On this page
- 01Key takeaways
- 02How much does a charity website cost?
- 03What do donation tools cost?
- 04How should trustees budget?
- 05Why does accessibility matter for charities?
- 06When can a charity spend less?
- 07What does this look like in practice?
- 08Charity website checklist
- 09Next step
- 10Sources and further reading
- 11Frequently asked questions
Key takeaways
A website for a small UK charity typically costs £2,000 to £12,000, plus £30 to £200 a month to run, and donation platforms usually take a fee per donation. Many suppliers offer charity discounts. Trustees should budget for the whole life of the site and choose donation tools that capture Gift Aid declarations properly.
- Small charity site: about £2,000 to £6,000.
- Larger charity site with tools: about £6,000 to £12,000.
- Running costs: about £30 to £200 a month.
- Donation platforms: a fee per donation.
Want your charity website costed? Message us on WhatsApp.
Chat on WhatsApp →How much does a charity website cost?
A charity website typically costs £2,000 to £6,000 for a small charity and £6,000 to £12,000 for larger ones with donations, events and volunteer tools, based on UK quotes. Running costs add about £30 to £200 a month. Charity discounts on software and services can reduce both.
What do donation tools cost?
Donation tools charge a percentage per donation, a monthly fee, or both, plus card fees. Compare total cost at your donation volume. Choose tools that capture Gift Aid declarations correctly so you can claim the extra 25p per pound from HMRC.
- Per-donation fees and card fees.
- Monthly platform fees.
- Gift Aid declaration capture.
Want donation tool costs compared? Message us on WhatsApp and we will discuss your requirements.
Chat on WhatsApp →How should trustees budget?
Trustees have a duty to manage resources responsibly, so budget for build, running costs and refresh over three to five years rather than the build alone. Charity Commission guidance on trustee duties applies to website spending like any other.
Why does accessibility matter for charities?
Charities often serve people with disabilities or in vulnerable situations, so building to WCAG 2.2 AA is part of reaching your beneficiaries. Plan it from the start, when it costs least.
When can a charity spend less?
A small charity can spend less on a hosted builder with a donate button, clear information about its work and contact details. Spend more when online donations, events or volunteer recruitment are central to funding.
What does this look like in practice?
At Global Bridge Labs (GBL), a UK community charity used a donation tool that did not capture Gift Aid declarations. Switching tools cost little but allowed Gift Aid claims on most new donations, adding a quarter to their value.
Charity website checklist
- Budget over three to five years.
- Ask suppliers about charity discounts.
- Compare donation platform fees.
- Capture Gift Aid declarations.
- Build to WCAG 2.2 AA.
- Record decisions in trustee minutes.
Next step
Check whether your donation tool captures Gift Aid declarations. If not, switching may raise more than any redesign.
Message us on WhatsApp for a charity website brief, or book a 30-minute consultation.
Chat on WhatsApp →Sources and further reading
- The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do (CC3) · Charity Commission
- Claiming Gift Aid as a charity or CASC: how to claim · HM Revenue & Customs
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 · W3C
Frequently asked questions
How much does a website cost for a small charity?
A small charity website typically costs £2,000 to £6,000, and £6,000 to £12,000 for larger charities with donations, events and volunteer tools. Running costs are about £30 to £200 a month. Donation platforms add per-donation fees, and many suppliers offer charity discounts.
What is the cheapest way for a charity to take online donations?
Usually a donation platform or payment provider with low per-donation fees and no monthly charge, linked from a simple site. Compare total fees at your expected volume, and check that the tool captures Gift Aid declarations properly so you can claim from HMRC.
Do charities get discounts on websites?
Many software providers and some web designers offer charity discounts or free tiers, covering tools such as email, donation platforms and hosting. Ask suppliers directly. Discounts help, but trustees should still compare total cost over several years and the quality of support offered.
Written by
Global Bridge Labs (GBL) is a UK–Sri Lanka partner for social media, websites and BPO. Everything here comes from client delivery, not theory.
