Building a Strong Online Presence: The Importance of a Website for Community Nonprofit Organizations

by Alex Fok

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Owning and operating a website can be extremely important for a community nonprofit as it allows the organization to engage a much wider audience and share important information about their mission, programs and events. A website can also be used to accept donations, recruit volunteers, and connect with supporters. Additionally, a website can help increase the organization's visibility and credibility, which can lead to more funding and resources. Overall, a website can be a valuable tool for nonprofit organizations to further their mission and engage with their community.

Resources required to setup and maintain an average website

The resources required to maintain and update a website for a community nonprofit organization can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the organization, as well as the complexity of the website. Some nonprofits may be able to create and maintain a website with minimal resources; while others may require a much more significant investment.

An average website for a community nonprofit can be created relatively economically using a website builder or a content management system, such as WordPress. Also, the cost of hosting and maintaining the website will be comparatively low. Yet, if the website requires more advanced features such as custom design functionalities, interactive elements, or integration with other systems, the costs can escalate significantly very quickly. In such case, it would be best to consult with a web developer or agency to get a more accurate estimate of the costs and time frame involved.

Also, remember that creating a website is not a one-time task, it needs to be updated and maintained regularly to keep it secure, up to date and user-friendly. This can be done in-house or by hiring a web developer or agency on a contract basis.

The resources required for a community nonprofit organization to maintain a website can range from minimal to significant depending on the complexity and size of the website. It's important to consider the costs and resources required for the website in the context of the organization's overall budget and priorities.

A website: basic vs complex

A basic website usually comprises of a few web pages, mostly containing static elements such as text and pictures. It may also have simple functionalities like a contact form or a search bar. Conversely, a sophisticated website can have a wide range of features, including e-commerce capabilities, user accounts, databases and dynamic elements. It might also have multiple levels of navigation and a large volume of content. Additionally, creating such a website may require specialized development skills and technologies.

Website development: CMS vs from-scratch

There are two approaches one can take when building a website: using a content management system (CMS), or building it from-scratch.

A CMS is a software application that allows user to create, manage, and publish website content without needing to have technical expertise in web development. Examples of such include WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla. Using a CMS can save time and money, as many of the basic features and functionalities of a website are already built into the platform.

On the other hand, building a website from-scratch, involves creating a custom frame-work and coding the website from the ground up. This approach allows for greater control over the look and feel of the website, as well as the ability to add custom features and functionality. However, it can be costlier and much more time-consuming, as it requires a team of experienced developers to build the website.

Depending on the specific requirements and goals of the website; as well, the budget and resources available, determine which approach is best for a particular project. Building a website from-scratch using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript offers several advantages over using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress:

• • Customizability: Building a website from-scratch allows for complete control over the design and functionality; enabling developers to create unique, customized experiences that are tailored to the specific needs of the client.

• • Performance: A website built from-scratch has the potential to be faster and more efficient than one that is built on a CMS; as it can be optimized for specific needs and without the overhead of a CMS.

• • Flexibility: By building a website from-scratch, developers have the flexibility to use any technology or framework they see fit; while a CMS may impose certain limitations.

• • Security: A website built from-scratch can be designed with security in mind; reducing the risk of many vulnerabilities that are common in CMSs.

The advantages of a bilingual website in Canada

Having a bilingual website in Canada can bring several advantages, such as:

• • Greater accessibility to a wider audience, as both English and French are official languages in the country.

• • Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity by catering to the diverse linguistic needs of the Canadian population.

• • Improving search engine optimization (SEO) by allowing the website to be indexed in multiple languages and increasing chances of appearing in search results.

• • Meeting legal requirements in certain provinces, such as Quebec, where offering services in French is mandatory.

• • Expanding customer base by reaching potential customers who speak both languages.

Overall, a bilingual website in Canada can provide accessibility, inclusivity, better SEO, legal compliance and new business opportunities.

The headaches of maintaining a website

Maintaining a website can involve a variety of tasks such as updating content, ensuring the site is secure and free of bugs, monitoring traffic and analytics, and staying up-to-date with the latest web technologies. It can be time-consuming and require a certain level of technical expertise. Moreover, the website needs to be monitored and maintained regularly to ensure that it remains accessible and relevant to the users. Some website owners choose to hire a web developer or a digital agency to handle the maintenance of their website to save time and alleviate the headaches of maintaining it themselves.

Things to consider before you start

Before setting up a website for a community nonprofit, it's important to consider the following:

• • Define the website's purpose and goals for the organization.

• • Identify the target audience and tailor the website to their needs and interests.

• • Develop a content strategy that includes relevant information about the organization, events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to donate or get involved.

• • Consider essential features and functionality such as online donations, event registration, volunteer sign-ups, and a contact form.

• • Plan for regular updates and maintenance to keep the website current and functioning properly.

• • Optimize the website for search engines to increase visibility and reach a broader audience.

• • Ensure the website's security to protect against potential cyber-attacks.

• • Utilize website analytics to track performance and make data-driven decisions about design and content.

In conclusion, a website is often considered essential for community nonprofits to achieve their mission and to connect with their community; yet, the approach to website development should be carefully evaluated based on the organization's needs and goals, as well as its budget and resources available. The organization should, however, consider its ability and resource to properly maintain and update the website so it does not become a costly burden in the long term.