This structure works well for:

  • Nonprofits with one major program that is their core offering (like a summer camp or food bank)
  • Organizations that have compelling results to share on their Our Impact page (especially if they can be backed up with data and stories)
Website structure diagram showing a primary navigation with Home, About Us, Our Program, Our Impact, Program Resources, Blog, and Get Involved

When using this structure, be sure to:

  • Avoid Using “Program Resources” as a Dumping Ground – It’s tempting to start dumping content and documents into the Program Resources portion of the site. But avoid the temptation. Over time this section will become a jumbled mess and make it hard for visitors to find anything of value. Instead, only include necessary content and check it periodically to ensure there aren’t old resources hanging around. Also be sure to organize resources with subpages by topic and include headings within the “Program Resources” page itself to further help visitor navigate what you have to offer.
  • Mix Data and Stories on your “Our Impact” Page – A compelling “Our Impact” page is an excellent way to build trust and show the difference you’re making in the world. It can help drive program participants and supporters to get involved. We generally recommend mixing data and stories to provide a moving snapshot for visitors. Use stories to connect your visitors to the work you’re doing. And use data to show your impact is widespread within the community as a whole. (For some awesome examples, check out 8 Inspiring Examples of Nonprofit Impact Pages on our blog.)
  • Use “Who We Serve” to Discuss Eligibility – It’s easy for the content of your “Who We Serve” page to start blending into what’s on the “Our Impact” page. Instead, think of the “Who We Serve” page more as a place to outline who is eligible for your program. This will help draw a distinction between the two pages and avoid repetition.

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. 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.