Free & Discounted Web Hosting for Nonprofits
Web Hosting for Nonprofits: How to Get Discounts or Free Hosting
Nonprofits work on really lean budgets, so finding a cheaper solution is crucial. A lot of web hosting companies charge significant amounts of money, but some offer reduced or complimentary hosting services to qualifying nonprofits.
In this guide, we’ll explore
- Where to find free or discounted nonprofit hosting
- Eligibility requirements (including 501(c)(3) verification)
- Top hosting providers with nonprofit programs
- Pros, cons, and limitations of free hosting
- How to migrate your nonprofit’s website affordably
Let’s dive in.
Why Do Nonprofits Get Free or Discounted Web Hosting?
A number of web hosting providers help nonprofits by providing special discounts, grants, or even free services. Their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, part of the effort to support mission-driven organizations to thrive online without financial burden.
Who Qualifies?
Most providers require
- 501(c)(3) status(U.S.-based nonprofits)
- Official registration(e.g., NGO, charity number for non-U.S. orgs)
- Proof of nonprofit activities(mission statement, tax-exempt docs)
If your organization meets these criteria, you could save hundreds per year on hosting.
Best Free & Discounted Hosting Providers for Nonprofits
1. DreamHost Nonprofit Hosting
- Discount: Free shared hosting for the first year, then 50% off.
- Requirements: 501(c)(3) verification.
- Best for: Small to medium nonprofits needing reliable, no-frills hosting.
2. SiteGround Nonprofit Program
- Discount: 70% off managed WordPress hosting.
- Requirements: Nonprofit registration documents.
- Best for: NGOs that want fast, secure WordPress hosting.
3. Google Workspace (G Suite) for Nonprofits
- Free Tier: Includes business email, Google Drive, and Meet (via TechSoup).
- Best for: Orgs needing email hosting + cloud storage.
4. AWS (Amazon Web Services) Credits
- Free Tier: Up to $2,000 in AWS credits for eligible nonprofits.
- Best for: Tech-savvy nonprofits needing scalable cloud hosting.
5. TechSoup’s Hosting Discounts
- How it works: TechSoup partners with multiple providers (e.g., DreamHost, A2 Hosting) to offer exclusive nonprofit deals.
- Best for: Organizations seeking verified, trusted discounts.
Limitations of Free Nonprofit Hosting
While free hosting helps cut costs, there are trade-offs:
- Limited Storage & Bandwidth– Free plans may restrict traffic.
- No Premium Support– Priority support often requires paid upgrades.
- Ads on Free Plans– Some hosts display ads on your site.
- Renewal Costs– Many “free” offers expire after a year.
Solution
If your nonprofit grows, consider low-cost shared hosting (as little as $3/month) for better performance.
How to Apply for Nonprofit Hosting Discounts
Step 1: Verify Your Nonprofit Status
- U.S. orgs, Provide 501(c)(3) determination letter.
- International NGOs: Submit government registration documents.
Step 2: Apply Through the Host’s Nonprofit Program
- Some providers (like DreamHost) have dedicated application forms.
- Others (like Google) require TechSoup validation.
Step 3: Migrate Your Website (If needed)
- Many hosts offer free migration services for nonprofits.
- Alternatively, use a plugin like All-in-One WP Migration for WordPress sites.
Final Recommendation: Best Hosting for Nonprofits
Hosting Type | Best For | Estimated Cost |
| Free Shared Hosting | New/small nonprofits with low traffic | $0 (first year) |
| Discounted Cloud Hosting | Growing nonprofits need scalability | 5–$20/month |
| Google Workspace (Email + Storage) | Orgs needing Gmail & Drive | Free |
Next Steps for Your Nonprofit
- Check eligibility (gather tax-exempt docs).
- Compare providers (free vs. discounted options).
- Apply & migrate (many hosts help with setup).
By leveraging these programs, your nonprofit can save money while maintaining a professional online presence.
Conclusion
Nonprofits can access free or low-cost hosting from providers like DreamHost, Google, and TechSoup, saving funds for their mission. Verify your 501(c)(3) status, compare options, and watch for renewal terms. With the right hosting, your nonprofit can run a professional site affordably. Need help choosing? Let’s find your perfect fit!
FAQs About Nonprofit Web Hosting
Do all hosting providers offer nonprofit discounts?
No, but many major ones do. Always check their “Nonprofit Programs” page or contact support.
Can nonprofits get free WordPress hosting?
Yes! Some hosts (like SiteGround) offer managed WordPress hosting at a discount.
What’s the catch with free hosting?
Limitations may include slower speeds, fewer features, or higher renewal costs. Always read the fine print.
