Nonprofit website design has proven to be an extremely effective marketing tool for those who do it right. More so than any other organization, a non-profit’s website needs to tell its story in order to inspire visitors to get involved. However, this can prove to be a daunting task for someone who is unsure how to successfully convey the message of their organization. Based on our list of Top 11 Features of Great Nonprofit Website Design, we have compiled a list of 7 powerful nonprofit websites and what makes them effective:
1. The Nature Conservancy
Website: nature.org
Mission: Conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends
What Makes it Effective: The Nature Conservancy hits the nail on the head for several features of great nonprofit website design. The website opens with a pop-up CTA encouraging visitors to find local events. It then leads into a widescreen image of the Amazon, which transports visitors to a location that the organization is looking to protect. The homepage even has one of the most unique interactive features of any nonprofit organization we looked at – a Live Osprey Cam feed.
2. (RED)
Website: red.org
Mission: Every generation is known for something. Let’s be the one to deliver an AIDs free generation.
What Makes it Effective: With Bono as a co-founder, one might expect that (RED)’s website would also be a world-class superstar. (RED) makes it very clear from the start where donations are going, explaining that every purchase provides over two weeks of life-saving HIV medicine for areas in need. The website hosts an interactive Twitter feed of @RED mentions, as well as a documentary and photo gallery of happy children in the “AIDs-free generation.” These features along with a streamlined design are sure to get many visitors inspi(red) to get involved.
3. Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce
Website: tomsriverchamber.com
Mission: Leveraging coastal beauty and a rich history to drive a new era of economic innovation and growth in the Toms River community
What Makes it Effective: Interactivity is what makes the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce website stand out from other websites we’ve designed. This website hosts numerous interactive features such as a robust community calendar, a job portal, and an Instagram live feed of every picture hashtagged #WeAreTR. The website also has a pop-up call-to-action (CTA) encouraging visitors to sign up for their newsletter, and several videos highlighting some of their past events. The features of this website proved to be an extremely rewarding challenge for us, so we’re really proud of the way it turned out.
4. Project C.U.R.E.
Website: projectcure.org
Mission: Delivering health and hope to the world
What Makes it Effective: Clarity is key on Project C.U.R.E.’s website. There are clearly labeled buttons on the homepage that call visitors to Give, Serve, and Fundraise. They also make it very clear where the donations are going, mentioning that $1 sends $20 worth of medical supplies to an area in need. An interactive map offers a visual representation of where in the world their efforts have reached, allowing visitors to see where their donations are going.
5. Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity
Website: nohfh.com
Mission: Building Homes, Community + Hope
What Makes it Effective: Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity’s website focuses on usability. It was designed to be easy to navigate with a clean layout, easy to donate with a donation portal, and easy to get involved with volunteer information and an event calendar. A video on the homepage demonstrates what happens at a home build so volunteers and donors know exactly what their time and money are going towards. Maybe we’re being a little bold since we designed this one, but we think it stands up against some of the best Habitat websites.
6. World Wildlife Fund
Website: worldwildlife.org
Mission: To conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth
What Makes it Effective: World Wildlife Fund has mastered the use of imagery to tell the story of their organization. The homepage uses bold, clear, emotive photos of the animals and environments they are hoping to protect. In keeping with this use of persuasive imagery, World Wildlife Fund uses an infographic to demonstrate where their funding efforts are going.
7. World Vision
Website: worldvision.org
Mission: Building a better world for children
What Makes it Effective: World Vision does a phenomenal job of allowing visitors to tailor their experience based on their individual interests. If someone is passionate about a certain region, they are able to hand-pick a child to sponsor in that location. A global impact map shows the overall impact of World Vision by both location and type of help. Sponsors can even focus the map to their sponsored child’s country to see what kind of help they are receiving in that community.
Ready for a Nonprofit Website Makeover?
Creative Click Media has worked with dozens of nonprofits to optimize their website design. Let us help you take your nonprofit’s website design to the next level. Nonprofits in Ocean County, NJ can enter our Ultimate Website-For-A-Cause Giveaway for a chance to receive a free website overhaul!
