Table of contents

Why nonprofits need moreWhat is web hosting?Hosting featuresIdeal for nonprofitsGet started with hostingWhat to avoidFAQsGetting startedHosting optionsAdditional resources

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What is Web Hosting → Nonprofits

Web hosting for nonprofits: what to look for and how to decide

Many nonprofits turn to the cheapest website builders they can find, but those tools often limit what your organization can do online. If you want full control over your content, design, and donations, hosting your own site is a better long-term choice.

Let’s walk through what that means and how to make the right decision.

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Why nonprofits need more than a basic site builder

Site builders like Wix or Weebly may seem easy at first, but they often fall short once your organization grows. Here’s why hosting your own site is a smarter path:

You own your data, design, and content.
You can accept donations directly without high fees.
You can install tools built specifically for nonprofits.
You can scale the site as your programs expand.
Your site won’t suddenly disappear if a platform shuts down or changes terms.

WordPress is the most popular platform for hosted sites, and it’s especially good for nonprofits thanks to its flexibility and plugin options.

What is web hosting?

Web hosting is the service that allows your website to be accessible on the internet. Think of it like renting a plot of land where your website can live. You use a platform like WordPress to build the structure of your site—its pages, content, and design—and the hosting provider keeps it running so people can visit it anytime.

A good host ensures your site loads quickly, stays online 24/7, and is protected from security threats like hackers or malware. While there are different types of hosting available, most nonprofits do best with shared hosting, a VPS (virtual private server), or managed WordPress hosting depending on their budget and technical comfort.

Must-have hosting features for nonprofit websites

Before choosing a hosting provider, make sure they offer these key features:

Security and backups

Your site may handle sensitive data from donors, members, or volunteers. Choose a host that includes:

Free SSL certificate (so your site shows as secure in browsers)
Daily automated backups
Malware scanning and basic firewall protection

Performance and uptime

A slow or unreliable website can cost you donations and credibility. Look for:

At least 99.9% uptime guarantee
Servers optimized for WordPress
Built-in caching or CDN options

Easy-to-use control panel

You shouldn’t need a developer to manage your site. Your host should provide:

A clean dashboard (like cPanel or a custom control panel)
Easy WordPress installs
Domain and email management tools

Room to grow

Your hosting plan should support you as you expand. Prioritize:

Flexible storage and bandwidth
The ability to upgrade as needed
WordPress-savvy support

Support that helps nonprofits

Make sure help is easy to reach:

24/7 live chat or phone support
No hidden fees or complicated billing

Why WordPress is ideal for nonprofits

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites, and it’s especially good for mission-driven organizations. Here’s what makes it a fit:

Free to use (open source)
Huge library of themes for nonprofits and charities
Plugins for donations, volunteer signups, multilingual content, and more
Control over your branding and site structure
Ability to connect with CRMs, email lists, and social media

It also means you’re not locked into one platform: you can switch hosts or redesign your site anytime.

How to get started with hosting your nonprofit website

Here’s a simple process to follow if you’re ready to move beyond a basic site builder:

1. Choose a domain name

This is your site’s web address (like yournonprofit.org). Try to:

Use .org if possible
Keep it short, clear, and easy to spell
Avoid dashes or numbers if you can

2. Pick a WordPress hosting provider

Look for a WordPress hosting provider that meets the must-have features listed above and supports WordPress. If you’re not sure which type of hosting you need, start with managed WordPress or a small VPS plan—you can always grow from there.

3. Install WordPress

Most hosts offer one-click installation. You’ll log into a dashboard and follow a few prompts to create your admin login.

4. Choose a theme designed for nonprofits

You can start with a free theme, but many nonprofits benefit from a theme built specifically for their needs. Three solid options include:

Astra for Nonprofits – Lightweight and beginner-friendly with donation-focused layouts.
Benevolent – A clean, modern theme with built-in sections for causes, staff, and testimonials.
Charity Foundation – Tailored for fundraising organizations with support for donation plugins and accessible design.

For more ideas and detailed comparisons, see our guide to the Best Nonprofit WordPress Themes →

5. Add key pages

Focus on the essentials first:

About your organization – This is where you tell your story: who you are, what you stand for, and why your mission matters. Use plain language and include photos if possible to build trust.
Programs or services – Highlight the work you do and who it serves. Break this section into categories if you run multiple programs, and include clear calls to action like “Join,” “Donate,” or “Learn More.”
Ways to donate or get involved – Make it easy for supporters to take action. Create a standalone “Donate” page with a secure form, and consider adding a section for volunteering, fundraising, or advocacy opportunities.
Contact page with a form – A simple contact form helps visitors reach you without exposing your email to spam. Include your physical address if applicable, phone number, and links to social media.
Blog or updates page – Use your WordPress blog to share news, success stories, and upcoming events. Regular updates show your organization is active and make it easier for supporters to stay informed.
Testimonials or impact stories – Adding quotes from beneficiaries, partners, or donors can help inspire new supporters. Even a few short quotes or before-and-after snapshots can make a big difference.
FAQ section – Anticipate questions about your mission, how donations are used, or how people can help. This saves time and makes your site feel more transparent.
Privacy policy – Especially if you collect donations or email addresses, you’ll need a privacy policy that explains how visitor data is handled. Many WordPress themes include a basic template you can customize.

6. Set up donations

Use a plugin like GiveWP, Charitable, or WPForms to accept donations securely. Link this to your payment processor or nonprofit CRM.

7. Add essential WordPress plugins for nonprofits

The right plugins make your site easier to manage and more effective. Here are a few essentials for nonprofit websites:

GiveWP – Accept one-time or recurring donations directly on your site.
WPForms – Build contact, volunteer, and event signup forms with drag-and-drop tools.
Yoast SEO – Improve your visibility in search engines with beginner-friendly SEO tools.
MailPoet or Newsletter – Manage email newsletters from inside WordPress.
The Events Calendar – Display upcoming events, fundraisers, or community gatherings.
Charitable – A donation plugin with strong customization options and no transaction fees on the free plan.

8. Launch and promote!

Tell your email list, social followers, and community partners once your new site is live. Add it to Google Business and any nonprofit directories you use.

What to avoid when choosing nonprofit hosting

Even experienced nonprofits make these mistakes when choosing a host:

Picking the cheapest plan without checking for security or support
Using a generic website builder that locks in your data
Skipping backups or relying on manual copies
Ignoring performance needs—slow sites turn donors away
Not budgeting for growth (adding team members, CRMs, or event tools)

Investing a little time upfront helps avoid bigger headaches later.

Frequently asked questions

No. GoDaddy does not offer free hosting or domains for nonprofits. While it sometimes offers discounted rates, you’ll still need to pay for hosting, domain registration, and essential features like security and backups.

If you’re looking for a low-cost option, consider a hosting provider that includes nonprofit-friendly features with no hidden fees.

Yes, but with limitations. Some platforms like WordPress.com, Wix, or Google Sites offer free tiers, but these often include ads, limited customization, and no donation tools.

For a professional site that accepts donations and reflects your mission, a low-cost self-hosted WordPress setup is usually a better long-term solution.

WordPress is the best choice for most nonprofits, because it’s free, flexible, and highly customizable. You can add donation forms, multilingual content, volunteer signups, and more using plugins—without needing to code.

Other site builders like Wix or Squarespace are easier at first but often lack the freedom and features growing nonprofits need.

Next steps for web hosting for nonprofits

Your nonprofit deserves a website that’s secure, flexible, and built to grow with your mission. Hosting your own site on WordPress gives you control and scalability that cheap site builders can’t match.

The next step is to choose a hosting solution that fits your needs, and that’s where Liquid Web comes in. We offer the industry’s fastest and most secure VPS and dedicated servers—for Windows or Linux, unmanaged or fully managed.

Click below to explore options or start a chat with one of our hosting experts now.