While this is a nice idea, I don't understand why someone would pay for a simple site like you're describing when they can simply use a wordpress template.

Or, really why you would code out a site of this level of simplicity when you can do the same. If nothing is going to be custom at all, which is pretty much what you say, why not use a template?

Obviously if you've got the code saved in a few files anyway that's pretty much the same thing as a personalized template I think.

Am I missing something?

OP here: it's simple, but not cookie-cutter. I'm going to use Bootstrap to try to keep things manageable, but even Bootstrap can be quite expressive. Part of the process is meeting with the client, sorting out what they need, and guiding them towards a good, manageable website. I've explicitly targeted academics because they are notoriously too busy or too unknowledgable to set up even a simple WordPress template. I've posted this with the hope that others might get inspired and take their own spin on it. I'm really an academic, not a hot-shot dev, so this is just my modest attempt.

OOI, if they don't get a CMS/similar included, how do they update their pages in the future without technical know-how?

I think this is very cool, and I think using a skill set and applying it to charitable need is great.

I would feel more inclined to pick a local charity that needs a site / site update and take them on pro bono for x amount of hours of work, especially if you can improve the way they take donations or something; might have an overall greater effect.

awesome! its always cool to be able to use our technical skills to help charity.

BTW, for those who wish to help charity with their skills, but no opportunity to do so, you can find for those with needs at http://www.onlinevolunteering.org Its part of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.

Sorry to the OP if this is rude or anything, I don't mean to hijack the thread or anything, just wanted to get the information out there, :)