Crafting Inclusive and Accessible Forms

August 29, 2024 | 26 minutes

Cliff Persaud Director of Strategy and Creative

Forms are often the final step between a motivated visitor and a meaningful action. A donation. A volunteer application. A newsletter signup. A contact request. Too often, those journeys end in abandonment.

In this webinar, Cliff Persaud, Director of Strategy and Creative at Kanopi Studios, shares practical ways to design forms that are more inclusive, more accessible, and more likely to convert.

What you’ll learn

Why users abandon forms

Complexity and unnecessary fields that increase friction
Confusing layouts (especially multi-column designs) that raise cognitive load
Accessibility gaps like poor contrast, small text, and weak mobile experiences
Unclear instructions and error messages that derail completion

What to consider before you build

How to identify your “most challenging user” and design for them
How to build accessibility into personas so user needs drive decisions early
How to decide what’s truly essential from the user’s point of view (not just the organization’s)
How inclusive language improves comfort, trust, and overall satisfaction
How to avoid errors caused by “non-standard” inputs (hyphenated names, accents, short names)

How to optimize for accessibility and conversion

Designing for mobile tap targets and spacing so forms are easy to complete on any device
Keeping forms focused by asking only for what users perceive as essential
Avoiding “othering” in form options and building more inclusive choice sets
Why sliders and ambiguous toggles can create accessibility barriers and confusion
How to implement real-time, specific error handling that supports completion
How to test keyboard navigation and tab order to ensure forms work for everyone
Why clickable labels matter for usability, mobility considerations, and reduced friction

A note on trust and privacy

Visitors often hesitate to share personal data if they’re not sure how it will be used. Cliff explains why it helps to include plain-language guidance near the form itself that answers two questions clearly:

How will this information be used?
How will it not be used?

Watch the webinar

Use the video player on this page to watch the full session. If you’d like to talk through how these ideas apply to your site, reach out. We’re always happy to help teams build forms that are easier to use and better aligned with accessibility best practices.

Harnessing Data: Analytics and Insights for Nonprofits

October 13, 2023 | 60 minutes

Natalie Yelton Content Strategist & Copywriter

Kanopi’s Content Strategist & Copywriter, Natalie Yelton, speaks to this topic as one of the expert panelists.

NXUnite connects leaders in the mission-driven space with the resources and people they need for their organization to thrive. From hosting panels with industry experts to providing curated listings of learning opportunities, NXUnite helps nonprofits and other mission-driven organizations get their important questions answered. Gain insight, share knowledge, and connect with the people you need to accomplish your mission. NXUnite brings leaders together in an unstoppable community that facilitates valuable connections.

https://nxunite.com/

Nonprofits are surrounded by data, but many teams still struggle to turn it into insight, action, and impact. In this panel conversation, nonprofit and data leaders discuss practical ways to build a data-informed culture, prioritize analytics work, tell better stories, and protect sensitive information, without losing sight of mission.

What you’ll learn

How to get started, even with limited resources

You don’t need a massive budget to become more data-driven.
Start with the tools you already have (CRMs, spreadsheets, Google Sheets), then build from there.
A “system should follow a strategy”: define the mission goal first, then decide what data you need to measure it.

How to build a data-driven culture

Align the organization on a small set of clear KPIs.
Socialize priorities from executive leadership through to frontline teams.
Make sure there is agreement that the organization will actually use the data, not just produce dashboards no one reads.
Establish ownership and stewardship so data stays clean, correct, and actionable.

How to prioritize analytics projects for ROI

Start with executive buy-in, where visibility into the biggest gaps and opportunities is often strongest.
Start small and aim for incremental wins, rather than a “big bang” system change.
Match tool complexity to your true needs and the level of internal data talent.
Invest in talent (in-house or consultants) before overspending on platforms.

How data can support nonprofit storytelling

Strong stories are more compelling when they’re backed by evidence.
Use visualization (charts, infographics, interactive dashboards) to make complex data easier to understand.
Combine impact stats with human stories (quotes from volunteers or supporters) to build connection.
Design data collection with the story in mind: data is only as powerful as the questions you ask of it.

How to protect donor and beneficiary data

Understand privacy laws and compliance requirements tied to where and how you operate.
Reduce spreadsheet risk: files saved to desktops and emailed around can easily expose sensitive information.
Create data governance rules with IT and ensure vendors can meet your security posture.
Use least-privilege access and separate sensitive PII into restricted datasets when possible.
Keep websites secure with updates, MFA, strong password policies, and limited permissions.
Prepare a communications plan for breaches, including transparent updates and FAQs.

What’s next for nonprofits

Donor expectations are evolving, especially around personalized experiences and clear, data-backed impact.
AI offers real promise, but only if governance and data quality are in place (clean, centralized, reliable data is foundational).
The biggest unlock is often automation and streamlining manual work so mission teams can focus on outcomes, not wrangling.

Speakers

Colleen Carol, NX Unite Lead, Nexus Marketing (Moderator)
Justin Birdsong, Founder + Principal, Skeleton Key Strategies
Nathan Moore, Team Lead, Nonprofit Sales + Strategy, Civis Analytics
Natalie Yelton, Content Strategist + Copywriter, Kanopi Studios
David Leay, Engagement Manager, Brooklyn Data Company

Our Digital World: Getting in Front of Your Nonprofit Supporters

May 08, 2023 | 68 minutes

Cliff Persaud Director of Strategy and Creative

Our Digital World: Getting In Front Of Your Nonprofits Supporters, hosted by NXUnite!

Kanopi’s Director of Strategy and Creative, Cliff Persaud, speaks to this topic as one of the expert panelists. NXUnite connects leaders in the mission-driven space with the resources and people they need for their organization to thrive. From hosting panels with industry experts to providing curated listings of nonprofit learning opportunities, NXUnite helps organizations get their important questions answered. Gain insight, share knowledge, and connect with the people you need to accomplish your mission. NXUnite brings nonprofit leaders together in an unstoppable community that facilitates valuable connections.

https://nxunite.com/

Digital is no longer a “nice to have” for nonprofits. It’s how supporters discover you, learn what you stand for, and decide whether to take action. In this panel, nonprofit marketing leaders share practical, budget-friendly ways to strengthen your online presence, attract new supporters, and measure what’s working, even with limited staff and resources.

What you’ll learn

Why digital presence matters more than ever

Supporter habits have shifted to “online-first”, and those behaviors have stayed.
Your website is your front door and your business card: it’s often the first and most important touchpoint.
Digital channels help nonprofits scale reach beyond local communities and connect with supporters anywhere.
A strong digital presence provides data you can use to improve messaging and engagement over time.

Budget-friendly strategies that work

Clarify your value proposition quickly and clearly on your website.
Use social media strategically, not just for announcements: market to different supporter personas with clear next steps.
Strengthen email marketing, including list-building and segmentation, to turn supporters into advocates.
Lean into organic marketing by sounding like yourself: distinctive messaging costs nothing, but helps you stand out.
Take advantage of nonprofit-specific programs and discounts (including tools and platforms available at reduced cost).

How to get in front of new supporters

Focus on two key levers:
- Discoverability (search + social visibility)
- Social proof (recommendations, sharing, community validation)
Build partnerships with digital ambassadors and “street teams” to reach new audiences through trusted voices.
Create interactive content on your site and bring in guest contributors (blogs, webinars, podcasts) to expand reach and credibility.

What to track and how to use metrics

Avoid vanity metrics that don’t connect to mission outcomes.
Track meaningful conversions: donations, event registrations, volunteer signups, and other mission-forward actions.
Measure success across the full supporter journey, from first engagement to conversion, then refine what’s working.
Look for warm segments you can re-engage, including one-time donors and highly engaged “quiet supporters.”

How to get leadership buy-in

Center decisions on user needs, not internal preferences.
Clearly explain:
- What you want to do
- Why it matters
- How it advances mission outcomes
Make room for experimentation: growth requires trying new approaches and learning from results.
Build the business case with clear ROI thinking, using discipline and data to support investment decisions.

Advice for very small nonprofits

Start by getting your website “dialed in”: performance, navigation, messaging, and clear calls to action.
Don’t feel pressured to create content everywhere. Choose channels you can sustain.
Use partnerships and ambassadors to grow reach without relying solely on your own follower count.
Get clear about who you serve and where, and make that obvious across your website and social profiles.

What’s next for nonprofit marketing

Personalization and tailored experiences will become increasingly important.
New tools are lowering the barrier to entry for effective marketing, data collection, and content creation.
AI can help small teams move faster, but it must be used responsibly and ethically.
Owning your digital presence also protects your organization against misinformation and imitators.

Speakers

Colleen Carroll, Content Publishing Coordinator, Nexus Marketing (Moderator)
Christina Edwards, Founder, Splendid Consulting
Cliff Persaud, Director of Strategy and Creative, Kanopi Studios
Ellen Bristol, President, Bristol Strategy Group
Jessica King, Business Leader, Getting Attention

Nonprofit Hybrid Work Best Practices

January 17, 2023 | 57 minutes

Erin Linkins VP of Human Resources

Kanopi’s Director of Human Resources, Erin Linkins, speaks to this topic as one of the expert panelists.

NXUnite connects leaders in the mission-driven space with the resources and people they need for their organization to thrive. From hosting panels with industry experts to providing curated listings of nonprofit learning opportunities, NXUnite helps organizations get their important questions answered. Gain insight, share knowledge, and connect with the people you need to accomplish your mission. NXUnite brings nonprofit leaders together in an unstoppable community that facilitates valuable connections.

https://nxunite.com/

Hybrid and remote work are no longer emergency measures. They’re intentional, long-term operating models that shape culture, equity, recruitment, retention, and how teams collaborate. In this panel, nonprofit HR and operations leaders share what’s changed since the pandemic, what’s working now, and what nonprofits can do to strengthen hybrid practices without burning out already-busy teams.

What you’ll learn

How hybrid work has changed

Hybrid work is now broadly accepted by leadership and candidates, and many workers now know whether remote work fits them.
For place-based nonprofits, hybrid is especially complex because many roles cannot be done remotely.
The big shift: hybrid work is now intentional, not circumstantial, which means policies, expectations, and culture must catch up.

How to maintain and grow culture in hybrid teams

Culture depends on clear expectations: who works where, when, and how, plus communication norms and accountability.
Remote team members can easily feel like outsiders if meetings and decisions happen informally in-office.
Build connection on purpose: digital community spaces (Slack channels for social connection), structured touchpoints, and equitable benefits matter.

High-impact changes that don’t require a huge overhaul

Put a centralized project tracking system in place (Trello/Jira/etc.) so remote staff don’t miss “hallway decisions.”
Set recurring meetings on a predictable cadence rather than constantly rescheduling.
Consider lightweight daily or weekly “stand-ups” for alignment and momentum.
Share information across departments so employees understand how work connects and where the organization is headed.

Evaluating your hybrid practices

Survey your workforce regularly to assess engagement, friction points, and needs.
Add “stay interviews” (not just exit interviews): what’s working, what isn’t, what would help?
Be prepared for multi-state compliance if you hire across regions. State-specific employment laws, policy supplements, and HR support become essential.
Make sure the organization has a “common thread” of culture and values, even when policies differ by location.

Common pitfalls to watch for

Disengagement and loneliness, especially for remote staff without strong connection mechanisms.
Perceived inequity between roles that can work remotely and those that must be on-site.
Over-reliance on “we’ll figure it out later,” which creates confusion and resentment.
Major leadership shifts that suddenly change remote expectations can trigger attrition.

Future trends to prepare for

Hybrid work will stay common, and candidates may request remote flexibility as a condition of employment.
Pay equity and salary banding are increasingly important as teams become geographically distributed.
Wage transparency laws are expanding, which also raises questions about stipends, benefits parity, and what “total compensation” includes.
Leaders need to communicate the “why” behind decisions clearly and consistently.

Bigger conversations nonprofits should keep having

Panelists highlighted topics they want nonprofits to keep exploring:

Mergers, partnerships, and collaboration as a strategy for sustainability and workforce competitiveness.
Total compensation strategy and how to communicate it as part of recruiting and retention.
Staff augmentation (contractors, agency partners, flexible staffing) to navigate uncertain budgets or capacity constraints.

Speakers

Colleen Carroll, Content Publishing Coordinator, Nexus Marketing (Moderator)
Allison Fuller, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Envision Consulting
Erin Linkins, Director of HR, Kanopi Studios
Jill Krumholz, Co-Owner and Managing Partner, Real HR Solutions

Your Nonprofits Virtual Architecture: Nonprofit Web Design Innovation and Best Practices

November 16, 2022 | 58 minutes

Anne Stefanyk CEO/Founder

Your Nonprofit’s Virtual Architecture: Nonprofit Website Design Innovation and Best Practices, hosted by NXUnite!

Kanopi’s CEO, Anne Stefanyk, speaks to this topic as one of the expert panelists. NXUnite connects leaders in the mission-driven space with the resources and people they need for their organization to thrive. From hosting panels with industry experts to providing curated listings of nonprofit learning opportunities, NXUnite helps organizations get their important questions answered. Gain insight, share knowledge, and connect with the people you need to accomplish your mission. NXUnite brings nonprofit leaders together in an unstoppable community that facilitates valuable connections.

https://nxunite.com/

Your website is more than a digital brochure. It’s a living, evolving hub that should help supporters, donors, advocates, and service recipients find what they need quickly and take action with confidence. In this panel, nonprofit web leaders explore what makes nonprofit websites unique, how to prioritize improvements without overwhelm, and what best practices are shaping the future of mission-driven digital experiences.

What you’ll learn

How nonprofit web design differs from other sectors

Nonprofit websites serve multiple audiences with different, sometimes conflicting, needs.
Storytelling matters more than ever, especially when the goal is action, not just information.
A helpful framework: your audiences are the “hero” and your nonprofit is the “guide”, supporting them toward impact.

Small changes that can make a big difference

Shift your mindset: your website is never “done.” Iterate in phases instead of waiting for the perfect overhaul.
Prioritize one problem at a time, and focus on removing friction from your most important pathways.
Improve performance first. Faster load times can immediately increase engagement and conversions.
Audit and map your content to personas and journey stages (awareness, consideration, decision) to uncover gaps and opportunities.

How to keep up with best practices

Follow reputable agencies and organizations that publish nonprofit-focused insights and resources.
Lean on professional communities and peer networks to share learnings and recommendations.
Watch what other sectors are doing, then adapt the most relevant practices to nonprofit realities.

How to handle stakeholder complexity

Identify which stakeholders truly need to make decisions and which need clear updates.
Engage leadership early and often to avoid “last-minute” derailments.
Use data to build alignment: heatmaps, analytics, and search behavior help clarify what users actually need.
Establish design principles early to connect strategy to design decisions and reduce subjective debates.

Content collection without delays

Use structured tools like a content matrix or content inventory to make content delivery manageable.
Break the work into smaller milestones and workshop priority pages first.
If needed, bring in external writing support to help teams meet deadlines and maintain momentum.

Accessibility and inclusivity as must-haves

Accessibility is table stakes, not optional. Prioritize based on your audience needs and test with real assistive technology.
Accessibility includes technical factors (keyboard navigation, image alt text) and inclusive content choices (language, imagery, form fields).

Translation best practices

Browser-based translation can help, but it’s not a substitute for high-quality translation when accuracy matters.
For multilingual sites, investing in professional translation (human-led or vetted services) protects clarity, tone, and trust.

What’s next for nonprofit web design

Panelists highlighted several areas nonprofits should keep leaning into:

Digital accessibility as a baseline expectation.
Omnichannel experiences that connect website, email, social, and campaigns into one cohesive journey.
Ethical storytelling, especially visual storytelling, with care for dignity, representation, and mission context.
Intentional landing pages that match campaign sources and focus on one clear action at a time.

Speakers

Colleen Carroll, Content Publishing Coordinator, Nexus Marketing (Moderator)
Ann Stefanyk, Co-Founder and CEO, Kanopi Studios
Casey Crawford, Vice President of Digital Strategy, Pursuant
Carla Desperadel, Design Director, Constructive