Do Charities Need a Website? 8 Reasons Why Your Charity Can't Afford to Go Without One

Do charities need a website? Well, in short, yes. But as a web developer of course i'm going to say that.

But charities and CICs rely on the generosity and support of the public to do what they do best: change lives, strengthen communities, and fill the gaps that statutory services often miss. But generosity doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It starts with awareness, grows with trust, and is sustained through meaningful connection. That’s where a good website comes in.

And right now, that connection matters more than ever. In the past three years, the UK has seen a significant drop in the number of people donating to charity. Only 55% of people gave to charity in 2024, down from 65% in 2019, that’s over five million fewer donors. FIVE MILLION! And among younger people, the decline is even sharper. While some generous individuals are giving more than ever, many others are stepping back due to economic pressures, trust issues, or simply not feeling connected to a cause. everyone is feeling the pinch.

That’s why your website can’t be an afterthought. It’s often the first place people go to learn more, donate, get involved, or ask for help. When it’s well designed, easy to use, and emotionally engaging, it becomes a powerful tool for storytelling, fundraising, and building that all important credibility.

1. Builds Trust and Credibility:

Your website is often someone’s first impression of your organisation. And it takes just 0.05 seconds for visitors to form an opinion.

In fact, 75% of people judge a charity’s credibility based on its website’s look and feel. A polished and professional site builds trust, which boosts confidence and as a result conversions too. If people trust what they see, they’re more likely to support you.

2. Reaches a Wider Audience Beyond your Postcode:

Unlike a physical office or leaflet drop, a good website with just a sprinkle of SEO can extend your reach far beyond your local area. With 4.9 billion people online, your message has the potential to go global. Plus, websites are open 24/7, meaning anyone can learn about your work at any time, from anywhere.

Check out Hackney Children & Baby Bank who are now connecting with families all over north London.

3. It Makes Donating Easier:

People are more likely to give if it’s quick and convenient. A good website lets people donate safely, securely, and on a whim whether they’re at their desk or in bed at 2am with insomnia and a conscience.

No fiddly forms. No faff. Just a clear “Donate” button and a few clicks.

4. Raises awareness for your cause:

Websites are great for educating your audience and raising awareness around the important issues your organisation is passionate about. Your website can serve as a resource center, providing educational materials, reports, and other relevant information. This can be valuable for stakeholders, researchers, and anyone interested in learning more about the issues your charity addresses.

For example, check out Abbie's Army who are using their website to raise awareness of DIPG, an underfunded and devastating childhood cancer.

5. Connects your people:

A good website doesn’t just talk at people it brings them together. Whether that’s connecting service users with the help they need, matching volunteers with opportunities, or building partnerships with funders and collaborators, your website becomes a central meeting point.

Check out Black Girls Do Run UK, who are building a buzzing community of women women who love to run.

5. Enhances Communication:

A website serves as a brilliant communication tool, allowing you to connect with your target audience through blog posts, newsletters, and updates. This helps you maintain ongoing engagement with donors, volunteers, and your community. Your website can act as a information hub where you can share details about your charity's mission, goals, achievements, and upcoming events. This helps keep your audience informed and engaged.

7. Promotes Your important Initiatives:

Your website provides the perfect platform for marketing and promoting your charity's initiatives, events, and campaigns. You can use the website to share success stories, testimonials, and multimedia content that effectively convey your charity’s impact.

Check out Women & Children First who use their website to promote campaigns and events like their annual comedy show.

8. It Works Hand-in-Hand with Social Media:

Social media is great for visibility and community. But your website is where people land when they want to take action.

By embedding your Instagram feed, linking blog content, and adding share buttons, you can turn casual scrollers into engaged supporters. And let’s be honest no one’s donating via TikTok just yet.

"But What About..."

..."We don't have the budget" You don’t need tens of thousands or a flashy agency. I offer affordable packages starting from £800 for a professionally designed charity website that works on phones, loads quickly, and makes it easy for people to donate or ask for help. If you’re worried about cash flow, I even offer phased builds and “pay as you grow” add-ons so you can start small and scale when you're ready. It's all about giving you what you need right now without cutting corners.

..."We don't have time to faff about with it" You’ve got better things to be doing. I handle the setup, copywriting, design, build, testing, and launch for you, so you can stay focused on your mission. I also offer flexible support packages if you'd rather hand it over entirely. I'll even walk you through how to update things yourself with zero tech speak.

..."Our people aren't really online types" Fair, but the next wave of supporters are. Younger donors, volunteers, funders, and partners are all online. Your website is about future-proofing your charity. I’ll help you balance accessibility for your existing audience while opening the digital door for new supporters..

..."We're not tech wizards" You don’t need to be. I build websites that are genuinely easy to update even if you’re more pen-and-paper than digital dashboard. If you can send an email, you can use your new site. I offer training, walkthroughs and friendly support so you feel confident, not overwhelmed.

“We’ve already got something... it's just a bit old.” No problem. I do website makeovers too. Whether it needs a complete overhaul or just a few tweaks to modernise things, I’ll work with what you’ve got to create something fresh, functional, and properly reflective of your mission. No judgment. Just gentle guidance, a bit of clever design, and a whole lot of love for what you do.

The Bottom Line: Do Charities Need a Website?

The question isn't whether charities need websites, it's whether you can afford not to have one.

In a world where 67% of donors research charities online before giving, where 45% of younger supporters prefer digital engagement, and where 83% of charity discovery happens through search engines, a professional website isn't optional, it's essential.

Your charity is doing incredible work. But if people can't find you, understand your impact, or easily support your cause, that amazing work reaches fewer people than it could.

A well-designed charity website doesn't just represent your lovely charity online it amplifies your impact, expands your reach, and creates new opportunities for support and all that good stuff.

Is It Time to Give Your Website a Quality Facelift?

If your current website is feeling a bit meh, or you don’t have one at all—I can help.

I specialise in building beautiful, user-friendly charity websites that do more than look good. They work hard for you. Whether you’re brand new or long-established, I’ll help you create a site that builds trust, raises awareness and gets you more support.

👉 Book a free Discovery Call today and let’s talk about what your charity really needs from its website. No jargon. No hard sell. Just a friendly chat and some expert advice.

Lets Chat