New Website Gives Episcopal Relief & Development a Fresh Look, New URL

NEW YORK, April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Episcopal Relief & Development has launched a new organizational website featuring an updated look and layout, greater integration with social media and a unified donation pathway to boost interactivity and engagement.  In addition to helpful color coding, new icons and special spotlight sections, the redesign also includes improved accessibility and information flow, making it easier for users to learn more and take action to help heal a hurting world. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110421/DC87843LOGO)

The new design was developed in line with industry best practices, input received from Episcopal Relief & Development's staff and board members and feedback from donors and friends of the organization.  The update was co-managed by Malaika Kamunanwire, Episcopal Relief & Development's Senior Director for Marketing & Communications, and Daryn Kobata, the organization's Social Media and Web Officer, in partnership with digital firm Blue Fountain Media. 

"During the development of the new site, we were constantly evaluating our process to make sure that it focused on user needs and interests, while at the same time showcasing who we are as an organization," Kamunanwire said.  "The new look and feel of our site matches our ethos, and the content strives to inform and empower our supporters to act and get others involved in our mission."

Increasing engagement with individuals and institutions is the primary goal of the new site, with robust "What You Can Do" and "Church In Action" sections and an enhanced "Gifts For Life" area.  Gifts For Life is Episcopal Relief & Development's flagship alternative gift catalog, which invites supporters to purchase "items" such as a goat, a share in a community garden or a micro-loan that will benefit families around the world.  Gifts For Life items can be used to mark special occasions such as birthdays and holidays, and also make popular fundraisers for Sunday School and youth groups.

"The design is more colorful and fun, and features 'related items' to help people learn about different aspects of our work," said Kobata.  "Donors can also now make one-time gifts, monthly gifts and Gifts For Life purchases seamlessly through the same portal, which I think will really improve the user experience. Thanks so much to our web team members, staff and friends who helped make this site come to life!"

Episcopal Relief & Development's new site aligns with its strategic vision for 2013-16, which puts an emphasis on expanding networks of friends and supporters and creating greater opportunities for engagement.  Raising visibility and awareness and strengthening the organization's brand are key components of this strategy, and this is reflected in both the site design and the new domain name, www.episcopalrelief.org.   

"I am extremely proud of the efforts that have led to the creation of this new website, and thank everyone whose work has contributed to this success," said Rob Radtke, President of Episcopal Relief & Development.  "I believe the new site will help greatly in strengthening the connections between this organization, its supporters and the community-based partners whose efforts are making a lasting impact."

Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church and an independent 501(c)(3) organization. The agency takes its mandate from Jesus' words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Episcopal Relief & Development works closely with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners to help rebuild after disasters and to empower local communities to find lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.

SOURCE Episcopal Relief & Development