Nothing beats real, in-the-moment photos from your own programs. (And yes, I’ll always nudge you to take more of your own photos). Still, every nonprofit runs into times when you need a quality image fast—and that’s where free stock photo websites can save the day.

Luckily, the world of nonprofit-friendly stock photos has improved a lot in recent years. You don’t have to settle for the old “two business people shaking hands in a white room” cliché. The best sites make it much easier to find authentic, high-quality images, without surprise fees or endless pages of unusable filler.

Here’s my go-to list for free stock photos:

Unsplash
One of the most popular and reliable sources for free, high-quality images. The photos here tend to feel modern and natural—great for nonprofits aiming for a polished yet authentic look. The search function is solid, and new content is added regularly.

Pexels
Another solid all-around site. I feel that the quality can vary a bit more than Unsplash, and somewhat more of the images lean toward the classic “stock photo” vibe. 

Nappy.co
Primarily pictures of black and brown people, in a variety of settings. This library continues to grow: if you’ve tried it before and had trouble finding what you need, it’s worth checking back.

EDU Images by All4Ed
If you need photos of students or teachers, this is a goldmine: over 700 high-quality, professional images in real educational settings.

US National Park Service Photos
Need nature or history settings? The NPS photo archive offers tens of thousands of free images, including a number featuring people interacting with the parks. Most are free to use, but always check the copyright—a few require permission.

Public Domain Image Archive
A treasure trove of old maps, diagrams, and unique illustrations. Great if you want your nonprofit’s visuals to stand out from the crowd.

Pro tip: Most sites expect you to credit the photographer or source. Add a small line of credit under each image—it keeps your conscience and your website clean.

Dive Deeper

Choosing Stock Photography That Isn’t Cheesy | Wired Impact
Guidance on how to select photos that feel real, not staged, including tips on perspective, lighting, and depth of field.

5 Ways to Successfully Use Stock Photography on Your Website | Boss Project
Tips for selecting and customizing stock images, with notes on aligning photos with your site’s tone, and improving SEO.

How to Crop Photos | The eLearning Coach
A straightforward guide to cropping stock photos to fit your needs, including how to highlight what matters without losing quality or professionalism.