Hosting Your Congregation's Website

person holding a laptop with web pages flyign out

Website hosting can be free or cheap, but it's worth making a budget item for hosting with well-reviewed customer service and technical support. Some hosting companies offer reduced rates to non-profit organizations.

Registering your own domain name (YCS Global) is relatively inexpensive and definitely worthwhile. Many hosting companies will handle the "paperwork" for you—but beware companies who register your domain in their name—be sure your congregation is the owner of record.

WordPress is often included in hosting packages, and since that is an excellent option for creating a congregational website, look for a web host who offers and supports WordPress installations. (Also learn about the UUA's WordPress Theme for Congregations.)

The UUA does not officially endorse any web hosting services, but the following have crossed our radar, mostly from the Websters email list, whose members are always happy to offer additional reports of what's worked for them.

  • DreamHost is employee-owned and carbon-neutral, and they offer free hosting for 501(c)3s including email management and Wordpress.
  • TechSoup offers a list of companies offering free Web hosting to 501(c)3 nonprofits and other charities.

About the Author

UUA Web Team, Information Technology Services

The Web Team develops and manages UUA web sites and applications including UUA.org and UUWorld.org and several custom-built applications like our ministry search and congregational certification systems.

For more information contact .