Bridging the Digital Divide: Why Functional Websites Are Nonprofit Essentials

Reflections from the 2025 48in48 Women’s Build Event: Bridging the Digital Divide

This year, I had the incredible honor of serving on the planning team for the 48in48 Women’s Build Event—an initiative that brought together volunteer teams to build 48 professional websites for women-led nonprofits in just 48 hours. And let me tell you: the experience was powerful. Not just because of the camaraderie or the #BuildThemUpChallenge shoutouts (which were amazing), but because it reminded me of a much bigger issue in the nonprofit space—digital access.

The Realization: So Many Great Causes Lack a Digital Presence

As I met and supported these organizations, one truth hit hard: there are so many incredible, mission-driven nonprofits doing transformative work… but without a website—or at least not a functional one. In this digital age, that’s more than a missed opportunity—it’s a serious barrier.

The Implications of a Lack of Digital Presence

Without a website, many nonprofits struggle to get the recognition they deserve. They miss out on funding opportunities and fail to reach potential supporters. In today's world, a digital presence is vital for growth.

Why a Website Still Matters—More Than Ever

In a world driven by search engines, social media, and AI, your website is no longer optional—it’s your digital front door. For nonprofits, it’s often the first (and sometimes only) way a funder, partner, or donor engages with your mission.

Here’s what a well-built website communicates:

• Professionalism: You take your work seriously.

• Clarity: You can articulate your mission and impact.

• Stability: You’re built for long-term change, not just short-term crisis.

• Trustworthiness: You’re open, visible, and accessible.

  
  

The Growing Divide—And It’s Technological

As technology and AI evolve rapidly, the gap between those who can keep up and those who can't is only widening. Grassroots organizations, especially those led by women or BIPOC founders, often have the heart and the vision, but not the digital infrastructure.

Impacts on Visibility and Engagement

That divide doesn't just affect operations. It limits:

• Visibility to new donors

• Access to grant opportunities

• Community engagement

• Volunteer recruitment

  
  

And ultimately—it limits growth. If we want to foster innovation in the nonprofit sector, it's crucial to ensure everyone has access to technology.

Digital Equity is Capacity Building

Being part of the 48in48 Women’s Build wasn’t just about creating websites—it was about restoring equity in access, visibility, and voice. Every site built is a step toward sustainable impact. It’s about more than code—it’s about capacity.

Creating a Sustainable Future

We need to focus on building infrastructure that allows these nonprofits to thrive. It's not always the flashiest technology. Sometimes, it's the basic tools that empower organizations to grow their mission.

Supporting Nonprofits: The Path Forward

To every grassroots leader reading this: your mission deserves a platform that reflects your power. And to every volunteer, builder, or advocate who helped create those platforms during this event—thank you. You didn’t just build websites. You built momentum.

Call to Action: Join Us in Bridging the Digital Divide

Let’s keep bridging the gap—one digital door at a time. Whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about the importance of digital presence, we can make a difference.

Every small effort counts. Let's ensure that every impactful cause receives the digital recognition it deserves. Your support can be the catalyst for transformative change in the nonprofit space—one website at a time.

If you're interested in learning more about how you can help, check out the 48in48 initiative. Together, we can make a difference.

About the Author:

Jasmine Guest-Sanders is the founder of J Creative Consulting, where she helps nonprofits and small business organizations master grant strategy, simplify planning, and tell their story with confidence. Through tools, workshops, and 1:1 support, she equips changemakers to lead with clarity and creativity.