Is your nonprofit Donation page enticing visitors to click the donate button? Or is it promptly making them run for the hills, longing for the good ol’ days of writing a simple check?

Your nonprofit relies on donations. And when it comes to asking for money, you want to make it as easy as possible for people to give it to you. Elevation is here with solutions.

So what, exactly, makes a Nonprofit Donation page bad?

A bad donation page is one that is not straightforward and easy for Donors. It does not streamline the donation process into its easiest form for giving. Perhaps it is not a secure URL. Perhaps it has extra components that clutter the page and take away from the sole purpose someone should be there: to donate.

With all that in mind, how are you ever going to optimize your donation page? We’ve got a few tips that may help you out.

1. Security. This one is glaringly obvious. No one will want to enter their credit card number and other sensitive information onto a page that is not verified and secure. Encrypt your donation page with an SSL (or Secure Sockets Layer, also known as the “s” in https://) to ensure donors that all information will be transmitted securely and privately. Equip your page with security badges that come with your donation processor or that can be manually added to the bottom of the page, such as the “PayPal Verified” stamp.
2. Layout strategy. Put suggested donation amounts front-and-center. Make your forms easy, simple, and all visible on one screen. Keep it entirely “above the fold,” or on the first part of the page that appears, so as to limit the opportunity for scrolling or straying from the donation page.
3. Design elements. Optimize your donation page aesthetic by any web design standards. Display your logo prominently, choose a fitting color scheme, include captivating images, keep menus easily navigable, etc. Check here for some more website updates that will boost the interest factor.
4. Mobile responsiveness. With increasing numbers of mobile donors, the importance of a mobile responsive website is greater than ever. 84% of donation pages are not mobile optimized. Ensure that yours is part of the other 16% so you’re not losing out on these instant donations.
5. Thank you page. This is perhaps the most important component of your nonprofit donation page. As a nonprofit you are deeply grateful for every incoming donation, so let it show! Always thank your donors, show appreciation for their generosity, and assure them that they donated to the right cause.

Use this opportunity to stay in touch. Donors want to see what their contributions are going to, so share your successes on social media. Link your social media accounts at the bottom and encourage your donors to keep the conversation going. This is not just a one-time thing!

Here are some examples of the best nonprofit donation pages:

The bottom line:

Your donation page is at the heart of your nonprofit’s website. Alongside your mission, vision, and opportunities exists this concrete call to action. Donations keep nonprofits afloat: provide your donors the most user-friendly experience and reinforce that they made the right decision!
For more nonprofit donation page facts and statistics, check out our infographic here.

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