How to Choose the Right Web Developer for Your Nonprofit in 2025
For many nonprofits, your website is the first impression a potential donor, volunteer, or partner will ever have of your organization. If your site is outdated, hard to navigate, or doesn’t clearly show your mission, you’re leaving donations on the table.
That’s why choosing the right web developer is such a big decision. A good developer won’t just “make it look pretty”—they’ll build a site that’s donor-friendly, mobile-ready, and built to grow with you.
Here’s a guide to help you choose wisely.
1. Look for Nonprofit Experience
Not every developer understands nonprofit needs. You don’t just need an online shop or a flashy landing page—you need:
Clear donation flows.
Storytelling space for your mission.
Event and volunteer integrations.
👉 Ask: “Have you built websites for nonprofits before? Can I see examples?”
2. Prioritize Donor-Friendly Features
A nonprofit website isn’t complete without:
A simple, secure donation form.
Mobile optimization (over 60% of donors give on phones).
Pages that tell impact stories with visuals.
If a developer doesn’t talk about these upfront, it’s a red flag.
3. Ask About SEO & Content Strategy
A beautiful site means nothing if no one can find it. Make sure your developer understands:
On-page SEO (title tags, meta descriptions, alt text).
Content management (so your team can easily update blogs, events, or campaigns).
How to structure pages for Google visibility.
Tip: Developers don’t need to be SEO experts—but they should build a site that supports your marketing.
4. Understand Ongoing Support
Nonprofits often think once the site is launched, the work is done. But websites need updates, security checks, and troubleshooting.
👉 Ask: “What happens after launch? Do you offer monthly support or training?”
This ensures you won’t be stuck with a site no one knows how to update.
5. Consider Budget—but Don’t Go Cheapest
Yes, cost matters. But the cheapest option can cost you more in the long run (broken donation forms, slow load times, lack of support).
Rule of thumb: Invest in a developer who understands nonprofits, even if it’s a bit more upfront—you’ll earn it back in donations and credibility.
Quick Red Flags to Avoid
Developer doesn’t ask about your mission or audience.
They can’t explain donation integrations.
No examples of mobile-optimized nonprofit sites.
They only talk about design, not function.
Your nonprofit website is more than an online brochure—it’s your digital headquarters. Choosing the right developer means finding someone who understands fundraising, donor trust, and nonprofit growth.
Take your time, ask the right questions, and invest in someone who will set your organization up for success.
At Socials Runway, we don’t just build websites—we build digital homes for nonprofits that inspire action and grow support.
👉 DM @katchmedigital if you need help planning or building your nonprofit website.
