In 2017, we built our non-profit organization, the Balkhi Foundation, to help make college education more attainable for talented young people. We quickly realized how important having the right website was for our mission.
Like many nonprofit organizations, we had to figure out how to create an engaging website that would connect with donors and serve our community.
Over the years, we’ve helped dozens of nonprofits build their WordPress websites from scratch. We’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to creating a nonprofit website that drives donations, attracts volunteers, and shares your story effectively.
That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you create a nonprofit website with WordPress. And the best part? You can do it all without hiring an expensive web developer.
💡 Already feeling overwhelmed? Our CanadaCreate Website Design Services are here to help. Our team of experts can take your ideas and create a professional website that’s tailored to your exact requirements. You’ll work with a dedicated project manager who will make sure your vision becomes a reality, whether you need donation forms, volunteer sign-ups, or compelling content.
Let us design a website that helps your nonprofit thrive while you dedicate all your time to what really matters: your mission.
Why Create a Nonprofit Website?
As a nonprofit, you’re all about making a difference. You need to spread the word, raise funds, and recruit enthusiastic volunteers.
But how do you do that effectively? The answer: a powerful, engaging website!
A nonprofit website enables you to connect with individuals worldwide and promote awareness on a global level.
The prospect of building a website may seem intimidating, particularly if you lack prior experience.
We understand. CanadaCreate has assisted numerous nonprofits and even established a nonprofit website for the Balkhi Foundation.
Our work with the Balkhi Foundation has demonstrated that developing a successful nonprofit site doesn’t demand extensive time, resources, or funds.
We will demonstrate how to create an engaging, charitable website that is:
- Easy to Learn:No technical expertise is necessary! Each stage will be divided into straightforward, practical instructions.
- A Breeze to Set Up:We will prioritize tools that are easy to install and manage, allowing you to quickly launch your site.
- Budget-Friendly:We will provide cost-saving advice and exclusive discounts to maximize the impact of donations.
- Essentially Self-Maintaining:We will direct you to platforms that are simple to use and require little maintenance.
Let’s examine how to create a nonprofit website using WordPress. The following quick links can help you navigate this tutorial:
- Step 1: Choose Your Website Builder
- Step 2: Setting Up Your Nonprofit Website
- Step 3. Install WordPress on Your Web Hosting
- Step 4: Select a WordPress Theme
- Step 5: Create a Custom Home Page
- Step 6. Add More Pages
- Step 7. Add a Contact Us Form
- Step 8: Enable Online Donations
- Step 9: Create an Events Calendar
- Step 10: Add Social Media Feeds
- Step 11: Add a Navigation Menu
- Next Steps: How to Grow Your Nonprofit Website
Step 1: Choose Your Website Builder
Do you need to develop a robust website for your nonprofit without overspending?
That’s understandable, which is why we suggest WordPress.
While numerous website builders exist, WordPress is a top choice for nonprofits seeking an accessible, dependable, and cost-effective platform.
First, WordPress is open source, making it free to download and use. By eliminating these costs, more funds can be allocated to your mission, rather than website expenses.
The fact that WordPress is free does not mean it lacks features. It offers all essential tools for your nonprofit.
WordPress also allows plugin installations. These software components enhance WordPress functionality, with over 59,000 available in the WordPress.org repository.
This includes numerous plugins tailored for nonprofits, such as WP Charitable.
Best of all, all WordPress.org plugins are free to download and use.
There are also countless WordPress themes designed specifically for charitable organizations. Once again, many of them are free.
Beyond cost savings, WordPress is the world’s most widely used website platform, supporting almost 43% of all websites, based on our research.
Choosing WordPress links you to a large community of successful websites, including numerous nonprofits. This provides a reliable and suitable platform for your organization.
It is important to select the correct version of WordPress software.
WordPress.com represents a hosted website builder. Using WordPress.com, you avoid needing to secure hosting and manually install the software. You can opt for a free plan or purchase a premium one; Automattic handles the hosting.
WordPress.org, also called self-hosted WordPress, is our recommendation for your nonprofit site. Unlike WordPress.com, installing plugins doesn’t require a costly plan.
For a deeper dive into why we consistently recommend WordPress, please see our complete WordPress review or our expert comparison of WordPress.com vs WordPress.org.
✋ Already have a WordPress.com site? Don’t worry! We offer a detailed walkthrough on migrating your site from WordPress.com to WordPress.org.
Step 2: Setting Up Your Nonprofit Website
After selecting a website builder, you’ll require a domain name and web hosting services.
A domain name functions as your nonprofit’s online address. This is the address supporters enter to find your site, for example, redcross.org or unicef.org.
Web hosting provides the online space for your website. To assist you, we’ve carefully selected some of the top WordPress hosting options available for your new website.
Although the WordPress software is free, hosting and domain names are where the costs can really start to add up.
👋 Worried about your budget? We’ve created a guide to how much it costs to build a WordPress website so you can avoid any unexpected expenses.
A domain name typically costs $14.99/year, and hosting costs start from $7.99/month. This is a lot, especially since it’s directly taking funds away from your campaigns and activities.
Thankfully, Bluehost has agreed to offer CanadaCreate readers a huge discount on web hosting, plus a free domain and SSL certificate (for improved security).
You will need an SSL certificate to collect donations in WordPress using third-party services like Stripe, so this is important.
Just click the button below to get started for as little as $2.99 per month.
Alternatively, you can directly visit the Bluehost website.
Then, click the yellow ‘Get Started Now’ button.
This takes you to the pricing page, where you can choose a hosting plan for your website.
We recommend picking either the ‘Starter’ or ‘Business’ plan because they have everything you need to create a successful fundraising website.
To select a plan, simply click the ‘Choose Plan’ button.
Next, it’s time to choose a domain name for your nonprofit website.
A strong domain name is essential for establishing your organization’s online presence and helping supporters find your site. So, it’s well worth taking the time to choose the perfect domain name.
Typically, it makes sense to use your nonprofit’s name, but if your preferred domain isn’t available then you can try adding relevant details.
For example, you might add your sector (“animalrescue”) or location (“UK”) to the end.
Wherever possible, we recommend choosing a .org domain name because it’s universally recognized as the standard for nonprofits. This instantly establishes credibility and trust with your audience and makes you stand out from commercial websites.
👋 Need help choosing a domain name for your charitable site? Just check out our guide on how to choose the best domain name.
After you choose a .org domain name, you’ll be redirected to the Cart page. Simply click the ‘Continue to Checkout’ button.
Bluehost will now ask for your account information, such as your name and email address.
Once that’s done, simply type in your payment information to complete the purchase.
After a few moments, you’ll get an email with instructions on how to log in to your web hosting control panel. This is the dashboard where you can manage your nonprofit site, including setting up email notifications and asking for WordPress support.
Step 3. Install WordPress on Your Web Hosting
When you sign up using our Bluehost link, they will install WordPress on your domain name automatically.
Give it a few minutes to load, then click the ‘Edit site’ button, which will take you to set up your new website.
At this point, a window will appear asking if you want to migrate a WordPress site or start a new setup.
Since you’re creating a new nonprofit site, click the ‘Start Setup’ button.
The setup wizard prompts you for essential details: the kind of website you’re creating, be it a blog or an online store.
Indicate the category aligning with your nonprofit, then select ‘Continue Setup.’
After completing the Bluehost WordPress setup wizard, choose ‘Complete Setup.’
Bluehost will now take you to the WordPress admin area.
Alternatively, access the WordPress dashboard via yoursite.com/wp-admin/ in your browser.
If your host is SiteGround, Hostinger, or HostGator, our comprehensive WordPress installation guide covers those providers.
You’re now set to develop your nonprofit website.
Step 4: Select a WordPress Theme
With your WordPress website operational, make it visually appealing using WordPress themes.
WordPress themes are templates that dictate the appearance and functionality of your nonprofit site.
WordPress installs with a default theme; your new site will initially resemble the following:
The default WordPress theme has limited features, necessitating a replacement.
For your nonprofit website, choose a theme optimized for both speed and search engines to improve visibility on Google.
Nonprofit organizations often use visuals to communicate their message and connect emotionally with site visitors. Choose a theme that displays photos and videos well.
Think full-screen video backgrounds, image galleries, and engaging layouts.
It is wise to select a theme created for nonprofits. To assist, we have gathered a list of the best WordPress themes for nonprofits.
Another option is using a website and landing page builder plugin like SeedProd.
SeedProd is a widely used drag-and-drop WordPress page builder that we have used for numerous partner websites. Consult our detailed SeedProd review for further information.
With SeedProd, you can design attractive landing pages, home pages, and complete websites. Several built-in templates are designed specifically for nonprofit organizations.
These templates include pre-designed sections to display projects and fundraising objectives.
Keeping supporters informed and encouraging campaign contributions is easier this way.
It even has an AI builder that creates an entire custom theme for you in less than 60 seconds. For details, see our guide on how to make a WordPress website with AI.
Installing a WordPress theme is simple once you’ve selected one. Consult our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress theme.
After that, you can customize the theme by going to Appearance » Customizewithin the WordPress admin area. This will open the theme customizer, allowing you to adjust the theme options while viewing the results in real-time.
If you are working with a modern full-site editing theme, navigate toAppearance » Editor instead.
This opens the full site editor, where, much like the content editor, you can manage blocks to design your WordPress theme.
The flexibility to adjust or even completely change your WordPress theme remains at your disposal, so the initial design is not permanent.
Step 5: Create a Custom Home Page
WordPress has two two default content types called posts and pages.
Generally, use posts for news and blog content. For example, you could post campaign updates, publicize events, or promote petitions.
This helps nurture your supporter relationships, improve your WordPress SEO performance, and boost traffic to your nonprofit website.
By default, the homepage displays these posts in reverse order, with the most recent posts appearing first, unless you manually reorder them.
While a blog may be in your plans, displaying posts on the homepage is not always ideal. It’s generally better to make a strong first impression by creating a custom homepage introducing your organization.
☝ Want to learn how to create a compelling homepage that effectively communicates your nonprofit’s mission? Then check out our guide on how to create a custom home page in WordPress.
With your homepage design complete, you can designate it as the site’s front page. Navigate toSettings » Readingin your WordPress admin area.
Locate the ‘Your homepage settings’ section, and choose the ‘A static page’ option.
Then, use the ‘Homepage’ dropdown menu to select the page you previously created.
Remember to click ‘Save Changes’ at the bottom to apply the new homepage. Visiting your nonprofit’s URL will now display the updated front page.
Your blog content remains accessible! Create a dedicated blog page to showcase your posts.
Step 6. Add More Pages
Beyond a single-page site, consider incorporating additional pages. These expanded sections allow you to detail your organization’s mission, its effects, and its valuable contributions.
Begin by brainstorming the range of pages you want to include. Here are some examples to consider:
- An ‘About Us’ page to provide background on your nonprofit
- A staff directory
- A page for success stories and testimonials
- A page outlining your fundraising objectives and progress
To create a new page in WordPress, simply go to Pages » Add New Page.
This action will launch the WordPress editor. Here, you can specify a title, input content, include a featured image, assign categories and tags, and more.
When the page is complete, press the ‘Publish’ button to make it live.
Repeat this process to continue building out your nonprofit website with additional pages.
💡 If you desire increased creative control over your site’s appearance, see our guide on building custom WordPress pages. It offers advice to make each page distinct.
Step 7: Implement a Contact Form
Virtually all websites require a contact form, which holds true for nonprofit organizations.
A contact form gives volunteers, sponsors, press, and other stakeholders an accessible method to engage with your organization.
Consider that a journalist wanting to highlight your charity, a possible benefactor with queries, or someone needing assistance will all require an easy communication channel.
Although phone and email are useful, a contact form is more approachable and convenient, mainly for those seeking aid.
The most straightforward method for integrating a contact form into your WordPress site involves the WPForms plugin.
This plugin comes with a built-in ‘Simple Contact Form’ template that you can quickly customize using the WPForms drag-and-drop editor.
Then, simply add the form to any page, post, or widget-ready area using the ready-made WPForms block.
We employ WPForms for our forms on CanadaCreate, including our contact form, and believe it suits any nonprofit website. This plugin also offers nonprofits a 75% discount.
For a deeper understanding of this contact form plugin, read our in-depth WPForms review.
Expert Tip: Our guide details creating a dedicated volunteer application form within WordPress, if that is something you need.
Step 8. Online Donation Acceptance
Most nonprofits rely on donations from kind supporters.
The correct plugin turns your site into a fundraising tool, processing donations at any time; this is beneficial for nonprofits.
Selecting the right tool is important. Look for a plugin that is secure, reliable, mobile-friendly, supports recurring donations, and works with your payment gateway.
Ideally, it should also have minimal fees, allowing more funds to be allocated to your nonprofit’s mission.
Here are 3 options to help you find the ideal solution for your nonprofit’s website.
Option 1: A Dedicated Donation Plugin
Do you need a donation platform for managing fundraising and creating unlimited campaigns?
If so, WP Charitable fulfills all the listed requirements.
The plugin provides flexibility via fixed donation amounts, custom amounts, or both.
Campaign goals can be set to automatically close upon reaching the target, or campaigns can be kept open.
The WP Charitable block allows donation forms to be shown anywhere on your site.
Have multiple fundraising campaigns? Then, you can display them in a nice grid layout.
There’s a free version of Charitable that you can use to accept donations via Stripe and PayPal.
However, we recommend WP Charitable Pro because it includes a ton of features specifically made for nonprofits. These include recurring donations, donor fee relief, annual receipts, newsletter signup forms, and a donor portal.
Check out our detailed WP Charitable review to learn more.
Option 2: An Easy Form Builder
Don’t want to set up a dedicated donation plugin? You can also create a donation form using the exact same plugin you used for your contact form: WPForms.
This plugin even comes with over 30 donation and fundraising templates, so you can add a donation form to your site in seconds.
WPForms doesn’t have all the advanced features you get from a plugin like WP Charitable, but it’s a quick and easy option if you just want to collect one-time donations without complex campaign management.
After all, why pay for features you won’t use? That’s extra money you could be putting towards supporting your good cause!
Option 3: A Donation Button
Looking for a simpler option? Then you can add a PayPal donate button to WordPress, or add a Stripe donation button to your nonprofit site.
These payment methods are widely recognized and trusted, so they instantly make your site seem more credible.
These buttons are also very easy to set up and use, so they may be a good option if you’re just getting started and want to experiment with easy donation methods before moving to something more advanced like WP Charitable or WPForms.
This option is also a good fit for smaller nonprofits, or anyone who doesn’t have previous technical knowledge. It’s all about making things simple, so you can go back to what really matters: getting out there and making a difference!
Step 9: Create an Events Calendar
Do you regularly organize events?
Whether they are team meetings, volunteer gatherings, or fundraising galas, a calendar plugin can be a valuable addition to your website. The right calendar plugin will let you show these events in an organized and engaging way, providing visitors with all the essential details at a glance.
We recommend Sugar Calendar because it has everything you need to create unlimited calendars and events. Plus, you can even raise funds by selling tickets to your events.
Want to learn more? Just see our detailed Sugar Calendar review.
Alternatively, you can jump straight in with our step-by-step guide on how to sell event tickets in WordPress.
Step 10: Add Social Media Feeds
Social media is a great way to connect with supporters and showcase the impact you’re having on the community.
Imagine sharing inspiring photos of your latest project on Instagram or going live on YouTube to give your followers a real-time look at your work in action.
Plus, when potential supporters see positive interactions and genuine engagement from your community, they’re more likely to trust your organization. They might even feel inspired to get involved by volunteering or donating.
✌ Don’t already have a social media presence? Don’t panic! Simply check out our social media cheat sheet for everything you need to get started.
At CanadaCreate, we use social media to engage with our readers and share our content, and we’ve seen great results (our Facebook group alone has over 98,000 members!)
Building a thriving community on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook is a great start – but we also know that it’s only the first step. Potential supporters might miss your amazing content if they’re not following you on every social platform.
With that in mind, we recommend adding social media feeds to your WordPress website using a plugin such as Smash Balloon. Once it’s set up, Smash Balloon will fetch your latest social media posts automatically and display them on your WordPress website in an eye-catching layout.
This keeps your website fresh and dynamic, even if you’re busy with other tasks. Plus, it ensures your entire audience stays up-to-date on your latest activities and achievements, even if they’re not following you on social media.
☝ Not sure whether Smash Balloon is right for you? Check out our complete Smash Balloon review for more info.
Step 11: Add a Navigation Menu
Once you’ve added some content to your nonprofit website, you’ll want to help visitors find their way around those pages and posts by adding a navigation menu.
No matter what theme you’re using, WordPress makes it really easy to add menus and sub-menus to your nonprofit site.
For a complete guide, please see our post on how to add a navigation menu.
Next Steps: How to Grow Your Nonprofit Website
Congratulations! If you’ve been following along, then you now have a nonprofit website that can accept donations, collect contact information, and much more.
That’s a fantastic start, but now it’s time to take it further. To make the biggest impact possible, you’ll need to attract more visitors to your site and make sure they have a positive, inspiring experience.
Here are your next steps:
- Boost your search engine rankings: Use AIOSEO to improve your search engine rankings and help more people find your nonprofit site. For details, see our ultimate WordPress SEO guide.
- Optimize website speed: Engaging visuals like videos and photos are fantastic, but they can slow down your site. A sluggish website can frustrate visitors and drive them away. Check out our ultimate guide on how to boost WordPress speed and performance to keep everything running smoothly.
- Expand your reach with multiple languages: Raise awareness on a global scale by creating a multilingual site using translation plugins such as WPML or Weglot.
- Safeguard your website with backups: Your nonprofit website is a valuable asset, so it’s important to protect it with regular backups using a plugin like Duplicator. That way, you’ll always have a recent version of your nonprofit site to restore in case something goes wrong.
We hope this guide has helped you learn how to create a nonprofit website in WordPress. Next up, you might want to see our research on the top nonprofit marketing stats and insights you should know or our list of the best practices to boost donations in WordPress.
If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.
