Whether you're running a community organisation, a charitable trust, or an advocacy group, having a strong digital presence is no longer optional — it’s essential.
People are researching causes online before donating, sharing events through social media, and expecting seamless ways to connect with your organisation. But for many non-profits, the digital side of things can feel overwhelming — especially with limited time, staff, and funding.
The good news? There are plenty of powerful, affordable online tools designed to help non-profits amplify their impact. And with the right digital partner, you don’t have to do it all yourself.
Activate has been helping New Zealand businesses and non-profit organisations create effective digital platforms since 2003. Below, we’ve rounded up the most valuable online tools and strategies for non-profits — plus where we can help.
1. Build a Strong Foundation with a Purpose-Built Website
Your website is the home base for your mission. It’s often the first place someone learns about your work, donates to your cause, or signs up to support your events.
At a minimum, a non-profit website should include:
- A clear mission and purpose
- Information about your programmes or services
- Easy ways to get involved: donate, volunteer, attend
- Contact details and social media links
- Real-life stories and outcomes
Some organisations also benefit from features like:
- Event registration forms
- Online donation portals
- Email newsletter sign-ups
- Blog or news updates
At Activate, we design user-friendly, responsive websites that make it easy for people to understand your purpose and take action. We also offer secure, locally based web hosting to keep your site online and fast.
Explore our website and hosting services
2. Own Your Communication with Professional Email & Hosting
If you're still using a personal Gmail or Yahoo address for your organisation’s communications, it may be time for an upgrade.
A branded email address (like [email protected]) sends a message of trust and professionalism. It also ensures your communication doesn’t get lost in spam filters or mistaken for a scam.
We offer affordable hosting and email services tailored for small organisations and non-profits — with local support when you need it.
3. Reach and Engage with Social Media (Strategically)
Social media is one of the best ways to:
- Build community
- Promote upcoming events or campaigns
- Share updates and success stories
- Drive traffic to your website
But without a clear strategy, it can become a time-consuming chore that yields little return. Many non-profits post sporadically or struggle to know what kind of content works best.
That’s where a professional can make a big difference.
Activate’s in-house social media strategist, Laura, works closely with clients to develop realistic, effective strategies — including post scheduling, platform selection, and content ideas tailored to your goals.
A little planning goes a long way, and our support can help you get results without burning out your team.
4. Manage Supporters with Smart Fundraising & CRM Tools
There are several excellent platforms designed specifically for non-profits to manage supporters and fundraising efforts. Some of our favourites include:
- Givealittle – a New Zealand-based platform for donation campaigns
- Raisely – customisable fundraising pages with CRM integration
- Mailchimp – for managing email lists and sending newsletters
- HubSpot (Non-Profit Discounts Available) – a CRM to track donors, volunteers, and outreach
These tools help you:
- Segment your database
- Track donor history
- Send targeted email campaigns
- Report on engagement and results
Need help integrating these tools into your site or systems? We can assist with strategy and setup.
5. Tools That Make the Day-to-Day Easier
Here are some of the best free or low-cost tools used by non-profits across New Zealand:
- Canva – for creating social media posts, posters, presentations
- Google Workspace for Nonprofits – includes Gmail, Drive, Docs, and Calendar
- Trello or Asana – for team task and project management
- Zoom or Google Meet – for virtual events or meetings
Many of these platforms offer non-profit discounts or even free versions — and they’re easy to adopt with a little support.
6. Why Work with a Digital Partner Like Activate?
There’s a common myth in the non-profit world: “We can’t afford professional help.” But the truth is, you may not be able to afford not to.
When your website is hard to use, your social media feels inconsistent, or your team is spending hours struggling with DIY tools, it drains your time and limits your impact.
As a full-service digital partner, Activate offers:
- Tailored website design and hosting
- Email setup and support
- Social media strategy with expert guidance
- Integration with tools you already use
- Ongoing support — from real humans, right here in New Zealand
We understand the unique challenges non-profits face, and we work with you to create solutions that fit your goals and your budget.
FAQs About Digital Tools for Non-Profits in NZ
How much does a website cost for a non-profit in New Zealand?
Costs vary depending on features and scope. A basic brochure-style site may cost a few thousand dollars, while more complex builds with donation forms or event systems may cost more. Activate offers scalable options tailored to your needs and budget.
Can we use free website builders like Wix or Squarespace instead?
You can, but they often come with limitations — especially in branding, customisation, and integration. A professionally built site gives you more flexibility and scalability as your organisation grows.
What’s the best social media platform for a non-profit?
It depends on your audience. Facebook is great for community engagement, Instagram is useful for visuals and events, and LinkedIn can work well for funders and partners. The key is consistency and content that tells your story.
Do we need to post on social media every day?
No. What matters most is consistency and quality. Many non-profits do well with just 2–3 meaningful posts a week. Activate’s strategist can help you create a manageable plan that suits your goals.
Can Activate help us apply for funding to cover digital improvements?
While we don't provide grants directly, we’ve supported many non-profits in preparing documentation or quotes needed for digital funding applications or grant proposals.
Bonus: Quick Digital Success Checklist for Non-Profits
Use this list to assess your organisation’s current digital strengths and identify areas for improvement:
- Your website clearly explains your mission and how to get involved
- Contact details and donation options are easy to find
- You use a branded email address, not a free personal account
- You’re active on one or more social media platforms with consistent branding
- You have a clean, segmented database of supporters
- You use a newsletter tool like Mailchimp to stay in touch
- Your team uses basic tools for coordination (e.g. Google Docs, Trello)
- You track key indicators like email engagement, web traffic, and donation success
Even small improvements in these areas can lead to big gains in awareness, engagement, and funding.
Final Thoughts: Digital Tools Can Help You Make a Bigger Impact
You don’t need a big budget or a tech team to have a professional, high-impact online presence. With the right tools — and the right partner — your organisation can connect, inspire, and grow more effectively.
Need a hand getting started or streamlining your digital setup?
We’d love to help.
Get in touch with Activate for a no-obligation consultation and see how we can support your mission.
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