This is a virtual world we live in – if you want success, whether it be with a business or a charity, you need an online presence.
Having an online presence means you’re “findable” not only to the people that know of you, but also by the people that haven’t heard about you. Through use of search, keywords and optimization, your charity can be taken to a whole new level. Yet what happens when they get there is up to you.
First things first, you have to make sure you follow the law. Different states have different requirements. The last thing you want to do is have your charity site shutdown because you failed to adhere to the law. You can always check out other charities online to see how they market themselves, like this myocarditis charity for example.
Now that your site is up and running, start marketing. You cannot expect visitors to just stumble upon your site and donate their money. You need to market your charity, get the word out and make it known. You want donors to seek out your site because of your compelling marketing skills. 
Take advantage of social media. You can utilize Facebook, Twitter and other social sites to help promote your cause. Create pages and accounts for your charity, gain followers and likes, and keep the content fresh.
Do not be pushy about donations. Avoid demanding viewers to donate – instead, use persuasive language to encourage their donations. Promote your cause and be specific on your site about your charity. Donors want to know where their money is going, so be prepared to answer. Make sure you include contact links for any questions.
Appearance matters when it comes to a charity website. You want a site that is visually appealing, not overbearing or ugly. Consider hiring a professional site designer to help create the look and feel you want.
Make it easy to donate. The more people have to click around to find what to do, the greater chance you have of losing them as a potential donator. Accept credit cards, online transfers, checks and cash. The more ways you offer your visitors to donate, the greater the chance of success.