This structure works well for:

  • Organizations that offer some programming but also work in policy or advocacy, such as educational, environmental or medical nonprofits
Website structure diagram showing a primary navigation with Home, About, Programs and Services, Policy and Advocacy, Blog, and How to Help

When using this structure, be sure to:

  • Avoid Jargon in Program and Policy Areas – With this structure, it’s easy for jargon to creep into both your program and policy areas. Whenever possible, avoid the urge to slip in this jargon. Keeping the language clear will help engage visitors less familiar with your cause.
  • Showcase “Policy Wins” Prominently – If you’ve successfully been able to score policy victories, showcase them on the “Policy Wins” page. You can also link to this page from your “Impact” page. Showcasing the positive change you’ve helped bring about is a great way to motivate visitors to get involved.
  • Get as Specific as Possible with Policy Work – Policy can seem very abstract, especially to someone less familiar with your cause or this type of work in general. Whenever you can, get specific about why policy change is needed in your field, what you do to influence this change and what the end result will hopefully look like.
  • Clearly Highlight Next Steps on Program Pages – On each program page, make it clear what your visitors should do if they’re interested in taking the next step. This may include filling out a form, calling you or reaching out via email. Whatever the next step involves, make it clear for those interested and consider a prominent button or call to action so your visitors won’t miss it.

All Website Structures

For nonprofits that don’t need a lot of complexity to talk about key programs and services, use our sample sitemap and tips to build a website structure. View the Simple and Classic structure.

Is your nonprofit driven by 2-3 program areas? Use our sample sitemap and website tips to create a structure that appeals to supporters and participants. View the Driven by Programs structure.

If your nonprofit organizes program by the age of your constituents, this sample website structure can help, including the option to add or remove a blog. View the Programs by Life Stage structure.

Many nonprofits offer one core offering, like a school, summer camp or food bank. Use this website structure to share your program, stories and impact. View the One Main Program structure.

For nonprofits that offer direct services to clients in the community, this website structure offers a way for visitors to reach out and take next steps. View the Direct Service Provider structure.

If your nonprofit focuses on conducting or funding research and wants to educate the public to build support for your cause, use this website structure. View the Driven By Research structure.

Learn how to build a website structure that works best for groups that do programming and policy, such as educational, environmental or medical nonprofits. (You are here.)

Does your nonprofit focus on policy without programs? Or maybe you publish research? Use this template sitemap and helpful tips to build your website. View the No Programs, Just Policy structure.