The four pillars of democracy on which modern society runs: legislative, judiciary, executive and press, are representative ways of governance and does not (necessarily) involve the masses directly in its day to day functioning. NGOs have thus rightly taken up their role in nation-building as the “fifth pillar of democracy”. Most of the NGOs have committed their lives to solving the community’s problem far away from the donor and supporter groups and despite that there is a HUGE trust deficit to bridge. ON top of it, a faceless existence aggravates the situation. 
Everyone has a website these days. Everyone creates websites for different activities, but the aim is same for all. They want to reach out, they want to interact, and finally, they want to be successful. Although it takes much more than just a great website in order to successfully market one’s organization, a website, nonetheless plays a crucial role in the outreach and discovery today. The emphasis on why is important. It certainly does make one think what exactly the reasons behind this dependence on websites are. Here are seven (magical) reasons why you should have a website for your NGO:
1. DISCOVERY:
Communication is the key on which the lock of every organization turns. Transparent and effective communication is the only way to go when the need for networking arises. Proper communication is very easily facilitated by a website through a well- placed contact or email address, which is accessible 24×7 for both parties thus making it faster, efficient and a direct way to communicate and network. Websites have become an imperative tool for communication. A website has direct access to stories from the ground and the website can thus directly communicate such concerns to supporters and ambassadors who are otherwise not able to penetrate such areas. This allows an NGO to keep pace with time, be more connected in society while simultaneously being forthcoming and communicative about their work. Therefore, if you run an NGO, setting up a website would be the first step to attract the attention of people who sympathize with the cause. How else would they find you from any corner of the country if you don’t have a digital presence?
2. DIRECT CONTRIBUTION:
More than 3 billion people use the internet every day. Imagine the kind of activity a great website would attract! A website forms a direct, secure and even anonymous platform of privy individuals to contact an organization. A lot of people are wary of direct confrontation, especially in the age of anonymity and the website is a very convenient way for such people and also makes for a more hassle-free and speedy way to contact and contribute for causes and the organization by extension. Donations are key to a functioning NGO and your website can help you with that.
3. ONLINE LEGITIMACY:
A well designed website can help confer instant credibility with anyone. A good website has come to be indicative of the seriousness and dedication of an organization—all of which can be achieved in a very short period of time with the right kind of partners (all of them much more cost-effective now than ever before). This is one of the greatest advantages of the internet. Instant communication, instant networking and instant credibility upon building a successful community have one thing in common: instant effect. Manage to add in an .org in your domain name and establish legitimacy instantly.
4. EDUCATION & AWARENESS OF YOUR WORK
The appeal of the internet is boundless, and it is successful websites that build this! Having a website means potential thousands of people seeing it and thus gives one the adequate control and management to be able influence people’s decisions and educate them. Knowledge is the stepping stone to bringing change, and your website will provide that to the masses.
5. 24X7 PRESENCE
A website runs 24×7 without necessary manual supervision thus always maintaining a presence. Not only does this help increase the number of e-visitors which is extremely important, but simultaneously increases the accessibility and approachability for the organization by standing in as its front. For a generation as internet savvy as ours, it is not unknown, how a few hits can significantly change awareness on the World Wide Web. Volunteers and donors will find you even while you’re asleep! How much better can this get?
6. POCKET-FRIENDLY, ECO-FRIENDLY
As a non-government organization, it is a huge task to find a steady flow of investment and having a website not only lends the much needed legitimacy to the organization but an attractive website with systematized data draws in investment. Most organizations spend a lot of money for brochures and their distribution.“A website is also deemed to be an environmentally friendly way of carrying out a campaign as it reduces waste could reduce travel, reduce postage”. A website helps an organization save on that account while simultaneously reaching a wider audience.
7. THE COLLECTIVE
The web comes together as a unique space for the voices of opinions, regardless (in most cases) of their effect. Although this may not always forbear well for individuals, it is quite a boon to any organization. Keeping track of oneself on one’s website may not only help keep the short-term and long-term goals of the organization in mind, it also lends to itself a sense of control—an autonomy in its actions and performance. Web masters controlling the website therefore have more than just control over the image of an organization.
There are many website-builders that can aid in creating a website for your NGO. But you must always go for those, which:
– Provide you with maximum control over content 24X7
– Is nominally-priced and bundles many features together (the payment gateway is a must!)
– Follows the best practices and essentials of an effective website
Swayam is one such website builder and automator. If you have any other queries, contact us. Go ahead, create a website for your non-profit organisation, and put your effort on the map! This way, not only you give back to the society, other people can do it too! Spread the good work.
Spread the love.
Spread the joy.