Ryan Evans, associate director of AIGA Minnesota, explains to us the difference between an app and a mobile website.

Like programs for your computer, apps can only be run on the type of mobile operating system they were designed for. So if your nonprofit creates an iPhone app, it could not be run on an Andriod device, and vice versa.

In contrast, a mobile website can be run on any web browser regardless of the operating system the mobile device is running.

So, if your goal is to reach the most people on their cell phones and tablets, investing in a mobile website or mobile optimized website will make your content accessible to the maximum number of individuals.