Most nonprofit websites don't need a redesign — they need a few basics fixed. Here's a plain-language checklist to score yours, and know what to fix first.

The short version: a good nonprofit website works on a phone, loads fast, makes the next step obvious, and is easy to keep current. Run the eight checks. Say "yes" to most and you're in good shape; if not, a handful of fixes — not a rebuild — will do it.

Key takeaways

  • Your website has one job: get a visitor to take the next step (donate, volunteer, get help).
  • Most sites need fixes, not a redesign. Don't rebuild what you can repair.
  • The big three: works on mobile, one clear next step, easy to act.
  • If you can't update it yourself, fix that first.
  • Accessibility isn't optional — it reaches more of your community, and the basics are easy.

1. What your website is actually for

Not a brochure — it's there to get someone to do something. Judge it by one question: does it move a visitor to take the next step, easily?

2. The 8-point checklist (yes/no — test on your phone)

  1. Works well on a phone. Test: open it on your phone — easy to read and tap?
  2. Loads fast. Test: does the homepage appear in ~3 seconds?
  3. One obvious next step. Test: could a stranger tell what to do (Donate/Volunteer/Get help) in 5 seconds?
  4. Says who you help and how, in plain language. Test: would a first-timer understand in one sentence?
  5. Genuinely easy to act. Test: try to donate/sign up on your phone — how many taps and how much friction?
  6. You can update it yourself. Test: could you change an event date today without a developer?
  7. Accessible. Test: readable contrast, image descriptions, keyboard navigation?
  8. Builds trust. Test: real impact, real people, easy way to contact you?

3. Score yourself

  • 7–8: great shape — keep it current.
  • 5–6: solid; pick the "no's" with the biggest payoff.
  • Under 5: don't panic, don't rebuild — a few basics make a big difference.

A low score isn't a verdict on your organization. It's a short to-do list — usually shorter than people fear.

4. The three fixes that matter most

  1. Mobile + speed — rescues most lost visitors.
  2. One clear next step near the top of the homepage.
  3. Frictionless donating/signing up — remove every unnecessary step.

5. Fix or rebuild?

Most nonprofit sites need repairs, not replacement. Rebuild only if it's genuinely broken, unmaintainable, or on unsupported tech. Otherwise targeted fixes cost a fraction. Ask: "what's the smallest change that fixes my biggest 'no'?"

6. What to skip

  • Fancy animations / video backgrounds that slow the site.
  • Chasing "perfect" (done + clear beats beautiful + confusing).
  • A full redesign when three fixes would do.

FAQ

How much should a nonprofit website cost? Depends on fix vs. rebuild — repairs are modest, custom builds vary. Diagnose before you spend.
Do we need a redesign? Usually not — if it passes most of the checklist and you can update it, you need fixes.
What platform? One your team can update without a developer. Brand matters less than maintainability.
How often to update? Keep the essentials accurate; add fresh content when you have something real to say. Light touch monthly.
Do we need accessibility? Yes — more reach, increasingly expected, basics are easy.

CTA: The free Scorecard scores your website plus five other areas; Digital Clarity turns it into a costed plan.