Charity website quick start guide
Getting your charity online should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With HugoFox you can launch a polished, fully‑featured site in minutes, then grow it at your own pace.
1. Create your HugoFox charity account
-
On HugoFox.com select Build Your Website (top right).
-
Fill in the Create Account form. A referral code is optional.
-
Choose Charity as the account type, add your email and password and tick the terms box.
-
Click the Activate Account button in the first email. A second email confirms you’re ready to sign in.
Tip: The Bronze charity plan is completely free – no hidden fees, no limits and no payment details required.
2. Complete your profile and settings
Your profile populates key areas across the site, so it’s worth a few extra minutes now.
-
Organisation details – charity name, location and full address (helps visitors on mobile maps).
-
Domain – enter an existing domain if you have one; otherwise HugoFox gives you a free hugofox.com sub‑domain you can change later.
-
Primary contact – name, phone, optional second number and email.
-
Branding – upload a logo and header image (defaults show until you add your own).
-
Marketing preferences – untick if you’d rather not receive HugoFox offers.
3. Build your homepage
In the editor, type a welcoming headline and short introduction, then use content blocks to add:
-
Text – mission statement or latest appeal.
-
Gallery – images of your work.
-
Map – easy directions for visitors and volunteers.
-
Video – paste a YouTube or Vimeo link.
Drag blocks up or down to keep the most important information above the fold.
4. Add pages, news, events and more
Once the homepage is saved, the Content tab appears.
-
New pages – use the built‑in editor for Policies, Services, Volunteer Vacancies, etc.
-
News posts – ideal for announcements and fundraising updates. Keep titles short; add keywords for search visibility.
-
Event posts – promote meetings or fairs. Posts auto‑expire after the event date, and you can Clone recurring events to save time.
-
Jobs and Offers – list volunteer roles or donated goods.
5. Upload documents and forms
Policies & downloads
Upload PDFs or Word files via the Attach block so supporters can view or download terms, GDPR statements or hire agreements. Restrict access in the Members area if needed.
Custom forms
The Form block collects bookings, volunteer sign‑ups or feedback. Add fields for name, email, phone and a free‑text box.
6. Tell your story and team
-
About Us / History – combine a narrative text block with a gallery for maximum impact.
-
Staff page – use images with captions or a simple table block for committee roles.
-
Video – embed a short montage or interview with a beneficiary.
Engaging stories boost time on site and donations.
7. Add a donation button
Activate the Donation Button feature in Settings ▸ Header to display a clear “Donate” link in every menu. Link it to your preferred payment provider—visibility drives generosity.
8. Keep your site compliant
HugoFox handles cookies, templates and accessibility updates automatically, but a few items remain yours:
-
Accessibility – ensure every document and image you upload meets current standards; see the Accessibility article (click this link).
-
Privacy notices – review them at least yearly.
-
Personal data – avoid publishing anything that could breach GDPR.
Important: Remove expired files that contain personal data.
9. Go live, choose a plan, manage long‑term
-
When you’re happy, press Activate Website on the Content page and confirm – your site is now public.
-
As a charity you stay on the free Bronze plan by default: no card, no direct debit, no expiry and no feature limits.
-
Need extras like an encrypted members area, telephone support or advanced statistics? Upgrade anytime to Silver or Gold.
-
Log in whenever you like to update pages, add posts and monitor compliance.
Conclusion
Launching a charity site on HugoFox is quick, flexible and completely free at Bronze level—so you can focus on making a difference, not counting pennies.
Need a hand? Our support team is here 24/7:
-
Email us at team@hugofox.com
-
Use the contact page
-
Silver or Gold customer? Call us on 01635 888 442