Now imagine that same frustration online. That’s what your donors feel when your fundraising campaigns aren’t accessible.

Accessibility isn’t just a “nice-to-have”. It’s essential. It’s not about being politically correct. It’s about showing your entire donor base that they matter. That you see them. That you’re building a movement that includes them, too.

Exclusion by Design

The truth? Most inaccessibility isn’t intentional; it’s a byproduct of design choices made without everyone in mind.

Think about it: If you’ve never had to use a screen reader or navigate a website with limited vision or mobility, it might never cross your mind that your donation form is a labyrinth.

But here’s the kicker: Designing without accessibility means excluding by default.

You’re not just missing out on donations. You’re silently telling people:
This space wasn’t built for you.

And that’s a message no cause wants to send.

Why This Hits Close to Home

As a disability advocate and mom to two daughters on the autism spectrum, I’ve watched people I love get sidelined—not by cruelty, but by oversight.

Organizations with big hearts and good intentions still make big mistakes. Why? Because they’re not asking the right questions.

5 Key Questions Every Fundraiser Should Ask

Here’s your new pre-launch checklist. If you can’t confidently say “yes” to all of these, you’ve got work to do. But don’t worry, we’ve got solutions too.

1. Can your content be read without squinting?

Tiny fonts and low contrast aren’t just annoying; they’re exclusionary.

• Use at least 16-point font
• High color contrast (black on white is safe)
• Clean spacing and clear headings
  Think about a 75-year-old donor using an iPad or someone with dyslexia just trying to make it through a paragraph.

   

2. Is your language plain and clear?

Jargon might sound professional, but it confuses people. Don’t write like a grant application. Write like you’re explaining it to a smart 12-year-old.

• Short sentences
• Simple vocabulary
• Clear call-to-action (CTA)
   

3. Are your visuals inclusive?

Images without alt text and videos without captions are big red flags.

• Add descriptive alt text
• Caption your videos
• Don’t rely on color alone to convey info

   

4. Is your donation process usable for everyone?

Twelve-click donation processes, unclear forms, or buttons without labels? Big no-nos.

• Test with screen readers
• Simplify your forms
• Label your buttons with action words (e.g., “Donate Now” vs “Submit”)

   

5. Do you offer non-digital giving options?

Not everyone wants—or can—give online.

• Offer check-by-mail instructions
• List a phone number to call in a gift
• Make alternative options prominent, not hidden in the fine print

How to Bake in Accessibility from the Ground Up

So what can you do, practically speaking?

Here are smart, simple strategies that’ll move the needle:

• Train your whole team. Accessibility isn’t a “tech thing.” Everyone—writers, designers, fundraisers—should know the basics.
• Partner with disabled consultants. Co-create, don’t assume.
  Make accessibility part of onboarding. It should be baked into your org culture, not duct-taped on later.

   

💡 Pro Tip: Start with one change per campaign. Layer in improvements over time. Perfect is the enemy of progress.

Accessibility Is the Future of Fundraising

The fundraising world is shifting. We’re moving from reach everyone to include everyone and there’s a big difference.

An inclusive campaign doesn’t just invite more donations. It builds community. It earns trust. It turns one-time givers into lifelong supporters.

Because when you make people feel seen, they show up.