Charity website design UK
A complete guide to creating an effective website for your charity or non-profit organisation. Learn essential features, donation platform options, accessibility requirements, storytelling techniques, and what to budget for a charity website in the UK.
Your charity website is your digital headquarters
For charities and non-profits, a website is far more than a digital brochure. It is your primary fundraising tool, volunteer recruitment hub, story-telling platform, and often the first point of contact for potential supporters. A dated or difficult-to-use website does not just look unprofessional, it actively costs you donations and support.
The UK charity sector has transformed digitally. Supporters expect to donate online in seconds, sign up to volunteer through a form, and understand your impact before committing. Your competitors for donor attention include not only other charities but every well-designed website people encounter daily. Meeting these expectations is not optional for organisations that want to thrive.
Whether you are a small community group, a local charity, or a national organisation, your website needs to inspire action. This guide covers everything from donation platforms and Gift Aid integration to accessibility compliance and impact storytelling.
What makes a great charity website?
A great charity website does four things exceptionally well: it tells your story compellingly, makes donating effortless, demonstrates your impact clearly, and is accessible to everyone regardless of ability. Get these fundamentals right, and your website becomes a genuine engine for your mission.
Essential features for charity websites
These are the features your charity website needs, ordered by importance. Start with the critical items and add more as your budget allows.
Donation system
CriticalEasy-to-use donation form with multiple giving options (one-off, monthly, amounts). Prominent on every page.
Gift Aid integration
CriticalDeclaration checkbox with HMRC-compliant wording. Captures donor details for claims. Worth 25% extra on eligible donations.
Mission and impact
CriticalClear statement of your cause, who you help, and evidence of impact. The heart of your charity's story.
Mobile responsiveness
CriticalPerfect display on all devices. Over 60% of charity website traffic is now mobile.
Charity registration display
CriticalCharity Commission registration number in footer. Builds trust and is legally required for fundraising.
Accessibility compliance
HighWCAG 2.1 AA compliance. Screen reader compatible, keyboard navigable, good colour contrast.
Volunteer recruitment
HighRole listings, online application forms, volunteer testimonials. Make it easy to get involved.
Newsletter signup
HighEmail capture with GDPR-compliant consent. Regular communication builds lasting relationships.
Event listings
HighCalendar of fundraising events, campaigns, and activities. Enable online registration and ticket sales.
News and updates
MediumBlog or news section showing recent activities. Fresh content helps SEO and engages supporters.
Annual reports
MediumDownloadable accounts and trustee reports. Transparency builds donor confidence.
Merchandise shop
OptionalSell branded items to raise unrestricted funds. Integrates with payment systems.
The Donation Button Rule
Your donate button should be visible on every page without scrolling. Studies show that a prominent, contrasting-colour donation button can increase giving by 30% or more. Never make supporters search for how to help you.
Donation platforms for UK charities
Choosing the right payment platform affects your income, donor experience, and administrative workload. Here is an honest comparison of the main options.
Stripe
1.4% + 20p (UK cards)
Pros
Low fees, full customisation, excellent API, handles recurring donations well
Cons
Requires integration work, no built-in fundraising pages, you handle Gift Aid claims separately
Best For
Charities wanting control over donation experience and lowest fees
JustGiving
Platform fee 2.9% + payment fees
Pros
Household name, built-in peer-to-peer fundraising, Gift Aid handled automatically
Cons
Higher total fees, less brand control, donors may not realise fees are deducted
Best For
Peer-to-peer fundraising, challenge events, marathon runners
GoCardless
1% + 20p (capped at £4)
Pros
Excellent for regular giving via Direct Debit, very low fees, reliable recurring payments
Cons
Direct Debit only (no one-off cards), bank verification takes time, less familiar to younger donors
Best For
Building regular giving programmes with committed supporters
CAF Donate
From 4% (includes card fees)
Pros
Trusted charity sector name, simple setup, integrated Gift Aid claiming, good reporting
Cons
Higher fees, less customisation options, dated interface
Best For
Small to medium charities wanting simple all-in-one solution
PayPal Giving Fund
0% for registered charities
Pros
Zero fees, familiar to donors, good for international donations
Cons
Limited customisation, payment delays, donors give to PayPal not directly to you
Best For
International charities, those wanting zero-fee option
Donorbox
Free up to £1000/month, then 1.5% + card fees
Pros
Good balance of features and price, embeddable forms, recurring giving, Gift Aid support
Cons
US-based company, some features US-focused, less UK charity support
Best For
Growing charities needing affordable feature-rich platform
The Hidden Cost of Fees
On a 100,000 annual donation income, the difference between a 1.4% and a 4% fee structure is 2,600 per year, money that could fund your work. However, do not choose on fees alone. A platform that is easier for donors to use may generate more total income even with higher fees. Consider the complete picture including Gift Aid handling, reporting, and integration with your systems.
Accessibility for charity websites
An accessible website reaches more supporters and demonstrates your commitment to inclusion. For charities serving disabled people or receiving public funding, it may also be a legal requirement.
Alternative text for images
Describe all meaningful images for screen readers. Decorative images should have empty alt attributes.
Keyboard navigation
All functionality available via keyboard alone. Tab through links, forms, and interactive elements.
Colour contrast
Text must have 4.5:1 contrast ratio against background (3:1 for large text).
Form labels
All form inputs must have visible, associated labels. Error messages must be clear and helpful.
Video captions
Provide captions for all video content. Audio descriptions for important visual information.
Resizable text
Text must remain readable when zoomed to 200% without horizontal scrolling.
Focus indicators
Visible focus outline when navigating with keyboard. Never remove focus styles without replacement.
Consistent navigation
Navigation should appear in the same location and order across all pages.
Beyond Compliance
Accessibility is not just about meeting legal requirements. The UK has over 14 million disabled people, many of whom are potential supporters, volunteers, or beneficiaries. An inaccessible website excludes a significant portion of the population. Moreover, accessibility improvements often benefit all users: clearer navigation, readable text, and well-organised content help everyone.
Storytelling for charity websites
Your website's most important job is to connect emotionally with visitors and inspire them to act. Here's how to tell your story effectively.
Lead with impact, not need
Start with what you have achieved, not just the problem. Donors want to fund solutions and success, not hopelessness.
Use real beneficiary stories
With proper consent, share genuine stories of people you have helped. Names, photos, and quotes create emotional connection.
Show, do not tell
Use photos, videos, and infographics rather than long text blocks. Visual content is processed faster and remembered longer.
Be specific about impact
Instead of 'we help thousands', say 'last year we supported 2,847 families'. Specific numbers feel more credible.
Create urgency appropriately
Explain why donations matter now without using guilt or distressing imagery. Ethical fundraising builds lasting relationships.
Update stories regularly
Fresh content shows your charity is active and donations are being used. Stale websites suggest dormant organisations.
Respect beneficiary dignity
Avoid poverty imagery that strips dignity. Show empowerment and agency. Would your beneficiaries be proud of how they are represented?
Include supporter stories
Testimonials from donors, volunteers, and corporate partners show community support and encourage others to join.
Key insight: The charities that raise the most online are not necessarily those with the saddest stories, but those who make donors feel like heroes. Position your supporters as the solution, not spectators to tragedy.
Charity website costs in the UK
What to expect when budgeting for a charity website. Many designers offer charity discounts, and some agencies offer pro bono work for smaller organisations.
Basic Charity Site
Typical timeline: 1-2 weeks
Typically includes: Mission page, donation button, contact form, mobile-responsive design, basic SEO
Suitable for: Small charities, community groups, new organisations starting out
Standard Charity Site
Typical timeline: 3-4 weeks
Typically includes: Above plus integrated donation system, Gift Aid, volunteer forms, event listings, news section
Suitable for: Established local charities, organisations with regular fundraising
Professional Charity Site
Typical timeline: 6-8 weeks
Typically includes: Above plus full accessibility audit, CRM integration, member portal, e-commerce, advanced analytics
Suitable for: Regional or national charities with significant online presence
Enterprise Solution
Typical timeline: 8-16 weeks
Typically includes: Custom functionality, multi-site, advanced integrations, ongoing support, training
Suitable for: Large charities, national organisations, complex requirements
Ongoing Costs to Budget For
Get an instant estimate for your charity website project.
Use our cost calculatorVolunteer recruitment through your website
Your website can be a powerful tool for attracting and onboarding volunteers. Here is how to make it work effectively.
Dedicated volunteer section
Create a clear pathway to volunteering. Do not bury opportunities in a sidebar. Make it a main navigation item.
Role descriptions
Detail specific opportunities with time commitments, skills needed, and what volunteers will gain. Vague asks get vague responses.
Simple application forms
Ask only essential information initially. Name, email, interests. Detailed vetting can come later.
Volunteer stories
Feature testimonials from current volunteers explaining why they give their time and what they enjoy.
Quick follow-up
Respond to applications within 48 hours. Volunteer interest fades quickly if ignored.
Volunteer portal
For larger organisations, a login area where volunteers can see shifts, log hours, and access training.
The Volunteer Funnel
Not everyone is ready to commit immediately. Offer multiple engagement levels: sign up for newsletter, attend an open day, try a taster session, then commit to regular volunteering. Each step builds relationship and reduces drop-off.
Frequently asked questions about charity websites
Answers to common questions about charity website design, costs, and features.
How much does a charity website cost in the UK?
Charity website costs in the UK typically range from £800-£5,000+ depending on complexity. A basic informational site with donation button costs £800-£1,500. Sites with integrated donation systems, event management, and volunteer portals cost £2,000-£4,000. Many web designers offer charity discounts of 10-25%, and some agencies do pro bono work for smaller charities. Ongoing costs include hosting (£50-200/year), domain renewal (£10-30/year), and payment processing fees on donations (typically 1.4-2.9% plus a fixed fee per transaction).
What essential features does a charity website need?
Essential charity website features include: a clear mission statement and impact story, prominent donation button visible on every page, Gift Aid declaration integration, mobile-responsive design, volunteer sign-up forms, event calendar, news or blog section, contact information, Charity Commission registration number, trustee information, annual reports and accounts download, newsletter signup, and social media integration. For larger charities, additional features might include member portals, e-commerce for merchandise, and CRM integration.
Which donation platforms work best for UK charities?
Popular donation platforms for UK charities include: JustGiving (best for peer-to-peer fundraising but charges fees), Stripe (low fees at 1.4% + 20p, requires integration), GoCardless (excellent for regular giving via Direct Debit), CAF Donate (trusted charity sector provider), PayPal Giving Fund (zero fees for registered charities), and Donorbox (good balance of features and cost). Many charities use multiple platforms: one for website donations and another for fundraising campaigns. Consider transaction fees, Gift Aid integration, and ease of reconciliation when choosing.
What accessibility requirements apply to charity websites?
UK charity websites should meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards as a minimum. This includes: text alternatives for images, keyboard navigation, sufficient colour contrast, readable fonts, video captions, and screen reader compatibility. While not legally mandated for all charities, accessibility is a legal requirement for public bodies and is essential for charities serving disabled people. Beyond compliance, an accessible website reaches more supporters and demonstrates your charity's inclusive values. Many grant applications now require evidence of digital accessibility.
How can charities tell their story effectively online?
Effective charity storytelling combines emotional connection with factual impact. Use beneficiary stories with permission, showing real people you have helped. Include before-and-after narratives, photos, and video testimonials. Present impact statistics clearly using infographics or data visualisation. Structure your site to guide visitors from problem awareness through to action. Feature case studies showing specific projects and outcomes. Update content regularly to show ongoing work. Avoid poverty imagery that removes dignity from those you help, using instead empowering representations that respect beneficiaries.
How should charities recruit volunteers through their website?
Create a dedicated volunteer section with clear role descriptions, time commitments, and benefits. Include an easy-to-complete application form asking only essential information initially. Show testimonials from current volunteers. Display upcoming volunteer opportunities with dates and locations. Consider a volunteer portal where registered volunteers can view available shifts, log hours, and access training materials. Make the application process mobile-friendly as many people browse volunteer opportunities on their phones. Follow up applications promptly, as volunteer interest fades quickly if ignored.
How does Gift Aid integration work on a charity website?
Gift Aid integration allows UK taxpayers to increase their donation value by 25% at no extra cost. Your donation form should include a Gift Aid declaration checkbox with the required wording from HMRC. Collect donor name and address (required for Gift Aid claims). Most payment platforms like Stripe, JustGiving, and CAF handle Gift Aid declarations automatically. You will need to submit claims through HMRC's Charities Online service. Some platforms offer automatic Gift Aid submission. Ensure your website clearly explains Gift Aid to donors and confirms when they have opted in.
What GDPR requirements apply to charity websites?
Charities must comply with UK GDPR for all personal data collected including donor details, volunteer information, and newsletter signups. Required elements include: a clear privacy policy explaining data use, lawful basis for each type of data processing, explicit consent for marketing communications, cookie consent banner, secure data storage and transmission using SSL, data retention policy, and process for handling subject access requests. Keep supporter communication preferences in your CRM and always offer easy unsubscribe options. Gift Aid records must be kept for six years for HMRC compliance.
What CMS should a charity use for their website?
Popular CMS options for charities include: WordPress (most flexible, huge plugin ecosystem, free but needs hosting), Squarespace (easy to use, good templates, all-in-one pricing), Wix (beginner-friendly, offers non-profit discount), and Drupal (powerful for large organisations, steeper learning curve). WordPress with plugins like GiveWP or Charitable is the most common choice for UK charities due to flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Consider whether your team can maintain the site without external help. Choose a CMS that integrates with your donation platform and CRM. Many charities benefit from Microsoft 365 for Nonprofits discounts on related tools.
How can a charity website measure and display impact?
Measure website impact using Google Analytics (free for all users) to track donation conversions, volunteer signups, and user engagement. Display your charity's real-world impact with live counters showing funds raised, people helped, or projects completed. Use clear infographics showing where donations go. Publish annual impact reports as downloadable PDFs and summarise key figures on dedicated impact pages. Track specific campaign performance with UTM parameters. Many donors specifically want to know the percentage of funds reaching beneficiaries, so display this prominently. Regular updates showing recent achievements build trust and encourage repeat giving.
Need a website for your charity?
Web Cardiff creates effective websites for charities and non-profits across Wales and the UK. We understand the sector and offer charity-friendly pricing. From simple donation sites to full fundraising platforms, we can help you reach more supporters and raise more funds.
Charity website checklist
Before Launch
- Clear mission statement and impact evidence
- Prominent donation button on every page
- Gift Aid declaration integrated
- Charity Commission number displayed
- Mobile-responsive design tested
- Accessibility audit completed
- Privacy policy and cookie consent
- Volunteer application forms working
- Newsletter signup with GDPR consent
- SSL certificate installed
Ongoing Tasks
- Update impact statistics regularly
- Add new beneficiary stories
- Post news about campaigns and events
- Publish annual report when available
- Review and update volunteer opportunities
- Check all donation links work
- Monitor analytics and conversion rates
- Respond to enquiries promptly
- Backup website regularly
- Review accessibility annually
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