Introduction

For non-profit organizations, your website is more than just a communication tool—it’s your digital front door. Whether you’re looking to raise donations, spread awareness, or connect with volunteers, website accessibility ensures that your message reaches everyone, including people with disabilities.

Unfortunately, many non-profit websites unintentionally exclude millions of users due to poor accessibility. This guide will show you how to fix that—and how WebAbility can support your journey toward a more inclusive, compliant, and effective website.

Why Accessibility Matters for Non-Profits

Mission Alignment

If your organization stands for equality and service, your website should reflect that. Digital inclusion is a core part of social impact.

Broader Audience Reach

1 in 4 adults has a disability. Making your website accessible allows you to reach:

• Potential donors

• Program beneficiaries

• Volunteers and staff

• Community members

Legal Considerations

While not all non-profits are strictly bound by the ADA, many are—especially those receiving government funding or serving the general public. Adopting WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards helps reduce legal risks and supports ethical design.

Common Accessibility Issues in Non-Profit Websites

Many non-profit sites suffer from issues that may seem small but create serious barriers:

• Unlabeled donation forms — Users with screen readers can’t fill them out

• Images without alt text — Visually impaired users can’t understand your message

• Videos without captions — Excludes users who are deaf or hard of hearing

• Low color contrast — Content becomes unreadable for users with vision impairments

• PDF-only reports — Often incompatible with assistive tech

• Missing keyboard navigation — Limits site access for users who don’t use a mouse

WebAbility Tools for Non-Profits

WebAbility provides a suite of accessibility tools specifically helpful for non-technical teams and smaller organizations:

✅

Scan any page to instantly detect WCAG/ADA compliance issues, including contrast errors, form labeling problems, heading misuse, and more.

✅ Accessibility Widget (optional)

An easy plug-in that offers font size controls, high-contrast modes, and other helpful features for end-users—without requiring a site rebuild.

✅ AI-Powered Remediation Tips

Step-by-step, human-readable guidance for fixing issues—even if you’re not a developer.

✅ Ongoing Monitoring & Reporting

Automated checks and downloadable reports keep you compliant over time, not just at launch.

Accessibility Checklist for Non-Profit Websites

Here's a simplified WCAG 2.1 AA checklist tailored for non-profits:

✅ All images include descriptive alt text ✅ Forms are clearly labeled and error-aware ✅ Navigation is fully keyboard accessible ✅ Videos include captions or transcripts ✅ PDFs are either accessible or converted to HTML ✅ Strong color contrast throughout the site ✅ Logical heading structure (H1 > H2 > H3...) ✅ Link text is meaningful (not just “Click here”) ✅ Page language is defined in HTML ✅ Focus indicators are visible for all interactive elements

How to Get Started

1. Audit Your Site

Use the to identify accessibility gaps in your current layout and content.

2. Fix High-Priority Issues

Begin with anything that blocks core user journeys: donation, contact forms, event sign-ups, or program info.

3. Train Your Team

WebAbility’s dashboard helps you educate writers, developers, and administrators on accessibility principles with real examples.

4. Monitor and Maintain

Accessibility is not a one-time fix. Use WebAbility’s monitoring tools to keep your site compliant as content changes.

Internal Links to Related Reading

Contact and Support

Want help making your website accessible?

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Conclusion

Non-profits thrive on outreach, inclusion, and empathy. Making your website accessible isn't just about checking compliance boxes—it's about living your mission online.

With the right tools and a thoughtful approach, you can break digital barriers and invite everyone to participate in your cause.

Audit your website today with Get expert support and start fixing what matters

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Helping non-profits build inclusive digital spaces—without the complexity.