How Much Does a Charity Website Cost?
- kmunn87
- Jul 15, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 6, 2024
When you’re running a charity, every penny counts. But when it comes to your website, it’s an investment that can make all the difference. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to revamp your online presence, one of the first questions you’ll have is: how much does a charity website cost? How long is a piece of string?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer and you get what you pay for, but don’t worry— let's break it down for you so you know what to expect and where to prioritise your budget.
What Factors Affects the Cost of a Charity Website?
There are a few key factors that will influence the price of your website build:
The Type of Website You Need
The purpose of your website plays a big role in its cost.
Basic informational sites are great for smaller charities looking to keep things simple and affordable.
Fundraising or e-commerce sites require secure payment systems, which increase the complexity and price.
Membership sites with login areas or personalized content need more advanced functionality, so they’ll cost more.
The more your website needs to do, the higher the cost will be.
The Number of Pages
Smaller websites with just a few pages are faster and cheaper to build. If your site has lots of sections—like detailed project descriptions, event pages, or an extensive blog—you’ll need to budget for the extra time it takes to design and build each page.
The Platform You Choose
Different platforms come with different price tags and features.
Squarespace and Wix are cost-effective, easy to use, and perfect for most charities.
WordPress offers more flexibility and customization but often comes with higher development costs.
Custom-built sites are tailored to your exact needs but are typically the most expensive option.
Choosing the right platform depends on your budget, goals, and how hands-on you want to be with updates.
Custom Design vs. Templates
A pre-made template is a budget-friendly choice that can still look professional. But if you want your site to reflect your charity’s unique identity, a custom design is the way to go. Just be prepared to spend more for features like bespoke layouts, animations, or interactive elements.
Extra Features Add Up
Certain features can make your site more effective but will also increase the cost. Think about:
Online donation systems.
Event calendars or booking tools.
Search functionality or member login areas.
It’s worth prioritizing features that will make the biggest impact on your charity’s goals.
The Content Creation Process
If you already have your text, images, and videos ready, that’s great—it’ll save time and money. But if you need help with professional copywriting or photography, this will add to the cost. Good content is a key part of connecting with your audience, so it’s worth the investment.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Basic SEO, like adding page titles and descriptions, is often included in website packages. If you’re looking to really boost your visibility on Google, though, advanced SEO services—like keyword research or content optimization—can add to your budget.
Hosting and Domain Costs
Every website needs a domain (your web address) and a hosting plan (where your website “lives” online). These are ongoing costs, and the price can vary depending on the traffic your site gets. Budget for these essentials as part of your overall website investment.
Maintenance and Updates
Websites need regular updates to stay secure and functional. Some charities handle this in-house, while others prefer to pay for ongoing maintenance services. If you want peace of mind, consider a maintenance package as part of your website plan.
Compliance with GDPR and Accessibility Standards
Collecting personal data through your website? You’ll need to comply with GDPR, which means having a privacy policy, cookie banner, and secure data handling. Accessibility features—like alt text for images or keyboard navigation—may also be required, depending on your audience.
Timelines and Deadlines
Need your site launched quickly? A rushed project may cost more. If you have a flexible timeline, this could save you money while allowing more time for thoughtful planning and feedback.
Who’s Building Your Website
Freelance designers are often more budget-friendly than agencies, but agencies may have more resources if your project is large or complex. Working with someone who understands the unique needs of charities can also make a big difference. But you are paying for someones time, skills and experience and you get what you pay for.
Branding and Other Extras
If your charity needs help with branding—like a new logo or a color palette—that’s another cost to factor in. Extras like Google Analytics setup or social media integration can also add value but will increase the overall price.
Revisions and Changes
Most website packages include a set number of revisions. If you want additional changes or decide to pivot halfway through, that can add to the cost. Clear communication and planning upfront can help keep this manageable.
Typical Price Ranges
To give you a rough idea of what to expect, here are some typical price ranges:
DIY Platforms (Wix, Squarespace, etc.):
These platforms typically cost between £10 and £50 per month for hosting and basic features. Keep in mind that while you save on costs, building a website yourself requires a significant investment of time and effort.
Basic 3-Page Website:
This is the essential starting point for your online presence. I personally charge charities £800 for a basic three-page site, with the flexibility to expand as your charity grows.
Small Custom Website:
For a well-designed, custom website, expect to pay between £1,500 and £5,000+, depending on its complexity and size. Don’t forget to include budget for hosting and ongoing maintenance.
Large Custom Sites:
If you need a completely bespoke website built from scratch, prices start at around £5,000 and can go much higher. In the past, I’ve spent £35,000 for a charity website site.
Other Costs to Keep in Mind
Building a website is just one part of the puzzle. To keep it running smoothly and professionally, there are additional costs you’ll need to plan for. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Domain Name
Your domain name is your website’s address (e.g., yourcharityname.org). You’ll need to register it, and this usually costs around £10–£20 per year, depending on the provider and domain extension (like .org, .com, or .charity). Premium domains (short or highly desirable names) can cost much more.
Web Hosting
Hosting is what keeps your website live on the internet. Think of it as renting space online.
If you’re using platforms like Wix or Squarespace, web hosting is included as part of their monthly or yearly subscription fees. This makes things simple, as you won’t need to manage hosting separately.
For other platforms like WordPress, you’ll need to purchase hosting separately. Options include:
Shared hosting: Budget-friendly and great for smaller charity websites.
Dedicated hosting or cloud hosting: Pricier but ideal for larger sites or high-traffic websites.
Hosting costs can range from £5 to £50+ per month, depending on your provider and the level of service you choose.
SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate secures your site and is essential for protecting sensitive data, like donor information. Plus, Google prioritizes secure sites in search results. Some hosting providers include SSL for free, but others charge £30–£100 per year.
Website Maintenance
Websites need regular updates to keep them secure and functioning well. Maintenance costs can vary depending on the level of support you need:
DIY maintenance: Free if you’re comfortable handling updates yourself.
Maintenance packages: Typically range from £30 to £200 per month, depending on what’s included (e.g., software updates, backups, and security checks).
Third-Party Tools and Plugins
If your website uses extra tools like:
Online donation platforms (e.g., JustGiving or Stripe fees),
Email marketing software (e.g., Mailchimp or Constant Contact),
Booking systems, or
Premium plugins for added functionality, be prepared for ongoing subscription fees. These can range from a few pounds a month to £50+ if you’re using multiple tools.
Content Updates
Keeping your site fresh with new blog posts, event updates, or news stories is key to engaging visitors. If you don’t have time to handle this in-house, you might hire someone to help. This could be an ongoing cost or an as-needed expense, depending on your charity’s needs.
Custom Email Addresses
Having an email address like yourname@yourcharity.org looks professional and builds trust. Many hosting providers include a limited number of email accounts for free, but additional accounts or premium email services (like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365) may cost £5–£20 per month per user.
Paid Advertising or SEO Tools
If you want to boost your site’s visibility, you might invest in Google Ads or SEO tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs. These aren’t mandatory, but they can help increase traffic and donations. Costs vary widely based on your budget and goals.
Rebranding or Design Updates
As your charity grows, you may want to refresh your site’s design or branding. While not an immediate cost, it’s worth considering for the future.
Getting the Best Value for Your Charity
While the cost of a charity website can feel like a big commitment, it’s worth remembering that your website is often the first place potential donors, volunteers, and supporters will interact with your cause. A well-designed, easy-to-navigate site can help build trust and make it easy for people to get involved.
And remember, you are paying for a persons time, skills, and experience. And you really get what you pay for.
If you’re working with a tight budget, here are a few tips to get the most bang for your buck:
Build it yourself:
DIY with platforms like Wix or Squarespace: If you're looking to save money, these user-friendly platforms let you design your own website at a lower cost. You can download my free website checklist to help you get going.
Use a pay-as-you-grow option:
Some web designers (like me!) offer packages where you can pay for a few pages upfront, with the option to add more over time as your charity develops.
Look for pro-bono work:
Don’t forget to explore opportunities for free design help—many designers and agencies offer pro-bono services to charities.
Before You Spend Your Hard-Earned Money
Before making any financial commitments for your website, take the time to chat with at least three different web designers. I’m talking about having a real conversation—not just filling out an online form or sending an email. You'll be collaborating closely with whoever you choose, so it's crucial to find someone who truly understands your charity and your goals.
I also recommend looking for a designer who specialises in the charity sector. I've seen too many charities end up with poorly designed websites because their developer simply didn’t grasp the mission or care about the outcome.
If you do go for a developer on the cheaper side (under £1000) be sure to still get a contract and agree a clear scope and time scale.
You can find out more about how to pick the right web designer for you, here.
Ready to Build Your Charity Website?
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready for a full redesign, investing in your charity’s website is a step toward growing your impact. If you need help working out what’s right for your charity—or you’re ready to get the ball rolling—feel free to reach out. I’m always here for a no-pressure chat to see how I can help bring your website vision to life!
At the end of the day, the cost of a charity website can vary widely depending on what you need—but with the right strategy, you can make it work for your budget and your cause.