Building an Online Community for Your Nonprofit: Tips & Best Practices

Supporters don’t just want to donate and disappear. Many are looking for a way to stay connected, engage with others who care about your cause, and become part of something bigger. That’s where online communities come in.

Whether it’s a Facebook Group for your volunteers, a private Discord server for advocates, or a forum for survivors and allies, building an online community can create long-term engagement and loyalty that no email campaign or one-time donation form can replicate.

In this guide, we’ll explore how nonprofits can build meaningful digital communities that support their mission, connect their audience, and deepen impact.

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• Why Online Communities Matter for Nonprofits
• Top Platforms for Building a Nonprofit Community
  • Facebook Groups
  • Discord
  • Private Forums
• Tips for Creating a Thriving Online Community
• Real-Life Examples of Nonprofit Communities

Why Online Communities Matter for Nonprofits

Online communities allow nonprofits to go beyond the broadcast model of communication. Instead of talking to your audience, you create space for them to talk with each other—and with you.

Here’s what that creates:

• A deeper sense of belonging
• More peer-to-peer support
• Opportunities to share knowledge and resources
• Increased retention of donors, volunteers, and advocates

According to Nonprofit Tech for Good, nonprofits that use Facebook Groups and other community platforms see stronger engagement and repeat interaction than through email or social media alone.

Top Platforms for Building a Nonprofit Community

There’s no one-size-fits-all platform, but here are three of the most effective options.

Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups are easy to set up, familiar to most people, and integrated with your nonprofit’s Facebook Page. You can use them to:

• Welcome new donors or volunteers
• Share exclusive updates or event invites
• Host Q&As or live videos
• Encourage community conversations

Best for: broad supporter groups, volunteer coordination, peer support

Learn how to create and manage a Facebook Group with Meta’s official guide.

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Discord

Originally built for gamers, Discord has become a popular space for mission-driven organizations and online communities. It’s fast, flexible, and ideal for younger audiences or tech-savvy users.

You can create multiple “channels” for different topics—like #announcements, #resources, #peer-support—and host live audio conversations or events.

Best for: advocacy groups, Gen Z and millennial engagement, virtual events

Check out Discord for Communities to learn more.

Private Forums

If you want full control over privacy and branding, building a forum on your website may be worth the investment. This works especially well for sensitive topics like domestic violence, mental health, or trauma recovery—where anonymity, safety, and moderation are crucial.

Platforms like Discourse and Mighty Networks are great places to start.

Best for: topic-specific peer support, high privacy needs, long-term discussion threads

Tips for Creating a Thriving Online Community

No matter the platform, here’s what turns a digital space into a community.

1. Set Clear Intentions

Be upfront about what the group is for—and who it’s for. Whether it’s a space for survivors to support each other, or a place for volunteers to share tips, clarity helps people show up with purpose.

Include community guidelines that align with your mission and values.

2. Appoint Moderators

A safe space doesn’t run itself. Assign trusted team members or volunteers to help:

• Welcome new members
• Remove spam or harmful content
• Keep conversations respectful and constructive
• Answer questions or flag opportunities

Moderators should reflect the diversity and lived experience of your community.

3. Start Conversations Regularly

People are more likely to engage when you give them something to respond to. Try:

• Weekly questions or polls
• Behind-the-scenes updates
• Shared resources
• Inspirational quotes or stories

Encourage user-generated content too—like photos from events or personal testimonials.

4. Keep it Human

Community isn’t about being perfect. Be real, present, and approachable. Share your own stories. Acknowledge challenges. Celebrate wins together.

People join communities to feel connected, not just informed.

5. Respect Privacy and Safety

If your community deals with sensitive topics, always prioritize safety.

• Use anonymous usernames or private groups when necessary
• Avoid sharing personal info outside the group
• Create reporting channels for harassment or abuse

Make your community a space where people feel seen and safe.

Real-Life Examples of Nonprofit Communities

• To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) runs Facebook Groups and live chats for people navigating depression and self-harm
• Trans Lifeline hosts moderated Discord spaces for peer support
• Black Girls CODE uses Slack and forums to connect youth and mentors around the world
• Postpartum Support International runs private online groups for new parents coping with perinatal mood disorders

These organizations use digital community to extend their mission beyond programs and into daily life.

Final Thoughts

An online community can become a lifeline—for your supporters, for the people you serve, and for your mission.

It’s not just about engagement metrics or reach. It’s about creating space for connection, healing, and action. And in a world that can feel increasingly disconnected, that kind of space matters more than ever.

Want help setting up a digital community strategy for your nonprofit?
RJ’s Digital Solutions specializes in community-driven digital strategies for nonprofits. Reach out today and let’s build something meaningful together.