We work with a wide range of organisations in the voluntary sector, and one thing is always clear: your website matters.
For many charities, membership bodies and community groups, a website isn’t just a “nice to have”. It’s a core part of how you communicate — with your members, your service users, the wider public, and often your funders too.
A good website helps you explain what you do, show your impact, and make it easy for people to engage with your work. It becomes a central place where everything connects — from news and events to resources, campaigns and fundraising.
This is something we understand well, because our background is rooted in the voluntary sector. Between us, we’ve worked with conservation organisations, international NGOs and community groups for many years. That experience shapes how we approach every project.
Lyndsey still volunteers, and before We Dig Media she also worked as a grants officer. That means we don’t just think about how a website looks — we think about how it fits into funding applications, reporting requirements and long-term organisational needs.
Why it helps to talk early
One of the most useful things we can do is get involved early — ideally before you submit a funding application.
At that stage, there are often lots of questions:
- How much should a website cost?
- What’s the difference between design and development?
- Do you need a new brand, or can you build on what you have?
- Should the site be bilingual?
- What ongoing costs do you need to plan for?
These aren’t always easy to answer if you don’t build websites regularly. But they can make a big difference to whether a funding bid is realistic — and successful.
We can help you think these things through properly, so your application reflects what you actually need.
Looking at the full picture
A website project is rarely just one cost. There are a number of elements to consider, for example:
Design and branding
Do you already have a strong, consistent brand? If not, it may be worth investing in design work before the build starts. We work with a number of excellent designers and can recommend people depending on your needs and budget.
Build and functionality
Different organisations need different things — from simple information sites to more complex builds with membership areas, e-commerce, or resource libraries. We’ll help you define what’s essential.
Content
Clear, well-written content is key to building trust and helping people understand what you do.
We can help shape and structure your content so it works online, especially if you’re starting from existing documents or reports.
Bilingual sites
We have a lot of experience building bilingual websites and understand the practicalities involved. We work with a trusted professional translator and can cost this into your project.
If budgets are tight, we can also offer a hybrid approach — using AI tools to translate some content while prioritising key pages for human translation. This can be a useful way to balance quality and cost.
Hosting and ongoing support
Do you want managed hosting? Do you need support and updates over the next few years?
These are important questions, especially for funded projects. Planning ahead means you’re not left with a site you can’t maintain once the initial funding ends.
Supporting strong funding applications
Because of our experience — including working inside funding processes — we understand what funders are looking for.
We can help you:
- Build realistic, well-structured budgets
- Avoid underestimating costs
- Identify gaps or opportunities you may not have considered
- Explain technical elements in a clear way within your application
Ultimately, it’s about helping you put forward a strong, credible proposal that supports your organisation’s goals.
A practical, joined-up approach
We don’t see websites in isolation. They’re part of your wider communications — alongside email, social media, video and content.
Our aim is to simplify the process and help you make informed decisions at each stage. That way, the end result isn’t just a website, but a tool that genuinely supports your work.
Get in touch early
If you’re thinking about applying for funding for a website — or even just starting to explore the idea — it’s worth having a conversation early on. Contact us today.
We’re always happy to talk things through, give you a clearer picture of costs, and help you shape a project that works for your organisation and the people you support.