Written by: Janel Kesten, Creative Director and Trustee Director of The Toolbox, Inc. and Speaker at the October 22 Non-profit Toolbox event.
Design: Does it really matter?
Sure your organization has received some donations. You’ve managed to convince some people of the good you’re doing. So why spend money on design when your goal is to be give every penny to your cause?
The simple fact is image affects our decisions every day, where to go for dinner, which pair of shoes to buy and even who to trust. It’s those little judgments we all make in an instant that can affect so much. People even judge which organization is worthy to receive their hard-earned dollars.
Now think to your brochure or website, did you assume others would see the cause for itself and want to donate? Consider the hundreds of other non-profit organizations helping kids, animals, or securing housing for the homeless. How does your image compete with theirs? Does it convey a trustworthy and stable organization? Does your brochure and website illustrate what donations provide for its recipients?
Start with a logo. This is a visual representation of your organization and through marketing will become the identity of your brand. When space is limited, your logo will remind people of your cause when you’re not there to do so. A logo shouldn’t be a mini illustration of everything you do, rather it should come to represent who you are.M
Make a plan and invest a good design foundation. A well-executed brochure can often be translated to the web and to other marketing material, saving money on entirely new concepts. Consistent design gives confidence to donors that it’s a cause worth supporting.
You don’t have to do everything at once; take baby steps by making a plan for what you really need first. A good design should last decades with minor alterations, however a poor design could cost your more to fix in the long run.
OCTOBER 22 SEMINAR
Thursday 10.22.09 /8:00AM-12:30PM
The Non-Profit Toolbox’ Seminar
has all of the tools you need!Holiday Inn / 929 Hingham St / Rockland, MA 02370
$129 Registration [Early Bird $99] → LEARN MORE