Many nonprofit websites were built by a volunteer who has since left, and nobody knows where the domain is registered. The best protection is asking a few unglamorous questions before the project starts, and writing the answers down somewhere the next executive director can find them.
Who owns the pieces
Ask whose name the domain is registered under. For a nonprofit it should be the organization, with a shared address like an office email rather than a single volunteer’s inbox. Ask where the site is hosted, who holds the account and what happens if the designer is no longer available.
With us, the domain stays registered to you and the site runs on managed hosting with backups and HTTPS included. If you ever leave, the domain moves with you and so does the wording we wrote for you.
Questions about donations
- ✓Which tool takes the gift — the one your treasurer approved, connected to your site, not a new one nobody asked for
- ✓Who receives the money — your organization’s account through that provider, never through the designer
- ✓What are the fees — processing fees belong to the provider and should be stated in plain numbers by them
- ✓Can donors give monthly — if your tool supports recurring gifts, we link it clearly
Questions about people and process
Ask who writes the page copy and who approves it. Volunteer-run groups often prefer someone else to draft the first version and then edit it together. Ask how many rounds of changes are included; ours include ten revision rounds so the board and staff can weigh in without feeling rushed.
Ask who makes small updates after launch. Event dates, a new program or a changed pantry schedule should not need a new project each time. Website Care at $30/month includes up to 30 minutes of small edits per month.
Questions about budget and scope
- ✓What is the one-time cost — ours is $399 for up to 5 pages, or more pages on larger plans
- ✓What costs repeat — hosting, the domain renewal and any tool subscriptions
- ✓Is there a nonprofit discount — do not assume one; ask and get the answer in writing
- ✓What happens at renewal — confirm who is notified and who pays
What to expect, honestly
- ✓We do not process donations — your provider handles gifts and fees
- ✓We cannot confirm tax or charity status for you — you supply the facts you want shown
- ✓We do not promise growth in giving — a clear site helps, but outcomes depend on outreach
One example of what your site could look like
This is one sample we designed. Yours is built around your business, your photos and your words, and we have more examples if you want to compare directions.
How it works
1. Consultation
We learn your services, customers and goals, in English or Spanish.
2. We write and design
We draft the words and build the site around your business.
3. 10 revision rounds
You review and request changes until it is right.
4. Launch and care
We launch, then Website Care keeps it hosted, backed up, checked weekly and A/B tested.
Keep reading
Who owns your website · Nonprofit website mistakes · Nonprofit content brief · Websites for arts nonprofits
