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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.

the acton circle blog

The Acton Circle Reading List

Everything you need to turn your annual report from "required task" into "our best marketing asset."

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

Planning Your Annual Report

Start here if you’re early, stuck, or trying to make the case internally.

Annual Report Design

5 Must-Know Tips for Designing Your First Annual Report

Ready to start designing your first annual report? We share tips for content clarity, impactful storytelling, and time-saving nonprofit-specific templates!
Annual Report Design

Annual Report Design Ideas & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Explore annual report design ideas, tips, and common mistakes to avoid. Create a clear, compelling nonprofit annual report that donors will actually read and remember.
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.

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.

Making Your Report Actually Compelling

For teams who know something's off, but can't quite name it.

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.
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!
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.

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.

Driving Donor Engagement

When the numbers are there, but donors still don't get it.

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

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.
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.

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.

Acton Circle is a design studio specializing in annual reports. We help nonprofits and foundations strengthening communities turn complex work into donor-ready materials that build belief, drive engagement, and work year-round.

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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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