Nonprofits don’t need another lecture-style webinar—they need real-time improvements that move the needle. That’s why, in our iDonate-sponsored workshop, we conducted nonprofit website, form and email audits live. From simplifying donation journeys to optimizing forms and writing skimmable emails, every review focused on one goal: helping nonprofits grow recurring giving.
This collaborative session wasn’t theory—it was hands-on. Participants brought their websites, donation forms, and donor emails, and we reviewed them live with actionable recommendations.
Here are the biggest takeaways:
Your website is often the first stop for a potential donor, which means even small improvements can drive big results. From our nonprofit website, form and email audits, here’s what stood out:
Simplify the path to giving. Donors shouldn’t have to click multiple times to reach your donation page. A clear, top-right “Donate” button that leads directly to a form reduces friction.
Mobile optimization is non-negotiable. Always test your giving experience on mobile. Hidden donate buttons in hamburger menus or pages that aren’t mobile-friendly can cost conversions.
Lead with value. Skimmable, bolded copy at the top of the page should answer “why give?” immediately.
Accessible branding. Stick with bold, high-contrast button colors. Use accessibility checkers to ensure all visitors can easily navigate and act.
👉 Related resource: 5 Website Fixes to Turn Visitors into Monthly Donors
Forms are where intent becomes action, and they need to make giving effortless:
Embedded or pop-up forms convert better. An iDonate case study showed a pop-up form increased giving by 27% compared to an embedded version.
Design for recurring-first. Offer monthly as the default or make it the clear preference. Use copy like “Join our monthly giving community” to invite donors into something bigger.
Enable digital wallets. Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo make donating a two-click process—especially important for recurring gifts.
Gift arrays with impact. Tie dollar amounts to outcomes ($25 provides meals for a week). This makes the gift tangible and motivates long-term support.
👉 Related resource: 4 Types of Online Donation Experiences and When to Use Them
Donors skim emails. Our nonprofit website, form and email audits highlighted how to make messages more engaging and effective:
Skimmable structure. Use short paragraphs, bolded phrases, and bullets so the message lands quickly.
Multiple calls-to-action (CTAs). Don’t rely on one “Donate” button at the bottom. Hyperlink throughout the email—“Become a sustaining partner” or “Join our monthly giving community”.
Personal stories connect. Share your own motivation or a donor’s journey. People connect with people more than institutions.
Recurring-first language. Emphasize consistency: “Your monthly gift provides stability all year long.”
Use the PS line. Reinforce your ask or invite replies for deeper engagement.
👉 Related resource: How To Stand Out On GivingTuesday? Send this ONE Email
Our biggest message? Don’t let friction stand in the way of generosity. Whether it’s an unclear donate button, a clunky form, or an overwhelming email, small improvements can create lasting recurring revenue for your organization.
A huge thank you to iDonate for sponsoring this workshop and supporting nonprofits in creating donor experiences that inspire long-term giving.
👉 Want a tune-up for your own donation page? Book a consultation with iDonate and see what small changes could do for your organization.
Want to learn more fundraising, marketing & personal branding tips? Follow along on social!