stories. Ask potential developers about their approach to content strategy and whether they can help with:
- Organization of your programs and services information
- Effective storytelling structures that highlight impact
- Content governance planning for ongoing management
Your developer should help you plan not just how your site will look, but how your nonprofit website's content will work to engage visitors and advance your mission.
Types of Website Developers for Nonprofits
The type of development partner you choose significantly impacts your project's outcome. Each option offers different benefits and trade-offs.
Individual Freelancers
Freelance developers typically offer the lowest rates but provide limited services. They're best for simple projects with clear requirements.
- Pros: Generally more affordable, direct communication with the person doing the work
- Cons: Limited capacity, may lack specialized nonprofit expertise, usually can't provide comprehensive services like content strategy
If you choose a freelancer, ensure they have nonprofit experience and can handle all technical aspects of your project without subcontracting critical components.
Small Specialized Agencies
Boutique agencies that focus on nonprofits often provide the best balance of expertise, personalized service, and value.
They understand sector-specific needs and typically offer more comprehensive services than freelancers while maintaining reasonable rates.
Ask about their team structure and who will actually work on your project. Some small agencies rely heavily on contractors, which can affect consistency and quality.
Large Full-Service Agencies
Larger agencies offer comprehensive services but at premium prices. They're best suited for complex projects with substantial budgets.
- Pros: Full suite of services including strategy, design, development, and marketing; larger team means more specialized expertise
- Cons: Significantly higher cost, less personal attention, may not specialize in nonprofit needs
If you choose a larger agency, ensure they have specific nonprofit experience and that you won't be their smallest client, which could mean less attention to your project.
Nonprofit-Specific Developers
Some development firms work exclusively with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations. These specialists deeply understand sector-specific needs.
Nonprofit website design agencies who specialize in the sector bring valuable expertise about donation systems, grant reporting needs, and impact storytelling.
While sometimes more expensive than generalists, their specialized knowledge often delivers better long-term value for mission-driven organizations.
Pro Bono and Volunteer Options
Some nonprofits explore pro bono services through programs like Catchafire or Taproot Foundation. These can work well for specific, limited-scope projects.
However, free services often come with significant trade-offs in timeline, accountability, and long-term support. Many nonprofits find that properly budgeting for professional development delivers better results.
Student projects can offer fresh ideas at minimal cost but typically lack the technical expertise and reliability needed for mission-critical websites.
Essential Questions About Experience and Expertise
When interviewing potential developers, these questions will help you assess their nonprofit expertise.
Have They Worked With Nonprofits Before?
Ask for specific examples of nonprofit websites they've built. Look for familiarity with organizations similar to yours in size, mission, or structure.
Request case studies or impact stories that demonstrate how their work helped other nonprofits achieve their goals. The best partners can articulate specific outcomes, not just features delivered.
Pay attention to whether they understand the unique challenges nonprofits face, like limited resources, multiple stakeholders, and the need to demonstrate impact.
What Is Their Technical Expertise?
Different projects require different technical skills. Ask about their experience with:
- Content management systems (particularly the one you're considering)
- Donation platforms and payment processors
- CRM and email marketing integrations
- Accessibility compliance and testing
- Security measures for protecting donor data
Recent data shows that nonprofits face an alarming number of cyber threats, with organizations experiencing an average of 1,636 cyber attacks per week. Even more concerning, 27% of nonprofits have already experienced at least one cyber attack, and there was a 30% year-over-year increase in weekly cyberattacks against nonprofits in 2024.
What makes this particularly troubling is that 70% of nonprofits lack a formal cybersecurity policy, making them easy targets. Your developer needs to prioritize security measures that protect your donors' information and your organization's data.
Ask for specific examples of how they've implemented these technologies for other nonprofits.
How Do They Approach Content Strategy?
Your website's success depends as much on content as technology. Ask potential developers:
- "How do you help organizations plan and structure their content?"
- "What process do you use for content migration from our old site?"
- "How do you ensure our content is accessible and SEO-friendly?"
The best partners will have a structured approach to content strategy rather than expecting you to figure it all out on your own.
What Does Their Portfolio Reveal?
A developer's portfolio tells you much about their capabilities and approach. When reviewing their work:
- Visit their live nonprofit websites on both desktop and mobile devices
- Test the donation process (without completing a donation)
- Check how quickly pages load
- Try navigating with only your keyboard (a basic accessibility test)
- Look for clear impact stories and calls to action
Ask how they measure the success of their projects beyond just launching the site.
Content Strategy and Management Considerations
Your website's content is ultimately what engages visitors and drives action. The right developer will help you plan, create, and manage this content effectively.
Evaluating Their Content Approach
A developer with nonprofit experience should help you think strategically about your content. Ask them:
- "How do you help organizations tell their impact stories effectively?"
- "What content planning tools or processes do you use?"
- "How do you structure navigation for different audience needs?"
Their answers will reveal whether they understand the unique content challenges nonprofits face.
Content Creation Responsibilities
Be clear about who will write and gather content for the new site. Some developers offer copywriting services, while others expect you to provide all content.
Research shows that content creation is often the biggest bottleneck in website projects. The average blog post takes nearly 4 hours to create, and high-quality content typically requires multiple revisions - 52% of marketing teams report that content is revised between three and five times before being finalized.
For nonprofits with limited resources, this time commitment can be especially challenging. Content that performs well typically requires significant investment - bloggers who spend more than 6 hours on each article are much more likely to report strong results.
Having a clear plan for who creates what – and when – is essential for staying on schedule. Consider whether your team has the bandwidth to produce all content internally or if you'll need support from your development partner.
Content Migration Strategy
If you're redesigning an existing site, ask potential developers about their approach to content migration:
- "How do you audit existing content to determine what to keep, update, or archive?"
- "What is your process for transferring and reformatting content?"
- "How do you handle redirects for changed URLs to preserve SEO value?"
Their answers will reveal whether they have a structured approach to this often underestimated task.
SEO Considerations
Your website needs to be found by the people you serve. Ask about the developer's approach to:
- Keyword research for nonprofit audiences
- On-page SEO best practices
- Local SEO (if you serve specific communities)
- Technical SEO factors like site speed and mobile optimization
A good developer builds SEO best practices into your site from the beginning rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Ongoing Content Governance
Your website is never truly "finished." Ask potential developers:
- "What training do you provide for our team to manage content?"
- "How do you document content processes and standards?"
- "What ongoing support do you offer for content updates?"
The best partners help you establish sustainable content governance practices that your team can maintain.
Questions About Their Process and Project Management
How a developer manages your project is just as important as their technical skills. These questions will help you evaluate their process.
How Do They Structure Their Process?
Ask potential developers to walk you through their typical project process. Look for:
- A clear methodology with defined phases and milestones
- Specific deliverables at each stage
- Opportunities for your team to provide feedback
- Regular progress updates and check-ins
The best partners have a well-defined process that keeps projects on track while remaining flexible enough to adapt to your needs.
Communication and Collaboration
Clear communication is essential for project success. Ask:
- "Who will be our main point of contact?"
- "How often will we receive updates?"
- "What tools do you use for project management and communication?"
- "How do you prefer to receive feedback?"
Make sure their communication style and tools align with how your team works best.
Feedback and Revisions
Understanding how feedback and revisions are handled prevents misunderstandings later. Ask:
- "How many rounds of revisions are included at each stage?"
- "What is your process for collecting and implementing feedback?"
- "How do you handle change requests that are outside the original scope?"
Clear expectations about the feedback process help avoid scope creep and ensure your input is incorporated effectively.
Training and Documentation
Your team needs to be empowered to manage the site after launch. Ask about:
- Content management system training (group and individual options)
- Written documentation and video tutorials
- Knowledge base access
Nonprofit website management resources are essential for ensuring your team can maintain your site effectively after launch.
The best partners provide comprehensive training tailored to different skill levels on your team.
Budget and Timeline Considerations
Understanding how developers structure their pricing and timelines helps you evaluate proposals accurately.
Pricing Models
Developers may use different pricing approaches:
- Fixed project fee: You pay a set amount for a defined scope of work
- Hourly billing: You pay based on actual time spent (with or without a cap)
- Retainer model: You pay a monthly fee for ongoing development and support
Each approach has pros and cons. Fixed fees provide budget certainty but may limit flexibility. Hourly billing provides more flexibility but less budget predictability.
Understanding What's Included
Ask detailed questions about what's included in the price:
- "Is content migration from our old site included?"
- "How many rounds of design revisions are included?"
- "Is staff training included? For how many people?"
- "What ongoing support is included after launch?"
According to industry benchmarks, nonprofit website costs typically break down in specific patterns. The NTEN Digital Investments Report reveals that for most organizations, hardware and equipment consume 54% of technology budgets, while software and licenses account for 14% and services/consulting represent about 12%.
For professionally developed nonprofit websites, costs typically range between $15,000-$60,000 for mid-level projects with custom functionality and responsive designs - the most common category for nonprofits. Smaller projects might start around $5,000, while complex websites with advanced features can exceed $100,000.
The lowest bid often excludes critical components that you'll end up paying for later, so compare proposals carefully.
Long-Term Cost Considerations
The initial build is just one part of your website's total cost of ownership. Ask about:
- Hosting fees and what they include (security updates, backups, etc.)
- Content management system licensing costs
- Ongoing maintenance packages and what they cover
- Typical costs for future updates or new features
Understanding these long-term costs helps you budget accurately beyond the initial project.
Timeline Factors
Discuss realistic timelines for your project, including:
- Total project duration from kickoff to launch
- Key milestones and deliverables
- Your team's responsibilities and time commitments
- Potential factors that could cause delays
Most quality nonprofit websites take 3-6 months to complete, depending on complexity and how quickly your team can provide feedback and content.
Post-Launch Support and Maintenance
Your website requires ongoing attention after launch. Understanding a developer's post-launch support options is crucial for long-term success.
Maintenance and Support Options
Ask potential partners about their ongoing support offerings:
- "What kind of maintenance packages do you offer?"
- "How quickly do you respond to urgent issues?"
- "What's your process for implementing updates and new features?"
The best partners offer flexible support options that align with your internal capacity and budget.
Analytics and Measurement
Your website should help you measure impact and make data-informed decisions. Ask about:
- Analytics setup and configuration
- Custom goal tracking for donations, email signups, etc.
- Regular reporting on key metrics
- Training for your team on using analytics data
A good partner helps you establish meaningful metrics that align with your organizational goals.
Security and Updates
Website security is particularly important for nonprofits that handle donor information. Ask about:
- Security monitoring and malware scanning
- Regular updates to your CMS and plugins
- Backup procedures and disaster recovery plans
- PCI compliance for donation processing
Understanding these critical maintenance factors helps you protect your site and your constituents' data.
Content Refresh Planning
Your website content needs regular updates to stay relevant. Ask about:
- Content auditing processes
- Recommendations for regular updates
- Support for seasonal campaigns or special initiatives
A strategic approach to content maintenance helps keep your site fresh and effective.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
As you evaluate potential partners, be alert for these warning signs:
Lack of Nonprofit Experience
Be wary of developers who:
- Can't show examples of nonprofit websites they've built
- Don't understand donation systems or CRM integrations
- Speak primarily in technical terms rather than about mission impact
- Don't ask thoughtful questions about your organization's work
Generic experience doesn't always translate well to the unique needs of mission-driven organizations.
Poor Communication During the Sales Process
If communication is challenging during the proposal process, it will likely get worse during the project. Watch for:
- Slow response times to your inquiries
- Vague answers to specific questions
- Unwillingness to explain technical concepts clearly
- Inability to articulate their process clearly
How they communicate during the sales process reflects how they'll communicate during your project.
Unrealistic Promises
Be cautious of developers who:
- Promise extremely quick timelines (quality websites take time)
- Offer unusually low prices compared to other quotes
- Guarantee specific outcomes like "doubling donations" without understanding your organization
- Claim they can build anything without discussing complexity or budget implications
Unrealistic promises often lead to disappointment, delays, and additional costs.
No Clear Process or Contract
Professional developers have clear processes and contracts that protect both parties. Be wary if they:
- Can't clearly explain their development process
- Don't provide a detailed proposal or statement of work
- Have vague terms about revisions, timelines, or deliverables
- Can't explain how they handle change requests
Industry data shows that website project failures are alarmingly common. Only 2.5% of companies complete 100% of their projects successfully, with the rest failing to meet original targets, budgets, or deadlines. For nonprofits, the most common reasons for project failures include unclear objectives (39%), inadequate requirements gathering (35%), and budget overruns (55%).
What's particularly concerning for nonprofits is that many website projects fail due to content creation delays and poor technical performance - issues that can be avoided with proper planning and a clear contract with your developer.
Clear contracts and processes protect both you and the developer and lead to better project outcomes.
Setting Up for Success
Once you've chosen a development partner, these steps will help ensure a successful project.
Preparing for Kickoff
Before your project begins:
- Gather all login credentials for your current website, hosting, and domain registrations
- Identify key stakeholders who need to approve decisions
- Collect examples of websites you admire (both within and outside your sector)
- Prepare analytics data from your current site if available
Being prepared helps your project start smoothly and stay on track.
Assembling Your Internal Team
Identify who from your organization will:
- Serve as the primary point of contact
- Provide feedback on designs and functionality
- Create and approve content Participate in training
Clear internal roles and responsibilities help prevent bottlenecks and ensure timely feedback.
Planning for Content Creation
Content development is often the biggest challenge in website projects. Before you begin:
- Audit your existing content to identify what can be reused
- Create a content calendar with clear deadlines and responsibilities
- Consider whether you need professional copywriting support
- Plan time for staff to review and approve content
A clear content plan helps prevent delays and ensures your site launches with compelling, mission-focused messaging.
Preparing for Launch
A successful launch requires planning:
- Create a launch checklist with your developer
- Plan how you'll announce your new site to stakeholders
- Schedule staff training before launch
- Set up analytics tracking before going live
- Prepare a post-launch evaluation process
A well-planned launch ensures your new site makes a strong first impression.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Development Partner
Choosing the right website developer is one of the most important decisions your nonprofit will make. The right partner doesn't just build a website – they help advance your mission through effective digital engagement.
Remember that the lowest bid rarely delivers the best value. Look for a partner who understands nonprofit needs, communicates clearly, and demonstrates a commitment to your mission.
Take time to check references and thoroughly evaluate proposals against your specific requirements. The right partner will ask thoughtful questions about your mission and goals before proposing solutions.
After selecting your developer, maintain open communication throughout the project. The most successful website projects are true collaborations between organizations and their development partners.
Your website is too important to your mission to settle for anything less than the right development partner. The time you invest in finding that partner will pay dividends in digital impact for years to come.
