This structure works well for:

  • Nonprofits that offer direct services to clients in the community
  • Organizations that want visitors to reach out directly for services (or at least have a concrete next step for interested visitors, such as getting a referral from a doctor for services)
Website structure diagram showing a primary navigation with Home, About Us, Our Services, Get Help, and Get Involved

When using this structure, be sure to:

  • Make Service Areas and Service Names Clear to All – As we’ve noted elsewhere, clarity is the key here when it comes to naming your service areas and individual service pages. Many visitors likely will be coming for the first time, and it may be an emotional time for them depending on your line of work. Make sure they’ll know exactly what it is you’re offering.
  • Avoid Including One Service in Multiple Service Areas – It can be confusing to visitors if one page is presented in multiple sections within your structure. If a service falls into two or more service areas, pick the best fit and make that its home. You can still link to this service page from the pages within the other service areas to make it easier for visitors to find.
  • Link Between Related Services – If two or more of your services are related, be sure to include links to each directly within your page content. That way, if a visitor is reading about one of your services, they’ll easily be able to learn more about the related services you have available, increasing the likelihood they’ll decide to reach out.
  • Clearly Highlight Next Steps on Service Pages – On each individual service page, make it clear to your visitors how to take the next step if they’re interested in and eligible for what you have to offer. This may include filling out a form, calling your intake line or asking their doctor for a referral. Whatever the next step looks like for your visitors, make it clear and consider a prominent button or call to action so they won’t miss it.
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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. (You are here.)

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. View the Programs and Policy structure.

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.