Trends in Non-Profit Web Design
Top trends in non-profit web design
The most important trends in non-profit designs are important to ensure that we are constantly providing the most impactful websites to our non-profit clients. However, nothing is ever one-size-fits-all for any organization. As your non-profit design experts, we carefully distill what is important for your organization. We work to incorporate the most important aspects of marketing trends to fit the goals of your organization. But there are some important, global communications to consider. Here are some of the latest trends in non-profit design and how they will help optimize successful websites.
1: Designed for donation
Donations are an important part of your non-profit website. Elevating a donation form to the top hero of the homepage makes it easy for potential donors to both understand your mission and identify how to make a difference easily. This deliberate move aims to capture visitors’ attention immediately, encouraging seamless engagement with the cause. We also love how easy it is to understand the urgency of the organization.
2: Story-Telling- top trends in non-profit web design
Another trend in non-profit web design is using compelling video stories that illustrate the donor’s impact, the urgency of the need, and an understanding of what the organization does. Video stories can be showcased both on the homepage, as well as inner pages. They take precedence over traditional mission statements. There is a lot more narrative power in video content in becoming involved with an organization, than a text narrative of a mission statement.
FDC ONLINE – Homepage Story-Telling
3: Non-Profit Design Trends – Inner Pages
It’s important to pay attention to the internal pages of a non-profit website, not only the homepage. We know that users frequently review the entire website to see more information about the website such as leadership, impact, financials, programs, etc. Video content is emphasized over static imagery, recognizing its superior ability to evoke emotion and drive meaningful connections. Donation pages are optimized to illustrate how each contribution, at various levels, directly supports the organization’s mission. Staff profiles, complete with images and bios, take center stage as people inherently seek to connect with the faces behind the cause. The history section delves into the roots of the organization, explaining the driving force that led to its inception. This might not be a trend in non-profit web design, but it is a practice of We Are Immediate’s design team.
Riverstonenyc.org Inner Pages: Amplifier work through compelling stories.
Riverstone NYC, with a specific page for “Work and Success Stories”
4: Donation Pages that Convert: Transparency and Impact Visualization
Another top trend in non-profit web design is the donation page. The effectiveness of donation pages is heightened by transparently illustrating how each level of contribution is utilized. Search result optimization ensures that users easily find the information they seek, facilitating a seamless and informative user experience. For membership-based nonprofits, the emphasis is on providing straightforward details about membership benefits and compelling reasons to join. Streamlined processes for membership sign-ups and clear distinctions between member levels enhance the accessibility and appeal of participation.
In essence, contemporary non-profit design strategies revolve around creating an engaging and transparent online presence that resonates with visitors, fostering a sense of connection, understanding, and motivation to contribute to the organization’s impactful mission.
5: Staff section with photos and bios: How to show expertise while connecting with the users
EWA.org, one of our clients, and its Staff page.
Featuring staff photos and bios on non-profit websites can be a powerful way to humanize the organization and connect with visitors on a personal level. Here are some key points you could consider for your article:
Building Trust and Credibility: Including staff photos and bios helps establish transparency, showcasing the real people behind the organization. Visitors are more likely to trust an organization when they can see and learn about the individuals working towards its mission.
Personal Connection: Staff bios provide an opportunity to share personal stories, backgrounds, and motivations. This personal touch can create a stronger emotional connection with users.
Demonstrating Expertise: Staff bios can highlight the expertise and qualifications of your team members, demonstrating the competence of your organization. This can be particularly important for non-profits working in specialized fields, as it reassures visitors that they are in capable hands.
Highlighting Diversity and Inclusion: Showcase the diversity within your organization by featuring staff from various backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. This helps communicate a commitment to inclusivity and reflects the diverse communities that non-profits often serve.
Optimizing Website Design: Ensure that staff photos and bios are prominently displayed on the website, making them easy for visitors to find.
Consider a dedicated “Meet the Team” section to centralize this information. Here is an example. It can also be used as a way of showing people that your organization is active, evolving, and transparent if you update it regularly enough to reflect any staff changes.
By emphasizing the human element through staff photos and bios, non-profit websites can create a more engaging and trusting online environment. Users are more likely to connect with and support an organization that feels authentic and relatable.
6: Financial Reports: Building trust and one of the newer trends in non-profit web design
Including a financial section on a non-profit website is a crucial step toward fostering transparency and building trust with stakeholders. Here are some points to bear in mind and an important trend in non-profit web design:
The financial section provides an opportunity for non-profits to showcase their commitment to accountability. By openly sharing financial information, organizations demonstrate a dedication to transparency and responsible stewardship of funds. Potential donors are more likely to contribute when they can see how their funds are utilized. A detailed financial section instills confidence in donors, assuring them that their contributions are being used for the intended purpose.
Including annual reports and audited financial statements adds credibility. This demonstrates that the organization undergoes regular financial scrutiny, providing an accurate representation of its financial health. Link financial information with the impact achieved. By illustrating how financial resources translate into tangible outcomes, non-profits can effectively communicate the real-world difference their organization is making.
Grant and Funding Sources: Consider including a section that outlines the various sources of funding, including grants, donations, and partnerships. This can give visitors a comprehensive view of the organization’s financial support network.
7: Membership sections: Identifying their key aspects- a strong trend in non-profit web design
Morris Museum, also one of our clients, is a great example of a Membership page and illustrates trends in non-profit web design.
Your Membership section can be a great ally to your cause, taking these points into trends in non-profit web design.
Multi-Tiered Memberships: Many non-profits are offering multiple membership tiers, providing members with options to choose the level of engagement and benefits that suit their preferences and financial capacity. BUT, be warned… too many different options, or tiers that are too similar to each other can be counterproductive and confuse the user, minimizing the chance of the action being completed. One of our clients has a well-organized and clear membership page for you to take inspiration from.
Integration with CRM Systems: Integration with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems is a growing trend. Non-profits are leveraging CRM tools to manage member data, track engagement, and streamline communication for a more holistic approach to membership management.
Automated Renewals and Reminders: Automating the membership renewal process and sending timely reminders to members is a trend to enhance user experience and maintain consistent support.
Flexible Payment Options: Offering flexible payment options, such as monthly subscriptions or multiple payment methods, is becoming more common to accommodate diverse member preferences. This is also a great way to think about donations – one time only or monthly. A great trend in non-profit web design.
It’s crucial to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in web development and membership management. Regularly assessing and adapting your non-profit website’s membership section based on user feedback and industry advancements can contribute to a more engaging and sustainable membership experience. We hope our article “2023 Trends in Non-Profit Design” was helpful to you.
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