We’ve just returned from WordCamp Europe 2025 in Basel, Switzerland — and we’re still buzzing.
This year’s event brought together developers, designers, strategists, and contributors from across the globe to explore where WordPress is heading. How we can use it to make the web — and the world — a little better.
For us at Pooka & Co, it wasn’t just a conference. It was a reminder of why we do what we do. And why we believe in the power of open source, ethical design, and digital tools built for people, not profit.
TLDR — WordPress for Charities in a Nutshell
- WordCamp Basel 2025 spotlighted how WordPress continues to empower charities with flexibility, affordability, and community-driven innovation.
- Sessions explored AI, accessibility, multilingual tools, and ethical design — all crucial for the third sector.
- For Pooka, it reinforced why WordPress remains a future-proof, open-source solution for charities and good causes.
- The big takeaway? With the right support, WordPress can be a game-changer for charities juggling limited budgets and big missions.
Here’s what we learned and inspired us, and why it matters for the charities, public bodies, and mission-driven organisations we support.
💬 WordPress isn’t just software — it’s a community with purpose
“WordPress is more than a CMS. It’s a global ecosystem that empowers people doing real-world good — and that’s something we can get behind.”
Marcus
Attending WordCamp together allowed us to step back and see the big picture: WordPress isn’t just a technical platform — it’s a living, breathing community. The collaborative spirit reminded us how powerful open-source tools can be when aligned with values like accessibility, sustainability, and inclusion.
For charities and third-sector teams, that’s more than just a nice-to-have. It’s foundational.
🔍 SEO, Site Speed & Sustainability — the practical bits we’re bringing home
We went to WordCamp with ears up and eyes open — and came back with fresh thinking. That’s already influencing our work.
Paul, Co-Director, asked Google’s John Mueller the SEO question we ask every time we launch a site — and got the answer we hoped for. (Phew.)
Sian, our digital communications strategist, stumped the team at Google Site Kit. (“Only slightly smug about that,” she says.)
We soaked up insights on website sustainability from Charlotte Bax, confirming we’re on the right path — and pointing us toward tools and services to take it further.
“We’ve always cared about sustainability — but it’s brilliant to see others moving it from niche to norm in the WordPress world.”
Paul
🛠️ Developer insights: APIs, automation, and what’s next for WordPress
From Figma workflows to WordPress Playground for automated testing and the Interactivity API, our developers had plenty to get their paws on.
Andrei, one of our senior devs, enjoyed experimenting with Playground’s ability to run automated tests — something that’s going to make our build process cleaner and faster.
Lidia, attending for the first time, found herself genuinely inspired by the technical sessions — especially the inclusive energy of the community.
“Seeing what’s in development for WordPress gave us loads of ideas. Especially around better workflows and more engaging site features.”
Lidia
“As a developer, it’s always rewarding to see the tools we use being pushed and refined — especially when those changes make life better for the people using our websites.”
Andrei
For our clients, these insights mean better-performing websites, quicker development times, and smarter features. All built with your audience in mind.
🧡 Open source = open hearts
The moment that hit hardest? The keynote from Noel Tock on WordPress Without Borders. Hearing how WordPress is helping people and charities in Ukraine maintain digital freedom — to fundraise, communicate, and stay visible in a time of war — brought home the why behind the work.
“Open source isn’t just practical. It’s political, ethical, and deeply human. It gives people options — and often, that’s everything.”
Sian
That’s why we build with open-source tools like WordPress and CiviCRM. Because in the charity and public sector, control, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness can be the difference between making an impact… and getting stuck.
🧠 Big themes and small moments
Between the sessions and the snacks (Swiss chocolate: 10/10), there were plenty of moments to pause and reflect.
“I was reminded that we don’t just work with websites — we work with people. And those people are trying to do something good in the world.” — Marcus
“Finding better mental models, reflecting on how we design and communicate — that space to think was just as valuable as any session.” — Paul
“It was a big ‘wow’ moment. Everyone was welcoming, generous with their knowledge, and excited to collaborate.” — Lidia
“I left feeling excited — not just about what’s possible with WordPress, but about what’s possible for the sector when we use the right tools, in the right way.” — Sian
“For me, the win was having space to talk and think with the team — no agendas, just good conversation. That’s where ideas grow.” — Andrei
Why this matters for your organisation
If you work in the charity, third or public sector, here’s the short version:
- WordPress is growing — and it’s more customisable, secure, and ethical than ever.
- New tools are making websites faster, easier to update, and more accessible.
- Sustainability is deeper rooted into people’s minds — not just bolted on.
- Open-source is proving itself essential for transparency, resilience, and equity.
If your website feels clunky, outdated or just “not quite working,” now is a brilliant time to explore what’s possible.
And we’d love to help.
Let’s build the web we want to see
WordCamp reminded us of what we already believe: the digital world doesn’t have to be extractive, expensive, or out of reach. It can be thoughtful, inclusive, and even joyful.
🐇 Whether you need a new website, smarter SEO, training, or a sounding board — Pooka & Co is here to help you do digital differently.
Let’s talk.
FAQs: What Charities Want to Know About WordPress
Because it’s open source, cost-effective, and endlessly flexible. From small blogs to complex membership sites, WordPress adapts to what charities need without expensive licence fees.
Accessibility, multilingual websites, AI tools, and ethical digital practices — all designed to help charities reach wider audiences and deliver on their missions.
Yes. With the right setup and training, many charity teams can confidently manage their own websites. Agencies like Pooka provide ongoing support so teams aren’t left struggling.
Get In Touch
We’d love to hear what you’re up to. Please get in touch using hello@pooka.co or through the form linked below. Don’t be shy!
