The best nonprofit website builder puts donors first – here’s why it matters

No longer just a digital shop window, your website is where supporters go to learn, get help, give or get involved. Yet nearly 1 in 3 UK charities admit they’re poor at making the most of it. So, it’s no surprise that the UK charity sector ranks second-worst for website performance.  

Clunky navigation, hidden donation buttons, slow-loading pages and confusing messages leave visitors frustrated and gifts on the table. 

More than half of supporters say they prefer donating directly through a charity’s website, four times higher than the next most popular option - consumer giving platforms. - Enthuse

So, what do visitors want from your website?

Visitors value simplicity for a friction-free way to give or get involved. 

Clean design, intuitive navigation and a seamless flow that gets them to where they want to be in a couple of clicks. Easy-to-spot donation buttons, no-fuss forms and quick sign-up options. 

Mobile is where many people first meet you, and they expect a seamless experience regardless of screen size.  

Content that fits neatly on smaller screens with straightforward navigation for fast browsing. Easy-to-read text, thumb-friendly buttons and minimal scrolling make for a smooth experience. 

Visitors look to your website to connect with the cause and find ways to feel part of something meaningful.

Authentic stories, behind-the-scenes moments and impact made possible by supporters. Appeals, campaigns, and events all in one place make it quick and easy to get involved.  

Supporters want openness and straightforward information that shows them the charity is credible.

Easy-to-find organisational information that instils confidence - from your mission and programmes to how you manage your finances. Combined with impact stories, stats and security markers, they signal a well-run charity. 

A website builder meant for commerce can cost your charity trust and support. 

While generic website builders like Wix, Squarespace and WordPress look polished and professional, they can fall down on the charity fundamentals – especially when it comes to fundraising. 

Off-the-shelf platforms weren’t created with supporters in mind. They’re not set up for multi-channel fundraising, supporter journeys, donor data or Gift Aid capture. And that means workarounds.

Donation plug-ins, third-party ticketing tools and disparate sign-up forms create a disjointed supporter experience. Manual data capture causes delays, risks errors and misses valuable insights. And scaling can be impossible.  

So what does good look like, when it comes to the best website builder for nonprofits?

The best nonprofit website builders are created by people who understand the sector. The need to inform and inspire several audiences. The realities of fundraising and the day-to-day challenges of overstretched teams. 

They’re built for seamless supporter journeys

The best offer an easy-to-manage platform that holds everything in one place – from engaging content for every type of user to built-in tools for donations, Gift Aid processing, event sign-ups and ticketing. 

They turn interaction into insight

Nonprofit website builders worth their salt integrate with charity CRMs and fundraising platforms to flow supporter actions and donor data straight into the systems you already use. 

They’re designed to inspire 

Flexible layouts and customisable templates designed to share stories, inspire trust and spark support come as standard. These website builders put people, not products, front and centre. And important elements that can get buried, such as donation buttons and Gift Aid prompts, are baked into the design.

They grow with you

The best website builders for nonprofits have the functionality you need now and let you add more features when you’re ready. More appeals, bigger events, new income streams. The software scales to future-proof your infrastructure and supporter experience. 

Further reading: What does a charity website cost? Everything you need to know

St Albans Cathedral is a historic centre and local place of worship with an increasing need for support. But its website couldn’t keep up, making it hard for tourists and its local congregation to find what they need or donate easily. 

Today, the historic institution has an engaging site that connects visitors with its story and services, and makes it simple to give. The experience is more streamlined, guiding every type of user on a clear, intuitive journey, even on mobile. 

The result? Visitors are spending more time exploring the site - increasing engagement and boosting donations. 

One of the things Kate, part of the marketing and communications team, valued most was working alongside people with charity-specific insight who could offer expert perspectives amid competing internal priorities.

“Having experts who understand our unique challenges and goals was crucial. Their insights, combined with the flexibility of the platform, have been game-changing for us. It’s more than just a website builder; it’s a partnership that has empowered us to enhance our online presence and maximise our impact.”

Inspired? Read the full story.

Let's see. Here's a 5-point checklist:

• Visit your site as a first-time user: From the layout to the content, check that it’s clear and inspiring.
• Audit your user journeys: Follow every route and note any friction points or hard-to-reach pages.
• Test drive your site on mobile: How easy is it to read? Do any buttons, forms or tools feel fiddly?  
• Check integrations: Do event sign-ups, gifts and form submissions flow into your CRM and ticketing tools? Note any missing data or processes that feel impersonal.
• Review site speed: Look for any slow-loading pages, because they’ll slow down support too.

Your website is your most important digital fundraising tool. So any decisions you make about it matter. Now you know what helps it work harder, you’re in a strong position to decide what comes next.

You’ve probably guessed that the charities making the most of their site use a charity-specific platform. Naturally, the best website builders for nonprofits are created with supporters in mind. But look out for ones like Access Raise, which are designed for stretched charity teams too. Because we know you’ve got enough plates spinning already! 

Wherever you are on your digital journey, our charity specialists can help you take the next step with confidence.