Need to Build a Website? Here are 9 Top Picks for Impact-Driven Organizations
Choosing the right nonprofit web design agency is crucial for organizations aiming to amplify their mission and engage supporters effectively. A well-designed website not only enhances credibility but also serves as a powerful tool for fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and advocacy. In this guide, we’ll explore key qualities to look for in a web design partner and highlight nine top nonprofit web design agencies to consider.
Criteria For Selection: What to Look For in a Nonprofit Web Design Agency
When you’re shopping around for a nonprofit web design agency, it’s essential to understand exactly what you’re looking for –– there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about finding a long-term partner who understands your mission, audience, and the unique needs of nonprofit organizations. Here are some key criteria to consider when evaluating potential agencies:
1. Experience with Nonprofits
Nonprofits have different goals compared to businesses. Instead of maximizing profit, your website should prioritize storytelling, donor engagement, and community-building. The best nonprofit web design agencies understand these priorities and have a track record of working with mission-driven organizations.
Look for an agency that has:
- A portfolio featuring nonprofits.
- Experience integrating donation platforms, membership portals, and advocacy tools.
- A firm grasp of nonprofit messaging and branding.
2. Customization and Scalability
Your website should be a reflection of your organization’s identity and needs. Pre-made templates may not offer the flexibility required to grow and evolve. A great nonprofit web design agency will build a site that’s:
- Fully customizable to match your branding and goals.
- Scalable, allowing you to add features like an events calendar, online store, or volunteer portal as your needs expand.
- Optimized for accessibility, ensuring all visitors—including those with disabilities—can engage with your content.
3. Cost and Long-Term Support
Budget is always a concern for nonprofits, so transparency around pricing is essential. Be sure to ask about:
- Upfront costs vs. ongoing maintenance fees.
- Hosting and security — will you need to pay extra for updates and protection?
- Training and support — does the agency offer website management training for your team?
- Additional services — do they offer content strategy, compliance and privacy support, social media management, etc?
Many agencies also provide ongoing support packages to help nonprofits maintain and update their sites without requiring in-house technical expertise.
Top 9 Nonprofit Web Design Agencies
- ElevationWeb.Org
Overview: We couldn’t make this list without vouching for our own services. Elevation is a digital, marketing, and branding agency specializing in nonprofits. We offer web development, branding, marketing, and ongoing site sustainability.
What We Do Best: Trusted by organizations like YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, and the ACLU, Elevation focuses exclusively on nonprofits, providing tailored solutions that align with your mission. If you want a blend of customization, strategy, and continuous site maintenance, we’re a good fit for you.
Notable Projects: - Firespring
Overview: Firespring offers a comprehensive suite of services for nonprofits, including website design, marketing, and strategic guidance.
What They Do Best: Firespring can offer you a wide variety of services from every aspect of marketing and branding, from web building to commercial printing. They also provide additional services to help your website long-term, like SEO and campaign-specific landing page-building services.
Notable Projects: - Wired Impact
Overview: Unlike other design agencies, Wired Impact gives nonprofits the technology and tools to build and manage a website themselves, with robust support and guidance as needed from a project manager.
What They Do Best: They provide lots of easy-to-use features, like a page editor and built-in artificial intelligence tools to help nonprofits manage content efficiently. If you want to take the reins with website-building without a lot of technical knowledge, Wired Impact might be your choice.
Notable Projects: - Brave
Overview: Brave Factor is a digital design and brand strategy agency focusing on nonprofits and mission-driven brands.
What They Do Best: If you want a show-stopping website look, Brave is for you. They specialize in creating bold, impactful designs that create memorable experiences and enhance social impact.
Notable Projects: - Ironpaper
Overview: Ironpaper is a B2B growth agency that helps companies with long or complex sales processes generate leads and increase revenue. While they don’t focus exclusively on nonprofits, they do offer nonprofit-specific web services.
What They Do Best: If you have specific growth targets in mind, Ironpaper might be the nonprofit web design agency for you. They focus on improving measurable results through marketing, content, sales enablement, and strategy.
Notable Project: - DNL OmniMedia
Overview: DNL OmniMedia partners with nonprofits to provide digital services such as web development, technical strategy, fundraising, CRM and data management, marketing, and analytics.
What They Do Best: They integrate seamlessly with nonprofit teams, offering innovative technology solutions to drive mission success. They also help you manage and work strategically with your data.
Notable Projects: - Briteweb
Overview: Briteweb is a B Corp-certified creative agency partnering with organizations committed to social change, offering services in branding, web design, campaigns, and publications.
What They Do Best: They combine a nuanced understanding of the impact sector with a collaborative, people-first approach. Beyond branding and website building, they are also equipped to help you create impactful digital or print publications, like annual reports, books and toolkits.
Notable Projects: - Fifty and Fifty
Overview: Fifty and Fifty is a digital agency for purpose-driven brands, offering branding, digital and website services, marketing, and support.
What They Do Best: If you want to emotionally resonate with your audience, you may appreciate Fifty and Fifty. They specialize in telling the stories of organizations committed to social good through compelling digital experiences.
Notable Projects: - Wide Eye
Overview: Wide Eye is a digital-first creative agency specializing in design, branding, and websites for change-makers and visionaries.
What They Do Best: If you want a website that creates a lasting impression and inspires action, Wide Eye is for you. They understand how to create engaging, emotional, and eye-catching digital experiences that drive change.
Notable Projects:
Find a Nonprofit Web Design Agency That Aligns With Your Mission
Your nonprofit’s website is a powerful tool for storytelling, donor engagement, and advocacy. Partnering with the right nonprofit web design agency ensures that your site isn’t just functional but also effective in supporting your mission.
The agencies featured in this guide specialize in helping nonprofits thrive online. Whether you need a full site redesign, a better donation platform, or an accessible, mobile-friendly layout, these agencies bring the expertise needed to create a website that serves your organization’s unique needs.
If you’re ready to take your website to the next level, consider reaching out to one of these agencies for a consultation. Many offer free initial discussions where they can assess your needs and recommend the best path forward.
For further inspiration, check out these resources:
- Best Nonprofit Websites – Examples of outstanding nonprofit websites that spark ideas.
- How to Write a Great RFP for Your Nonprofit Website – A step-by-step guide to crafting a request for proposal (RFP) to find the best design partner.
