Community Aid is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to homeless and low-income individuals and families in Houston, Texas. Prior to launching their new website in 2021, Community Aid relied primarily on physical donation centers, word-of-mouth, and printed materials to inform the local community about their services and ways to donate or volunteer. While these offline methods worked to some degree, the organization struggled with limited donations, an over-reliance on a small number of regular volunteers, and difficulties conveying the full scope of their programs to potential supporters.

Recognizing the need to better utilize digital tools to raise awareness and engagement, Community Aid invested in the development of a professionally designed content-rich website. The new site went live in June 2021 and immediately started having a major positive impact on the organization’s key operational areas. Perhaps most significantly, online donations saw a dramatic increase. The simple online donation forms made it extremely easy for community members and donors outside the local area to contribute financially with just a few clicks. Text and videos explaining Community Aid’s mission and how donations would directly aid those in need resonated strongly. Within the first month, online donations were up 250% compared to the previous year.

This influx of funds allowed Community Aid to meaningfully expand several of their core programs that directly help those experiencing homelessness or poverty. The organization was able to hire additional part-time case managers to take on more client cases and provide more intensive one-on-one support. They also bought a used van that allowed outreach workers to pick up and deliver food and supplies to clients who had limited mobility. This transportation assistance saved vulnerable community members time and stress. With extra funding, the food pantry significantly increased the quantities and varieties of staple grocery items as well as prepared meals. Clients reported the expanded options better met their nutritional needs.

Another major victory was the website’s positive impact on volunteer recruitment and management. Detailed program descriptions, real client testimonials, and highlighted volunteer opportunities spurred a massive increase in volunteers signing up through the online portal. Within 6 months, the regular volunteer pool grew by 350%. This allowed Community Aid to add more shifts at donation centers and food distributions. It also enabled the launch of a new book and clothing resale shop, which provided job skills training to clients while raising additional unrestricted funding. Tracking volunteers via the online dashboard made shift scheduling, communication and recognition vastly more efficient as well. Volunteer satisfaction and retention remained high due to an enhanced experience.

In addition to financial and human resources growth, the website gave Community Aid improved tracking and assessment capabilities. Google Analytics provided in-depth insights into visitor demographics, top content pages, referral sources and geography that had previously been unknown. This data-driven approach allowed Community Aid to refine their digital marketing strategies and ensure resources went towards their highest-potential opportunities. Online donation and volunteer forms integrated with the organization’s CRM, which streamlined record-keeping and reporting. Outcome measurement was also strengthened as more detailed client intake and progress data could now be captured digitally.

After only one year since launch, it is clear Community Aid’s user-friendly, content-rich website has completely transformed their operations. Not only did it raise necessary funds that powered program expansion help more Houstonians in need, it brought in a surge of volunteer support and improved the organization’s strategic decision making. Leadership reflects the new site has been pivotal in establishing Community Aid as aDigitally, Community Aid has proven that non-profits can greatly benefit from investing in an online presence that effectively engages supporters and maximizes organizational impact.