Member-based organisations need websites that build trust and save admin time. Churches benefit most from service times, sermons, events and clear M-Pesa giving instructions. SACCOs need products, eligibility, a loan calculator, downloadable forms and a secure member portal. NGOs need a clear mission, programmes, impact stories, reports and safe ways to donate. All three should show who leads them and how to contact them.
In this guide
Churches, SACCOs and NGOs have something in common: they run on trust and on their members. Members want quick answers — service times, contribution balances, how to give or apply — and the public wants to know the organisation is real, well-run and accountable. A website that does both reduces phone calls and paperwork, and makes it easier for new people to join, give or partner with you.
What every member organisation's website needs
- Who you are — mission, history, leadership and how you are governed.
- How to join — requirements, forms and the next step, in plain language.
- How to pay or give — Paybill details with the right account names, or an online M-Pesa form.
- Events and notices — kept up to date, with dates that have not already passed.
- Contacts and location — office hours, phone, WhatsApp, email and a map.
- A privacy policy — member data is personal data under the Data Protection Act, 2019.
Church websites
For a church, the website is often the first visit before the first visit. Newcomers want to know when to come, what to expect and where to park; members want sermons, events and an easy way to give.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Service times and location | The most-searched information. Put it on the home page, with a map and directions. |
| "Plan your visit" | What to expect, children's ministry, language of services, accessibility. |
| Sermons and livestream | Links to YouTube or Facebook live, sermon notes and series. |
| Ministries and groups | Youth, women, men, choir, fellowships — with a contact for each. |
| Events calendar | Conferences, harambees, weddings and special services. |
| Giving | Paybill with clear account names (TITHE, OFFERING, BUILDING, MISSIONS) or an online M-Pesa giving form with SMS receipts. |
SACCO websites
A SACCO website has to inform potential members and serve existing ones. Members' money is involved, so clarity and security come first.
- Products — savings, shares, each loan product with its eligibility, repayment period and requirements.
- Loan calculator — members estimate repayments before they apply, which saves the office many calls.
- Downloads — membership, loan, guarantor and withdrawal forms, by-laws and annual reports.
- Member portal — secure login to see contributions, share capital, loan balances, guarantorships and statements.
- Contributions by M-Pesa — Paybill with the member number as the account, or an STK Push form. See how M-Pesa website payments work.
- Reach every member — many SACCOs add USSD for balance checks on basic phones and SMS for confirmations and reminders.
Be accurate about regulation. If your SACCO is licensed or registered — for example by SASRA or under the Co-operative Societies Act — say so accurately on the About page. Never claim a licence or status you do not hold; it damages trust and can attract sanctions.
NGO and community organisation websites
Donors, partners and the communities you serve all check your website. It should prove that you are legitimate, show what you achieve, and make it easy to support you.
- Mission and programmes — what you do, where, and for whom, with real photos and stories (with consent).
- Impact — numbers you can back up, case studies and annual reports. Do not round up or invent figures; donors check.
- Governance and accountability — board, registration status, audited accounts, safeguarding and complaints policies.
- Get involved — donate (M-Pesa and, for international supporters, card or bank), volunteer, partner, careers and tenders.
- News and resources — reports, research and updates that show the work continues.
Online giving and contributions: options compared
| Option | Effort to set up | Records | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paybill instructions on the website | Very low | From your M-Pesa statement, matched by account name | Getting started |
| M-Pesa STK Push form | Medium (developer needed) | Automatic, per member or purpose, with SMS receipt | Churches and SACCOs with many regular givers |
| Card or international payments | Medium | Through the payment provider | NGOs with donors outside Kenya |
Protecting members' data
Membership lists, contributions, loans and giving records are personal data, and some of it — such as religious affiliation or health information — is sensitive. Under Kenya's Data Protection Act, 2019 you should collect only what you need, keep it secure behind proper logins, limit who can see it, and tell members how it is used. Organisations in some sectors must also register with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. Our data protection checklist explains what to do.
Which domain should you use?
Non-profits, churches and associations commonly use .or.ke; businesses and many SACCOs use .co.ke; international NGOs often add a .org. Whatever you choose, register it in the organisation's name, not a member's or a volunteer's. See how to register a .ke domain.
How Elvinsoft can help
We build websites and systems for churches, SACCOs and NGOs — from simple sites with giving instructions to member portals with M-Pesa contributions, SMS receipts and USSD balance checks. See Web Development or tell us what your members need.
Frequently asked questions
How can church members give through the website?
The simplest way is to show your Paybill number with clear account names (for example TITHE, OFFERING or BUILDING). A more advanced option is an M-Pesa STK Push giving form that records each contribution and sends an SMS receipt.
What should a SACCO member portal show?
Typically contributions, share capital, loan balances, statements, guarantorships and loan application status. It must have secure logins, and members' data must be protected under the Data Protection Act, 2019.
Which domain should an NGO use?
Non-profit organisations in Kenya commonly use .or.ke. A .org address is a good choice for NGOs working internationally. Either way, register it in the organisation's name.
Should a SACCO mention its regulator on the website?
If your SACCO is licensed or registered by a regulator such as SASRA or the Commissioner for Co-operative Development, stating it accurately builds trust. Never claim a licence or registration you do not hold.
This guide is general information for Kenyan businesses, written by the Elvinsoft team and checked on 31 October 2026. Prices, rules and provider processes change; confirm the details that matter to you before you act.
