Digital Accessibility Checklist for Small Nonprofits

Accessibility can feel like an intimidating topic reserved for big organizations with big budgets. But if you run a small nonprofit, community center, or local program, there are straightforward steps you can take to make your website more inclusive.

You don’t have to become an expert in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Start with the basics below — the same kinds of checks student teams at Volta NYC walk through when they audit small business sites.

1. Text that people can actually read

Many nonprofit sites use small, low-contrast text because that’s how the template came. Fixing this alone makes your site more usable for everyone.

Check:

• Font size: Body text is at least 16px
• Contrast: Dark text on a light background (or vice versa), not gray-on-gray
• Line spacing: Enough space between lines so paragraphs don’t feel cramped

If someone in your community with older eyes can comfortably read your site on a phone, you’re on the right track.

2. Alt text for meaningful images

Screen readers rely on alternative text (alt text) to describe images. You don’t need to describe every decorative flourish, but you should describe images that convey information.

Good alt text:

• Explains what’s happening ("Two volunteers setting up tables at our food pantry")
• Avoids phrases like "image of" or "picture of" (screen readers already say that)

Update images on your homepage, About page, and key program pages first.

3. Clear, descriptive links

Many nonprofit sites still use "click here" as link text. That’s confusing for screen readers and not very helpful for sighted users either.

Better link text:

• "Read about our after-school program"
• "Download our 2025 annual report"
• "Apply to work with a student team through Volta NYC"

When a link stands alone, someone should be able to guess where it goes from the text alone.

4. Keyboard navigation

Not everyone uses a mouse. Some visitors navigate with a keyboard or assistive technology.

Quick test:

• Open your website
• Press the Tab key repeatedly

You should see a visible focus outline moving from link to link and button to button. If you lose track of where you are, your focus styling may need work.

5. Forms that don’t fight your users

If your nonprofit takes donations, sign-ups, or referrals online, make sure your forms are usable:

• Every input has a clear label
• Error messages explain what went wrong ("Please enter an email address")
• Required fields are clearly marked

Even small changes here can improve completion rates and reduce frustration.

6. Plain language over jargon

Accessibility isn’t only technical. It’s also about clarity.

Ask:

• Would someone outside our field understand this page?
• Are we using acronyms without explaining them?
• Can we shorten any paragraphs without losing meaning?

Plain, direct language helps visitors with cognitive and learning differences — and honestly helps everyone else too.

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You don’t have to fix everything at once. Start with readability, alt text, and link clarity. Then schedule time for a deeper pass on forms and keyboard navigation.

If you’re a small NYC nonprofit and want help, programs like Volta NYC’s Digital & Tech track often include accessibility checks as part of their website projects. Making your site more accessible is one of the most concrete ways to live your mission of inclusion online.