By Zackary Rhodes July 11, 2025
Online giving has changed how we give to the causes we care about. With a few clicks we can support nonprofits from anywhere in the world. But what if those clicks aren’t accessible to everyone? For millions of people with disabilities, aging populations or those using assistive technology, standard donation forms can be a barrier. The result? Missed opportunity for both sides.
Accessible donation forms are about more than compliance. They mean everyone, regardless of ability, can complete the donation process with confidence, comfort and clarity. In a sector built on empathy and inclusion, web accessibility for nonprofits should be top of the list. As digital giving becomes the norm, inclusive donation experiences are no longer optional. They’re fundamental to inclusive fundraising and making giving open to all.
Why Accessibility Matters in Online Donations
Before diving into technical details, it’s crucial to understand why accessibility should be a focal point. The internet is a powerful equalizer, but only when designed with everyone in mind. Online donation forms that are cluttered, confusing, or incompatible with assistive tools like screen readers or keyboard navigation exclude entire groups of potential donors. This creates a disconnect between an organization’s values and its user experience.
The ethical and social imperative
Inclusive design is rooted in equity. A nonprofit’s mission to serve should extend to the tools it uses to engage supporters. Inclusive fundraising makes that mission tangible by removing digital barriers and allowing every individual to participate meaningfully.
The business case for accessibility
There are also practical benefits. Accessible websites often perform better in terms of SEO, mobile usability, and donor retention. Donors are more likely to return to an organization that makes the process intuitive and respectful. Improving web accessibility for nonprofits can also reduce customer service issues related to failed transactions or usability errors.
Legal considerations
Regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are increasingly applied to nonprofit websites. Legal action and reputational damage from non-compliance can be avoided by proactive design choices.
Key Barriers in Current Donation Experiences
Despite the growing awareness of digital inclusion, many donation forms remain challenging for users with disabilities. Identifying these common roadblocks is the first step toward creating accessible donation forms.
Incompatible with assistive tech
Many forms are not designed to work properly with screen readers, voice controls, or keyboard navigation. Fields may not be labeled, buttons may lack descriptions, and error messages may not be communicated effectively to users who rely on auditory feedback.
Poor visual hierarchy and color contrast
Low contrast between text and background, small font sizes, and confusing layouts make it difficult for users with visual impairments or cognitive challenges to follow through.
Complex or unnecessary steps
A long form with many required fields can deter users, especially those with mobility or attention limitations. Asking for too much information can break the flow of a donation and cause drop-offs.
No mobile optimization
Even today, some donation pages are not optimized for mobile devices. This creates major issues for users who primarily rely on smartphones, including many people in underserved communities.
Designing Accessible Donation Forms
Accessibility starts with good design. Below are best practices to make sure your donation pages are for all users and web accessibility for nonprofits standards.
Clear and consistent labeling
Each field in a form should have a label. Instead of just “Name” consider “Full Name (as it appears on your card).” This reduces confusion and helps screen readers understand the content.
Simple navigation
Make sure the form can be navigated entirely with a keyboard. Tab order should be logical and all interactive elements like checkboxes, dropdowns and submit buttons should respond to keyboard commands.
Real time error feedback
If a user skips a required field or enters incorrect information the error message should appear near the field and explain what went wrong in plain language. No color only indicators – use text and symbols too.
Proper color contrast
WCAG recommends a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal sized text. Use accessibility tools to check your color choices and make sure your form is readable by everyone.
Multiple payment options
Inclusive donation experiences also consider financial accessibility. Offering credit card, PayPal, ACH, digital wallets or even recurring giving helps donors choose what’s most convenient and manageable.
Making the Website as a Whole Accessible
Accessibility does not begin and end with the donation form. The broader site experience plays a huge role in encouraging or discouraging donations.
Ensure site-wide compliance with WCAG
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are the global standard for digital inclusion. At a minimum, aim for WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance. This covers issues like contrast, keyboard access, screen reader compatibility, and more.
Use accessible menus and navigation
Clear site structure, breadcrumb navigation, and skip links help all users; especially those with cognitive impairments or mobility challenges; navigate smoothly.
Alt-text and multimedia accessibility
Images should include alt-text descriptions. Videos should offer captions or transcripts. Audio files should have written alternatives. This approach ensures all content is digestible, regardless of a user’s abilities.
Mobile responsiveness
As mobile use continues to grow, all pages; including the donation form; should resize, load quickly, and function correctly on smaller screens. Mobile accessibility is especially important for younger donors and global audiences.
Testing for Accessibility
Designing for inclusion is only part of the job. Testing ensures that your efforts translate to a real-world accessible experience.
Use accessibility tools
Free tools like WAVE, Axe, and Lighthouse can scan your site and flag issues. While they don’t catch everything, they provide a solid starting point for improvement.
Test with real users
Involve people with disabilities in usability testing. Ask them to complete a donation using screen readers, switch devices, or keyboard-only navigation. Their feedback is invaluable and will highlight issues automated tools might miss.
Manual walkthroughs
Use your keyboard to navigate the donation form without a mouse. See if you can fill out the form, reach every button, and submit successfully. This simple exercise can uncover big problems.
Training and Awareness Within Your Organization
Accessibility is a team effort. Designers, developers, marketers and fundraisers all have a part to play in creating an inclusive fundraising experience.
Educate your team
Hold workshops or bring in accessibility consultants to educate staff about digital inclusion. Even basic training can equip people to spot issues and champion solutions.
Make it part of the workflow
Incorporate accessibility checks into the design and launch process. Treat it like mobile optimisation or SEO – an essential part of building a working product.
Set accessibility goals
Define measurable targets for your site, such as WCAG AA compliance or improving usability scores for donors with assistive needs.
Language and Tone
Accessibility isn’t just about technical structure. Language plays a big part in whether someone feels welcome and valued.
Use plain language
Avoid jargon or long sentences. Donation forms and confirmation messages should be clear, warm and direct.
Reinforce inclusion
Use inclusive language like “your support makes a difference” or “thank you for being part of our community”. These messages remind donors that their gift, no matter how big or small, matters.
Provide context
When asking for information like an email or phone number, explain why it’s needed. This builds trust and helps the user feel in control of the process.
Long-Term Commitment to Accessibility
Making a site accessible is not a one-time project; it’s an ongoing responsibility.
Audit regularly
Technology changes, and so do accessibility standards. Conduct yearly audits of your donation process and website to stay current and compliant.
Involve leadership
Get buy-in from executives and board members. Accessibility should be viewed not as a checkbox but as a strategic imperative that reflects your values.
Celebrate progress
Share your commitment publicly. Let donors and the community know that you are working to make your platform welcoming to everyone. It reinforces trust and sets an example for others in the sector.
FAQs
What are accessible donation forms?
Accessible donation forms are online giving forms that are designed to be usable by people with disabilities. They work with assistive technologies like screen readers, have proper contrast and labels, and are navigable by keyboard.
Why is inclusive fundraising important?
Inclusive fundraising ensures everyone can support causes they care about, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations. It aligns with nonprofit values and increases the pool of potential donors.
How can I test if my donation page is accessible?
Start with tools like WAVE or Axe. For deeper insights, conduct manual tests using keyboard navigation and screen readers. Involving users with disabilities in testing is ideal.
Are accessible websites required by law?
In many regions, yes. The ADA in the United States, for example, has been interpreted to apply to nonprofit websites. Even where laws are vague, compliance is a wise risk-mitigation and ethical move.
What if my platform doesn’t support accessibility?
Consider switching to a platform that does. Many fundraising tools like Classy, Donorbox, and GiveWP offer strong accessibility features. Before choosing, test the donation flow yourself and look for accessibility compliance in the documentation.
Does accessibility help with mobile giving?
Yes. Many accessibility best practices overlap with mobile optimization. Ensuring your forms are responsive and easy to navigate helps all users, including those on smartphones or tablets.