Your Organization’s Website

Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2018

Your website is an opportunity to tell your organization’s story. There are certain items that nonprofits are required to disclose to the public (Form 990 and application for exemption) but by providing additional information beyond these, your organization can better communicate your story and impact. Organizations that are transparent also gain more trust and are more likely to act with integrity.

Some items that you may want to consider including on your website beyond the normal mission and programs are as follows:

IRS Form 990 – public disclosure copy
Audited financial statements
Annual report
Listing of current board members
Listing of key staff
Fact sheet
Statistics – quantify your organization’s impact in numbers
Certain policies

Normally organizations do not share all of their policies but you may want to share those key policies that are asked about on the IRS Form 990 (whistle blower policy, conflict of interest policy, documentation retention and destruction policy).

Some other things to consider relating to your website.

Make sure information can be easily accessed. It should only take two or three clicks to find key information.
Be sure to keep information updated. Old, outdated information is not beneficial to the reader and will make your organization look bad.
If you include audited financial statements, you may want to consider adding a note when the current year’s audit is expected to be completed.
If policies are shared, include the last reviewed date.
Be sure your mission is clear and that the reader understands what your organization does regardless of what page of your website they land on first.

Many donors visit your organization’s website to determine whether or not they will support your organization. Make sure your website is telling your organization’s true story.

Posted by: Carrie Minnich, CPA

Posted in Mission Minded Nonprofits

Disclaimer: The information contained in Dulin, Ward & DeWald’s blog is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or legal advice on any subject matter. Before taking any action based on this information, we strongly encourage you to consult competent legal, accounting or other professional advice about your specific situation. Questions on blog posts may be submitted to your DWD representative.