What is the best process for designing a non commercial Website? [on hold]

I am about to redesign a website about threatend animals for a governmental client. This website is very much text-based. I am wondering how to approach the design process, as I don't have any information about the user (non commercial site, no information given, site is supposed to adress "everyone") Maybe someone of you already did projects in the non-profit /governmental sector and has some advice.

Thanks a lot! Konstanze