What Your Old Nonprofit Website Could Be Costing You

As a nonprofit marketing manager, you likely know your organization’s website isn’t just a digital brochure. It’s your storefront, your first impression, your donation engine, and your storytelling platform. But convincing leadership or the board to invest in a redesign can be tough. After all, if the site “technically works,” why fix it?

Here’s the reality: an outdated, hard-to-use website could be quietly costing your organization tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of dollars a year.

Let’s break it down.

Missed Donations Add Up Fast

We ran a basic ROI calculator using conservative industry benchmarks. If your donation page gets just 10,000 visits a year, and your conversion rate is stuck around 1 percent, which is typical for poor UX, you’re only pulling in around $5,000/year.

But if that same traffic landed on an optimized, mobile-friendly, user-tested donation experience converting at 10%?

That’s $50,000/year – a $45,000 difference.

Now imagine what you’re missing if your traffic is higher, or your average donation is greater. It’s not hypothetical. We’ve seen it happen.

Poor UX Hurts Trust and Credibility

75% of users judge an organization’s credibility based on website design. An outdated site signals “we’re not investing in ourselves,” even if your programs are thriving. Donors, corporate partners, and funders notice this and may quietly walk away.

You’re Invisible to Google

Modern SEO isn’t just keywords. It’s speed, mobile responsiveness, accessibility, and content structure. An outdated site that doesn’t check those boxes can slip down search rankings, which means fewer people discover your work organically.

That’s a long-term revenue and awareness problem.

Engagement Suffers, and So Does Retention

If visitors can’t quickly find what they need, whether it’s how to get help, where to donate, or how to sign up for your newsletter, they won’t stick around. And without strong engagement, you lose the pipeline for future major donors, volunteers, and advocates.

It’s Hurting Your Funding Pipeline

Many funders and grant reviewers visit your website before making decisions. If it doesn’t reflect the impact and innovation you’re proud of, you may be leaving funding on the table without ever realizing it.

A Website Redesign Isn’t Just a Cost. It’s a Revenue Opportunity

Yes, a new site is an investment. But like any smart investment, it can pay for itself and then some.

Whether you’re looking to raise more money online, improve access to programs, or better showcase your outcomes, your website plays a critical role. Waiting too long to modernize can quietly erode your bottom line and your mission’s reach.

Let’s help you build the case. We’ve worked with nonprofits like CURE Epilepsy, Vermont Community Foundation, and John Templeton Foundation to create digital experiences that move the needle.

It’s not just about having a new website. It’s about unlocking your full potential.