Posted on August 11, 2026 · The Yong Technologies
For a community association, a church or a charity, the website is often the first place a new member, donor or volunteer meets you. It works day and night, never takes a vacation and speaks to people you have not met yet. Yet many nonprofit sites are still a single page with an outdated event and a broken donation link.
After more than two decades building websites for nonprofits, here are the seven features we see make the biggest difference.
1. A clear mission, in plain words
Visitors decide in seconds whether they are in the right place. Say who you serve, what you do and how people can help — right at the top of the home page, without jargon.
2. A "Donate" button that actually works
Make giving take less than a minute: a visible button on every page, secure card payments, and the option to give monthly. Recurring gifts are the most reliable income a nonprofit can build.
3. Online membership
Replace paper forms with an online application and dues payment. Your board saves hours, and new members can join the moment they are inspired.
4. An events calendar people trust
Nothing hurts credibility like last year's gala on the home page. Choose a site your volunteers can update in minutes, and show upcoming events first.
5. Photos of real people
Galleries of your gatherings, programs and volunteers show that your organization is alive. They also give members a reason to come back and share.
6. More than one language
Many of the communities we serve speak English, French, Spanish and other languages at home. A bilingual or trilingual site tells every member: you belong here.
7. A secure admin for your board
Officers change. Make sure the website, domain and accounts belong to the organization — not to one volunteer — and that admins use strong passwords and two-step verification.
Where to start
You don't need everything on day one. Start with a clear message, a working donation button and an events page, then grow. If you'd like help, tell us about your organization and we will suggest a simple plan.
