Blog

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.

the acton circle blog

Expert nonprofit graphic design tips and resources

This isn’t just a blog—it’s where we break down how nonprofits and foundations use intentional design to earn trust, rally support, and bring their mission to life through annual reports, websites, and everyday communications.

Annual Report Design

Why Your Annual Report Should Be One of the First Assets Updated in a Nonprofit Rebrand Rollout

See why updating your annual report early in a nonprofit rebrand rollout creates a solid design system your team can use across every donor and program touchpoint.
Donor Engagement

Nonprofit Donor Engagement: How Better Visuals Build Stronger, More Connected Supporters

Improve nonprofit donor engagement with clear, belief-building visual storytelling. Practical design guidance for stronger donor relationships.
Annual Report Design

Your Guide to a Nonprofit Annual Report That Drives Engagement and Builds Belief

Learn how to create a nonprofit annual report that builds belief, strengthens donor trust, and creates year-round engagement.
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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
Donor Engagement

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.
Annual Report Design
Donor Engagement
Visual Storytelling
Branding & Marketing
Website Design

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

Why Your Annual Report Should Be One of the First Assets Updated in a Nonprofit Rebrand Rollout

See why updating your annual report early in a nonprofit rebrand rollout creates a solid design system your team can use across every donor and program touchpoint.
Annual Report Design

Your Guide to a Nonprofit Annual Report That Drives Engagement and Builds Belief

Learn how to create a nonprofit annual report that builds belief, strengthens donor trust, and creates year-round engagement.
Annual Report Design

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How We Design Annual Reports That Build Belief

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

Donor Recognition Ideas for Your Nonprofit Annual Report

Acknowledge your donors' contributions and take a community-driven approach by showcasing them throughout your nonprofit’s annual report in ways that honor their role in your mission.
Annual Report Design

5 Annual Report Examples for Educational Equity Nonprofits (and What You Can Learn from Each One)

Explore 5 educational equity nonprofit annual report examples that turn data into powerful, human storytelling.
Annual Report Design

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

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

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

Prepare for Your Annual Report Design Project: 3 Steps to Start Strong

Don't miss these 3 essential steps and a short step-by-step checklist to help your project get off to a strong start and stay on schedule.

Website Design

Design a website that feels like your mission—human, clear, and built to reflect the depth of what you do, not just how it works.

Donor Engagement

Design that helps your mission move forward with visuals and stories that get donors to care and take action.

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Donor Engagement

Nonprofit Donor Engagement: How Better Visuals Build Stronger, More Connected Supporters

Improve nonprofit donor engagement with clear, belief-building visual storytelling. Practical design guidance for stronger donor relationships.
Donor Engagement

5 Modern Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Great Design

Looking for fundraising ideas that connect? Learn practical ways to simplify giving, use motion, and create emotionally compelling donor experiences.
Donor Engagement

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.

Visual Storytelling

Champion your mission and document your legacy with visual storytelling that shows the real change you’re creating.

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Visual Storytelling

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

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

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

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

How to Give Designers Feedback That Actually Improves Your Nonprofit’s Work

Discover how nonprofit teams can give design feedback that improves alignment, speeds up timelines, and results in design that builds belief.
Branding & Marketing

Make Your Nonprofit One-Pager Easier to Read

Discover 5 quick edits that make your nonprofit one-pagers clear, engaging, and effective. Turn dense text into a design donors actually want to read.
Branding & Marketing

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.

Website Design

Design a website that feels like your mission—human, clear, and built to reflect the depth of what you do, not just how it works.

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Website Design

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

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

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.

Donor Engagement

Design that helps your mission move forward with visuals and stories that get donors to care and take action.

Acton Circle is a social impact design studio specializing in annual reports. We help nonprofits and impact-driven teams translate life-changing work and big goals into visuals that connect with people and build belief in your mission.

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Every week, Olivia drops thoughtful, behind-the-scenes content drawn from 12+ years of design leadership and hundreds of nonprofit projects. It’s designed to help you show you mean what you say, make donors proud to be part of your story, and create visuals that are unmistakably you.

If you’re figuring out how to tell your story better (or wondering if we’re the right fit to collab), this is where you’ll find the good stuff.

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Resources

Your Guide to an Annual Report That Builds BeliefHow Better Visuals Build Stronger, More Connected SupportersFree Donor Thank You CardsBlog

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