Donor-ready graphic design for nonprofits making a difference

At Acton Circle, we design for nonprofits and foundations improving education, health, and community well-being who don’t want to look like everyone else.

We turn your annual report into a story that builds trust, stirs emotion, and keeps donors on the edge of their seat.
Black and white photo of a small wooden house with steps leading to a front porch surrounded by trees and bushes.Open brochure showing messages from executive director, 2024 milestones with photos of diverse people, financial accountability, and community engagement highlights.Smiling woman with curly hair sitting at a yellow table outdoors with a laptop and a small potted plant.
Nonprofits don’t fall short because their missions aren’t powerful. They fall short when the story gets stuck in homemade designs, the kind pieced together in Canva super last-minute, packed with too much text, and tough on the eyes.

Now, I don't even question your mission. But when the design doesn’t match the heart behind it... donors skim, board members zone out, and opportunities slip by.

That’s where design makes all the difference. Not decoration or the cherry on top, but belief-building design that shows you walk the talk, makes people feel something, and shows the world your team knows their stuff.

That’s why I built Acton Circle.
After years in the SF Bay Area design scene, I wanted to work with organizations actually changing communities. So I built Acton Circle to help nonprofits and foundations advancing access, opportunity, and community well-being turn their missions into design that builds donor belief.

At Acton Circle, our work goes beyond annual reports (though you know we love a good one). It’s about helping nonprofits show up with design that matches the depth of their mission—and looks every bit as strong as the work happening on the ground.

And for me, it’s personal. Acton Circle is named after the street where my grandparents lived, the place where my creativity and faith first came alive.

It’s a daily reminder to stay grounded in what matters most. That same sense of purpose runs through every project we take on—design that honors your mission and builds belief in what’s possible.
Smiling woman with curly hair wearing hoop earrings and layered gold necklaces against a green leafy background.
Olivia Wheeler
Founder and Creative Director

Our promise to you

Every piece we create embodies your mission and looks like it came from people who know exactly what they're doing.

We also refuse to let "strategic design" become code for endless back-and-forth and blown deadlines. You get clear processes, realistic timelines, and materials designed to work everywhere—board presentations, donor conversations, social campaigns, year-round engagement.

And the best part is: your team feels confident showing up, your stakeholders immediately understand, and your donors actually take action.

Our Values

Our values guide everything we do at Acton Circle. We’re not just designers, we’re your translators. The bridge between complex missions and design that makes people believe.

Mission-First Design

We start with the heart of your work. Our approach prioritizes storytelling that helps donors feel the impact before they ever get to the numbers, because connection always comes before comprehension.

Year-Round Value

We design with reuse in mind, so it becomes a foundation for campaigns, stewardship, board updates, and outreach—keeping your mission top-of-mind long after release.

Depth Over Decoration

Design isn’t an aesthetic exercise—it’s your mission made visible. Every choice, from hierarchy to imagery to typography, reflects your mission and audience, creating a report that feels intentional, credible, and deeply aligned with the work itself.

No Settling

We aim for work that sets a new standard: design that strengthens donor confidence, showcases excellence, and reflects the integrity and the work already happening inside your organization.

Words from our purpose-led clients

(The ones investing in access, opportunity, and well-being for real people.)

Mission-Driven Partnerships

We’re honored to partner with organizations working every day to make their communities stronger.

abode logo
ada logo
barhii logo
bcpp logo
Logo with stylized blue waves above the text 'MAKING WAVES Education Foundation'.
peninsula family service logo

Tired of design that doesn’t do your nonprofit’s story justice?

Let’s create design that actually feels uniquely you. From DIY templates to custom-designed annual reports, we’ve got you covered.