Fundraising with Squarespace: Building a Non-profit Site
Why Your Non-Profit Needs a Website
Having a well-designed website is a vital tool for any charity or non-profit organization. It allows you to share your mission, promote events, and raise funds directly online.
If you’re wondering which platform to choose, Squarespace offers an excellent solution for non-profits looking to build a professional and functional website.
You can use it to tell people about your values, promote fundraising events, and even take donations online! Here’s everything you need to know about using Squarespace for your non-profit.
Why Squarespace is perfect for non-profits
Ease of Use
One of the standout features of Squarespace is its user-friendly interface. Non-profits often operate with limited time and resources, and managing a website shouldn't be a complicated task. With Squarespace’s drag-and-drop functionality, ready-made templates, and customizable options, you can update your website quickly and efficiently.
Scalable Solutions
Squarespace grows with your organization. You can easily add new pages, events, or fundraising sections without needing a complete site redesign, making it a versatile platform as your non-profit expands.
Standing Out Online: SEO for Non-Profit Websites Built Using Squarespace
Squarespace helps you get noticed
We hate to be the ones to say it, but you need to be competitive when you run a charity. You have to stand out from the crowd and encourage people to donate to you.
To get noticed online, your site needs to rank well on search engines. Squarespace makes this easier with built-in SEO features such as mobile-responsive templates, free SSL certificates, and automatic structured data generation. These elements help boost your website’s visibility, making it easier for potential donors to find you.
Designing a Professional Non-Profit Website
Credibility Through Design
First impressions matter, especially for non-profits looking to build trust with their audience. Squarespace offers over 150 professionally designed templates, with several specifically tailored for non-profit organizations. For example, the "Lusaka" template is clean, professional, and provides ample space for showcasing impactful images.
Customization for a Unique Look
If you prefer a more personalized design, you can work with the Studio Elias team to create custom templates that reflect your non-profit’s branding.
Fundraising with Squarespace: How to Accept Donations
Easy Donation Set-Up
Although primarily an eCommerce platform, Squarespace supports donation functionality. To start accepting donations, sign up for a Business or Commerce plan, connect to PayPal or Stripe, and add a donation block to your site. You can personalize the donation options, such as setting suggested donation amounts or adding fields for special messages.
Transaction Fees and Recurring Donations
Squarespace charges a 3% transaction fee for donations on its Business plan and 0% on its Commerce plan. PayPal and Stripe’s processing fees also apply. While Squarespace currently only supports one-time donations, embedding a PayPal button can allow recurring payments.
Optimizing Your Non-Profit Website with Squarespace
Leverage Marketing Tools
Squarespace provides built-in marketing features to keep your donors engaged. Use pop-ups to collect newsletter sign-ups, manage email campaigns, and create membership areas for donors. These tools can help you nurture relationships with supporters and encourage repeat donations.
Maximize Your Fundraising Potential with Squarespace
Studio Elias’ Expertise in Squarespace Non-Profit Sites
If you're ready to create a Squarespace-powered website for your non-profit, Studio Elias is here to help. We specialize in designing fully optimized, professional websites for non-profits, ensuring your organization is set up for success. Contact us to get started and take advantage of a 20% discount on your first year of hosting.
