Summary:
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Most nonprofits redesign their website every 2 to 3 years to stay current with technology and donor expectations.
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A modern website is essential for building trust and securing donor support.
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First impressions matter: your website is often the first interaction a potential donor has with your organization.
When was the last time your nonprofit updated its website? If it’s been more than three years, it may be time for a redesign. Your website is your welcome mat—and for many donors, it’s their first step in deciding whether to support your mission.
According to the Nonprofit Tech for Good 2025 report, 68% of nonprofits have redesigned their website in the last three years. There’s a reason for that: your website plays a crucial role in how people perceive your organization, especially donors.
In fact, 94% of donors and consumers say that their first impression of a brand is based on its website design, according to data from WebFX. For nonprofits, that first impression can be the difference between gaining support and losing interest.
Why Website Design Matters for Nonprofits
Your website is more than a digital brochure. It’s your primary storytelling platform, donation tool, and credibility builder. A well-designed site:
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Builds trust with new visitors and potential funders
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Supports mobile users, who now make up the majority of web traffic
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Encourages donations by reducing friction and confusion
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Helps you rank better in search engines, which brings in more traffic over time
If your site is hard to navigate, slow to load, or not mobile-responsive, you’re sending a message—just not the one you want.
So, How Often Should You Redesign a Nonprofit Website?
Every 2 to 3 years is a healthy benchmark for most organizations. This doesn’t mean a complete rebuild every time, but it does mean reviewing your site with fresh eyes and updating based on:
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Technology: Web standards evolve quickly. What worked in 2020 may now feel outdated or unsupported.
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User Experience (UX): Donor expectations are shaped by the experiences they have with for-profit brands. If your site feels clunky or dated, you risk losing them.
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Brand Messaging: Your nonprofit’s goals, programs, or audiences may have shifted since your last update. Your website should reflect your current story.
Signs It’s Time for a Website Redesign
Not sure if you’re due? Here are some red flags:
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Your website is not mobile-friendly or takes more than 3 seconds to load
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You’re using outdated plugins, themes, or CMS versions that are no longer supported
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Staff and volunteers struggle to update the site or post content
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Your donation form is confusing, slow, or lacks modern payment options
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You feel the site doesn’t reflect the professionalism of your organization
If any of these sound familiar, a redesign isn’t just a visual refresh—it’s a strategic investment in your mission.
The Cost of a Poor First Impression
Donors visit your website to answer key questions: What does this organization do? Can I trust them? Is my gift going to make a difference?
If your site looks outdated or is difficult to use, you may never get the chance to answer those questions. That’s why first impressions matter—and why regular redesigns should be part of your long-term strategy.
Redesigning your nonprofit website every few years isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about making sure your digital presence keeps pace with the people you’re trying to reach and the technology they’re using to find you. If it’s been more than three years since your last update, it’s time to assess where you stand—and what improvements could better serve your mission
FAQ: Nonprofit Website Redesign
How often should you redesign a nonprofit website?
Most nonprofits should plan to redesign their website every 2 to 3 years to keep up with design trends, technology updates, and user expectations.
What are the risks of not updating a nonprofit website?
An outdated website can drive away potential donors, reduce trust, and make it harder to rank in search results. It may also break on modern devices or browsers.
What should a nonprofit focus on during a redesign?
Focus on mobile responsiveness, fast load times, user-friendly navigation, clear donation paths, and updated branding and messaging.
Can a website redesign help increase donations?
Yes. A more intuitive and visually appealing site can improve donor trust, make giving easier, and increase overall conversion rates.