As a digital design consultant working primarily with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations, I regularly come across a wide range of website hosting platforms. Some are built for speed and scale, others focus on ease of use, and a few stand out for their sustainability or support for open-source tools.
Because website hosting is a competitive space, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by flashy features or low introductory prices. But not all hosting is created equal—especially when it comes to long-term flexibility, support, and control.
Here are my current recommendations and what I think nonprofit organizations should consider when choosing a website platform.
Should You Use a Website Builder like Wix or Squarespace?
These platforms can be very helpful for early-stage initiatives that need a quick, no-code web presence. They offer user-friendly templates and decent value for the money. But they come with limitations:
You’re essentially renting space, not owning your website.
Migrating away from these platforms can be complex and time-consuming.
You’re often tied to their specific ecosystem for features, forms, and payments.
If you’re thinking strategically about your organization’s future growth or want more control over integrations and functionality, consider investing in a more flexible, open platform.
Why WordPress Remains a Smart Choice for Nonprofits
For more than a decade, I’ve worked with clients using WordPress, the world’s most popular open-source content management system. As of this writing, it powers over 43% of all websites globally.
Some key reasons why WordPress makes sense for nonprofits:
Scalability: Start small, grow over time.
Ownership: You fully own your site and content.
Support ecosystem: Easy to find help and expertise at different price points.
Flexibility: Add e-commerce, multilingual features, donation tools, and more.
- Open-source: A project that lets anyone use the code and run it for any purpose, in great part supported by the WordPress Foundation.
That said, WordPress does require a bit of care and maintenance. At minimum, I recommend that organizations plan to check in on their site’s backend at least once or twice a year to:
Ensure the hosting server is using the latest supported PHP version
Keep plugins and themes updated to prevent security issues
Make backups and review performance
This small effort can go a long way in keeping your site fast, secure, and functional over the long term.
If you choose WordPress, your next question is: which hosting provider is right for us?
Below are a few options I recommend based on different needs.
Web Hosting Providers I Recommend for Nonprofits
Hostinger
Best for: Affordable, easy-to-use hosting for small to mid-size organizations
Clean, intuitive interface
Simple onboarding and setup
Competitive pricing
Scales well as your site grows
If you’re just getting started with WordPress or looking for budget-friendly hosting without sacrificing quality, Hostinger is a strong choice.
Cloudways
Best for: Hosting multiple websites or managing several projects
Works with top cloud providers (AWS, DigitalOcean, Google Cloud)
Lets you host multiple sites under one plan
Easy to scale server resources as your traffic grows
Ideal if your organization manages microsites, partner projects, or campaign-specific domains
Cloudways is a solid option if you want flexibility and control, especially for tech-savvy teams.
GreenGeeks
Best for: Organizations that value environmental sustainability
Eco-conscious hosting powered by renewable energy credits
Shared and WordPress-specific plans
Good performance for small to mid-size sites
If your organization is climate-focused or values reducing your digital carbon footprint, GreenGeeks is worth considering. See my other post for a more extended overview on the importance of green web hosting.
SiteGround
Best for: User-friendly setup with excellent customer support
One of the most WordPress-recommended hosts
Strong performance and uptime
Easy-to-use tools for beginners
Excellent customer service and support documentation
SiteGround balances performance and ease of use, making it a great fit for teams with limited technical staff.
WPMU DEV
Best for: Organizations offering websites or digital tools to partners or grantees
Ideal for multisite networks or “white label” hosting
Built-in tools for performance, SEO, backups, and security
Suited for organizations acting as digital service hubs
If your nonprofit supports a larger network or acts as a digital service provider, WPMU DEV may be the right tool.
WordPress.com Business or Enterprise Plans
Best for: Low-maintenance websites with solid security
Managed hosting: no plugin or core updates needed
Great security and uptime
Simple dashboard and streamlined user experience
Ideal for organizations that want to “set it and forget it”
While less flexible than self-hosted WordPress, WordPress.com can be a strong option for nonprofits that prioritize simplicity and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Choose Hosting That Aligns with Your Growth
Ultimately, your website hosting should reflect your organization’s needs—not just today, but into the future. Think about:
How much control you need
Who will maintain the website
Whether you’ll expand with microsites, event pages, or new features
Your commitment to sustainability and ethical tech
If you’re unsure where to start, I’m happy to help you evaluate your needs and suggest a hosting provider that fits your goals.
