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Annual Report Design
7
MIN READ

5 Signs You’re Ready to Prepare Your Nonprofit Annual Report (Even If You Think You’ve Got More Time)

Prepare your nonprofit annual report with more ease, less stress. These 5 signs prove you're more ready than you think.
Branding & Marketing
7
MIN READ

Stay Sane with These Nonprofit Planning Strategies (Even When You’re Under-Resourced and Overcommitted)

Is your schedule wearing you out? Discover realistic nonprofit planning strategies to work ahead, avoid burnout, and lead with confidence even when resources are tight.
Annual Report Design
4
MIN READ

Premium Design, Purpose-Driven Price: Canva Report Template Kits for Small Nonprofit Teams

Great nonprofit design doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Learn how Acton Circle’s Canva report templates deliver professional branding at a purpose-driven price, with setup support if you need it.
Annual Report Design
3
MIN READ

Get Ahead This Summer: Start Your Nonprofit Annual Report Now

Summer’s the perfect time to plan your nonprofit’s annual report. Here’s how early planning saves your sanity and strengthens donor trust.
Branding & Marketing
5
MIN READ

Boutique Design Studios vs. Agencies for Nonprofit Organizations

Should nonprofits work with boutique design studios or big agencies? Check out the pros and cons of each to choose the best partner for you.
Annual Report Design
4
MIN READ

What Common Design Mistakes Should We Avoid in Our Annual Report to Ensure Clarity?

Discover the most common design mistakes in annual reports and how to avoid them. Create clear, engaging reports that highlight your nonprofit’s impact effectively.
Branding & Marketing
8
MIN READ

How to Repurpose Nonprofit Content Into 5 Canva Designs (Without Starting from Scratch)

Build momentum, stay consistent. Learn how to repurpose nonprofit content into time-saving Canva designs that amplify your mission.
Visual Storytelling
8
MIN READ

The Power of Nonprofit Visual Storytelling (and How to Make the Most of It)

Tell real stories and make a real impact through effective nonprofit visual storytelling. Here, we talk about all you need to know (and more).
Annual Report Design
6
MIN READ

How Can Effective Annual Report Design Improve Stakeholder Engagement and Understanding of Our Business?

Learn how effective annual report design builds clarity, trust, and alignment—so stakeholders actually understand (and support) your mission.
Branding & Marketing
8
MIN READ

How We Help Overwhelmed Marketing Teams Make More with Less

Learn how Acton Circle provides support for small marketing teams to help purpose-led orgs scale their design output, without the burnout.
Branding & Marketing
5
MIN READ

Marketing Tools to Overcome and Prevent Creative Burnout

Is creative burnout killing your team’s productivity and inspiration? Don’t let it. Let’s talk about the small changes that make a big difference.
Branding & Marketing
6
MIN READ

A Fresh Look, A Stronger Mission—The Heart Behind Our Rebrand

Read about Acton Circle’s rebrand journey—from the meaning of our new visual identity to the “why” behind our updated services.
Branding & Marketing
4
MIN READ

How to Make Your Nonprofit Stand Out: 5 Ways to Get Noticed in 2025

Put your organization in the front row and learn how to make your nonprofit stand out from the crowd in 2025—with five actionable tips.
Visual Storytelling
4
MIN READ

How to Find Inclusive Imagery that Strengthens Trust and Helps Your Brand Stand Out

Embrace your communities with inclusive imagery that shows genuine representation. Not sure how? Start with this basic guide.
Branding & Marketing
4
MIN READ

Graphic Designer For Hire? 3 Unexpected Reasons Your Nonprofit Should Work with a Pro

Seeking a graphic designer for hire? Discover 3 unexpected reasons your nonprofit needs professional design. From psychology-driven visuals to innovative trends.
Donor Engagement
4
MIN READ

How to Encourage Generous Donors All Year (Not Just at the Holidays)

Build a loyal community of generous donors with proven year-round engagement tips. Our simple strategies help you connect with supporters each month.
Branding & Marketing
4
MIN READ

Follow These Strategic Planning Steps for Your Nonprofit or Foundation in 2025

Discover strategic planning steps to guide your nonprofit through 2025. Align your mission, set clear goals, and create meaningful impact with practical, step-by-step guidance.
Website Design
5
MIN READ

9 Unexpected Things That Are Hurting Your Nonprofit’s Donor Retention

Discover the 9 common mistakes that could be damaging your nonprofit's donor retention rates. Learn actionable strategies to keep your donors engaged and giving for the long-term.
Branding & Marketing
4
MIN READ

Why Your Foundation Needs to Consider Outsourcing Graphic Design (And Why That's Okay!)

Discover why outsourcing graphic design can transform your foundation's impact. Learn the benefits, cost savings, and how to choose the right design partner.
Donor Engagement
5
MIN READ

Emotional Engagement vs Emotional Manipulation

Learn how to create ethical emotional engagement for your nonprofit marketing. Discover the difference between authentic donor connections and manipulation.
Donor Engagement
4
MIN READ

How to Make the Most of Your Nonprofit Donation Request: The Importance of Looking Like the Expert in Your Field

Make your nonprofit donation request more effective by establishing expert status. Learn how professional branding and visual identity help build donor trust and increase giving.
Client Case Studies
2
MIN READ

Empowering Women and Communities: Planet Women’s Annual Report Design

Explore how we crafted Planet Women’s impactful annual report, blending storytelling, powerful visuals, and an organic design to highlight their mission of empowering women and supporting environmental advocacy.
Donor Engagement
5
MIN READ

How to Thank Donors: Create an Awesome Donor Thank You Card (4 Free Templates!)

Learn how to create donor thank you cards that build lasting nonprofit relationships, plus get free templates to make it easy and impactful.
Branding & Marketing
4
MIN READ

3 Ways Branding for Nonprofits Impacts Donors

Learn how strong branding for nonprofits can build trust, create emotional connections, and foster donor loyalty.
Website Design
6
MIN READ

What use is great design if it’s not accessible, inclusive, and welcoming?

Explore ways to make your nonprofit's message reach everyone through inclusive design that respects diverse abilities, cultures, and perspectives.
Donor Engagement
5
MIN READ

Year-end Giving Campaigns – What Really Engages Donors and Creates Urgency?

Expand your holiday fundraising with a powerful year-end giving campaign. Inspire donors, showcase your impact, and raise more for your cause when it matters most.
Annual Report Design
8
MIN READ

12 Interactive Digital Annual Report Examples for Nonprofits

Discover 12 inspiring digital annual report design examples that not only engage audiences but also showcase impact with style and creativity.
Client Case Studies
2
MIN READ

Interactive Impact Microsites for Tides Foundation

We created engaging multimedia microsites for Tides to showcase how they empower BIPOC leaders driving change in democracy, climate, and reproductive justice.
Annual Report Design
8
MIN READ

Nonprofit Annual Report 101: More Than Just Numbers

Discover how to make your nonprofit annual report more impactful with design, storytelling, and strategy tips that donors will love.
Branding & Marketing
4
MIN READ

How to Use Nonprofit Canva Templates to Boost Your Marketing Impact

Find out how nonprofit Canva templates can transform your marketing efforts. Learn to choose, customize, and maximize these tools for impactful visuals that engage donors and further your mission.
Branding & Marketing
4
MIN READ

Why Your Nonprofit Marketing Plan Isn’t Cohesive or Impactful, And What to Do Instead

Discover why your nonprofit marketing plan isn't delivering results. Learn 4 common problems holding you back and expert tips to improve engagement, donations, and impact.
Visual Storytelling
4
MIN READ

How to Create Visuals that Improve Donor Engagement and Drive Impact

Discover how to boost donor engagement with effective visuals. Learn step-by-step strategies to create impactful graphics that align with your nonprofit's mission and drive results.
Visual Storytelling
3
MIN READ

3 Ways Good Design and Communication Work Together

Explore how design and communication work together to create clear, engaging messages and transform ideas into effective visual stories.
Annual Report Design
4
MIN READ

The Acton Circle Nonprofit Annual Report Process

Today we’re taking you behind the scenes to see the exact process we go through at Acton Circle when designing and preparing nonprofit annual reports for our clients.
Annual Report Design
12
MIN READ

Nonprofit Annual Report Checklist: 17 Things to Include This Year

Getting ready to prepare an annual report? Download our comprehensive guide and discover the must-have ingredients for a report that drives donations.
Branding & Marketing
4
MIN READ

A Message From Our Founder: A Look Back at 2023 and Big Moves for 2024

2023 was a solid year at Acton Circle—filled with major wins, challenging projects, and lessons learned. Check out this blog for our 2023 highlights and what we have in store for 2024!
Annual Report Design
6
MIN READ

8 Impact Report Examples Nonprofits Wish They’d Seen Sooner

Don’t create your next impact report (or annual report) in a vacuum. Check out these ideas from 8 nonprofit reports that wow donors, build trust, and drive engagement year-round.
Branding & Marketing
5
MIN READ

Crafting a Nonprofit Brand Identity that Connects with Millennials and Gen Z

Learn how to create a nonprofit brand that connects with young donors through bold visuals, real stories, and clear impact metrics delivered in a mobile-friendly way.
Annual Report Design
6
MIN READ

The Power of Annual Report Infographic Design

Feeling the data overload? Learn the hows and whys of annual report infographic design to turn complex numbers into engaging stories.
Branding & Marketing
8
MIN READ

Why You Need Professionally Designed Nonprofit Marketing Materials

Craft compelling nonprofit marketing materials to shape your identity, engage supporters, and drive long-term success. Stand out and inspire action!
Branding & Marketing
6
MIN READ

What’s the Point of Rebranding? A Strategic Guide to Brand Transformation

Are you ready for a brand makeover? Dive into our guide to understand what happens during a rebranding process. Get ready for a fresh new look!
Annual Report Design
4
MIN READ

How to Showcase Your Donors in Your Annual Report

Acknowledge your donors' contributions and take a community-driven approach by showcasing them in your nonprofit annual report.
Annual Report Design
4
MIN READ

What is a Nonprofit Annual Impact Report?

Learn how an annual impact report showcases your nonprofit's achievements and thanks supporters while inspiring action for your cause.
Donor Engagement
3
MIN READ

Nonprofit Impact Measurement: Identifying the Metrics to Track

Define your nonprofit impact through data tracking and how to use your data to craft compelling visual stories and shine a light on your organization’s mission.
Website Design
4
MIN READ

How to Improve Donor Engagement on Your Website

Looking for ways to improve donor engagement on your website? Here’s how you can improve your connection with donors, attract and retain new supporters, and engage with your donors authentically and transparently.
Annual Report Design
3
MIN READ

3 Annual Report Examples for Educational Equity Nonprofits

Discover how three educational equity nonprofit organizations made the biggest impact with their annual report after partnering with Acton Circle—and how your nonprofit can do the same.
Branding & Marketing
4
MIN READ

How to Make Your Nonprofit Stand Out: 5 Ways to Get Noticed in 2025

Put your organization in the front row and learn how to make your nonprofit stand out from the crowd in 2025—with five actionable tips.
Branding & Marketing
3
MIN READ

Why Nonprofits Should Invest in Their Website

With the rise of digital marketing and the growth of social media, a website is a key aspect of your nonprofit organization—it’s the digital heart and home of your mission.
Annual Report Design
3
MIN READ

3 Reasons Why Your Nonprofit Needs an Interactive Annual Report

Discover how opting for an interactive annual report can deliver a unique and engaging design that allows readers to navigate with ease and explore with delight.
Donor Engagement
3
MIN READ

How to Simplify Your Nonprofit's Social Impact Data to Share With Your Community

Discover how to simplify your nonprofit's data and make your impact more accessible to your community using these two things.
Donor Engagement
6
MIN READ

The Power of Giving: Making an Effective Case for Support for Nonprofits

Discover how to create a powerful nonprofit case for support that moves donors to action through authentic storytelling and smart design strategies.
Donor Engagement
3
MIN READ

How Can Nonprofits Use Data? 3 Strategies to Improve Donor Engagement

Looking for better ways to use impact and donor data in your nonprofit? Here are three strategies for using data to improve donor engagement.
Website Design
3
MIN READ

Nonprofit Website Accessibility: 4 Simple Steps to Make Your Website More Accessible

Ready to make your website more accessible for all donors and community members? Here are four ways to improve your nonprofit website accessibility.
Annual Report Design
3
MIN READ

Interactive vs. Traditional Annual Report: Choosing the Best Way to Tell Your Nonprofit’s Story

Debating on whether an interactive or traditional annual report is best for your nonprofit? Here's how to choose the best report style to tell your nonprofit's story.

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Where mission-driven design elevates presence, and meaningful work leaves a lasting impact. Biweekly insights on design strategy, visual storytelling, and brand stewardship—delivered with intention.

guide

The Guide to Annual Reports That Drive Engagement and Support

Want your annual report to move donors and your community, not just inform them?
‍‍
This guide gives you the strategy and design tips to turn your report into a powerful fundraising and marketing tool.

→ Showcase impact clearly
→ Drive engagement + support
→ Skip the fluff, keep the results‍

download guide

Acton Circle is a strategic design studio dedicated to visual storytelling for purpose-driven organizations. We partner with foundations, tech ventures, higher education institutions, and professional services firms to transform missions into meaningful impact.

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Where mission-driven design meets donor engagement. The Bold Print shares biweekly insights on design strategy, visual storytelling, and brand stewardship, created to support your nonprofit’s big vision.

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