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Design Insights

Visual storytelling, strategic communication, and lasting impact—it all begins with intentional design.

We share thoughtful insights and actionable strategies to help nonprofits and foundations build brands that command attention and inspire change. More than just a blog, it’s a space for community and collaboration, uniting those who believe in the power of design to amplify missions.

Join us as we craft meaningful conversations, share expertise, and drive action—because when great design meets world-changing work, anything is possible.

Our blog

Design Insights

More than just a blog, this is a space to explore how nonprofits build brands that capture attention and create change.Visual storytelling, clear communication, and lasting impact all start here.

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.

Latest Blogs

Check out our latest resources on how purpose-driven leaders craft meaningful change, create sustainable impact, and inspire action through design.

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Branding & Marketing
5
MIN READ

When Your Impact Outpaces Your Nonprofit Communications Strategy

When policy and on-the-ground work move faster than your messaging, here’s how to realign your nonprofit communications strategy so funders see the full picture.
Donor Engagement
6
MIN READ

Rethink Your Year-End Fundraising: Design Lessons from the Best in Tech

Design is the secret advantage in year-end fundraising. Learn how modern, SaaS-inspired design helps donors connect, feel, and give with confidence.
Annual Report Design
6
MIN READ

7 Lessons Learned Creating Impactful Annual Reports

I’m a founder and creative director specializing in nonprofit annual report design—here are 7 lessons I’ve learned creating impactful reports that inspire donors.

How effective is your annual report, really?

Find out how well your report supports funding, visibility, and engagement (and where small shifts can go a long way).

Take the assessment
Annual Report Design
Branding & Marketing
Donor Engagement
Visual Storytelling
Website Design
Client Case Studies

Annual Report Design

Showcase your impact, celebrate donors, and tell your story effectively with annual reports that inform, engage your communities, and honor your mission.

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Annual Report Design
6
MIN READ

7 Lessons Learned Creating Impactful Annual Reports

I’m a founder and creative director specializing in nonprofit annual report design—here are 7 lessons I’ve learned creating impactful reports that inspire donors.
Annual Report Design
4
MIN READ

The ROI of a Well-Thought-Out Annual Report: Beyond a Pretty PDF

Recapping the year is easy. Designing a report that actually works? That’s where it gets fun. Let’s talk real ROI.
Annual Report Design
4
MIN READ

My Take on the Best Annual Report Software for Nonprofits

The right annual report software can transform your report from routine to remarkable; see what top nonprofits use.
Annual Report Design
3
MIN READ

What to Have Ready Before Starting Your Annual Report Design

Prepare for annual report design with this step-by-step checklist so your project starts strong and stays on schedule.
Annual Report Design
3
MIN READ

Digital vs Print Annual Report: Which One Is Right for Your Nonprofit?

Discover the pros and cons of digital vs print annual reports. Learn how nonprofits can choose the best format to inspire donors and share impact.
Annual Report Design
4
MIN READ

Simple and Flexible Annual Report Ideas

Tired of the same old annual report? Discover simple, fresh ideas to engage donors, fit your audience, save time, and share your impact.
Annual Report Design
4
MIN READ

Should You Still Create an Annual Report in 2025? 5 Reasons It’s Still Worth the Effort

Still wondering if an annual report is worth creating? Here’s why this timeless tool can boost donor trust, strengthen community ties, and keep your nonprofit funded in 2025 and beyond.
Annual Report Design
3
MIN READ

What Efficient Nonprofit Teams Know About Templates That You Don’t

Most nonprofits think templates are optional. Efficient teams know they’re essential. Discover how the right systems help you move faster and show up better.
Annual Report Design
5
MIN READ

Reimagine Reporting: Here’s How Easy It Is to Start with Our Annual Report Template Kits

Our annual report template kits make nonprofit storytelling and design easier even with limited time or team.

Annual Report Design

Showcase your impact, celebrate donors, and tell your story effectively with annual reports that inform, engage your communities, and honor your mission.

Branding & Marketing

Make your cause stand out with strategies that cut through the noise and move hearts to action—from rebranding tips to actionable social media tactics.

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Branding & Marketing
5
MIN READ

When Your Impact Outpaces Your Nonprofit Communications Strategy

When policy and on-the-ground work move faster than your messaging, here’s how to realign your nonprofit communications strategy so funders see the full picture.
Branding & Marketing
4
MIN READ

Nonprofit Branding: 3 Ways It Impacts Donors (and How to Strengthen Yours)

Nonprofit branding builds trust, sparks emotion, and keeps donors loyal. Here’s how to strengthen your brand and why it matters.
Branding & Marketing
7
MIN READ

You’re Doing Too Much to Let Design Slow You Down

Use Canva for nonprofits to streamline your design process, stay on-brand, and create visual impact with heart—even on a small team.

Donor Engagement

Design that turns your mission into momentum—through compelling visuals, assets, and stories that move donors to act.

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Donor Engagement
6
MIN READ

Rethink Your Year-End Fundraising: Design Lessons from the Best in Tech

Design is the secret advantage in year-end fundraising. Learn how modern, SaaS-inspired design helps donors connect, feel, and give with confidence.
Donor Engagement
3
MIN READ

Make It Count: How to Measure and Share Your Nonprofit’s Impact

Measuring nonprofit impact shows results, builds trust, and guides strategy. Here's what to track—and how to tell the story behind the numbers.
Donor Engagement
4
MIN READ

Visual Love Letters: Donor Recognition Ideas That Speak Louder Than Words (Free Templates)

Explore powerful donor recognition ideas that use creative visuals to strengthen relationships, build trust, and keep supporters engaged—plus grab our free Canva templates to make it even easier.

Visual Storytelling

Champion your mission and build a record of your growing legacy with the power of visual storytelling that highlights your transformative social impact.

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Visual Storytelling
5
MIN READ

The Importance of Nonprofit Storytelling in Annual Report Design

Nonprofit storytelling can transform your annual report from a static PDF into an engaging narrative that drives action. Keep reading to learn how!
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).
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.

Website Design

Put people at the heart of your website design by going beyond technicalities—focusing on elevating your vision and honoring your world-changing work.

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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.
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.
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.

Website Design

Put people at the heart of your website design by going beyond technicalities—focusing on elevating your vision and honoring your world-changing work.

Client Case Studies

Get inspired by how nonprofits like yours advance their purpose and transform communities through effective, premium designs and creative strategies.

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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.
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.

Client Case Studies

Get inspired by how nonprofits like yours advance their purpose and transform communities through effective, premium designs and creative strategies.

Subscribe to The Bold Print

Every week, Olivia shares exclusive and thoughtful content to help your visuals do what they’re supposed to do—build trust, engage donors, and clearly communicate your mission.

If you're figuring out how to tell your story better or whether our services are a fit for you, this is where you'll get answers.

Acton Circle is a design studio that helps mission-driven organizations tell their stories in a clear and powerful way. We work with nonprofits, foundations, and schools to turn their big goals into visuals that connect with people and inspire action.

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Every week, Olivia shares exclusive and thoughtful content to help your visuals do what they’re supposed to do—build trust, engage donors, and clearly communicate your mission.

If you're figuring out how to tell your story better or whether our services are a fit for you, this is where you'll get answers.

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