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Practical Tips & Resources for Branding Your Nonprofit

Top tips for crafting a straightforward brand strategy, user-friendly graphic design, and the best website practices tailored for small, but impactful, nonprofits.

Two hands connecting an electric plug and a power socket together. Represents a nonprofit plugging in to their donors and unlocking their Unique Reason to Give (URG).
Article

Nonprofit Branding vs Marketing Strategy: What’s the Difference?

Branding and marketing are often lumped together, but they serve two very different purposes. In this post, you’ll learn the real difference between branding and marketing, why the order matters, and how to set your organization up for more powerful, consistent, and aligned communications.

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HeartSpark founder Lauren Atherton takes an online meeting on her laptop, with a podcast mic in front of her.
Article

Why Your Nonprofit Struggles to Explain What You Actually Do…and How to Fix It with the SPARK Strategy

If talking about your nonprofit feels confusing or unclear, you’re not alone. The SPARK Strategy is a simple, powerful framework…
Photo of HeartSpark's founder, Lauren Atherton sitting on a vintage yellow couch. She is smiling while looking at her laptop and tucking her hair behind her ear.
Article | Video

The Best Nonprofit Websites Do These 5 Things: How to Make Your Website Great

This post breaks down 5 smart strategies to help you build a great nonprofit website, guide visitors to action, and…
Article | Video

Branding for Nonprofits: When Is the Right Time for New Branding and Website Design?

Not sure when to refresh your nonprofit’s brand and website? In this post, I’m sharing the best (and worst!) times…
HeartSpark founder Lauren Atherton takes an online meeting on her laptop, with a podcast mic in front of her.
Article | Video

How to Improve Your Nonprofit Website and Get More Online Donations

If your nonprofit website feels outdated or isn’t converting visitors into donors, these 3 simple fixes can start turning it…
Article | Video

Fundraising for Nonprofits: Why Your Branding Strategy IS Your Donor Acquisition Strategy

If your fundraising feels harder than it should, your brand might be quietly working against you. Watch this quick video…
Article

The Brand Level-Up: Do we have to do all 3 phases?

“Can we just do the website?” It’s the #1 question I get from nonprofit leaders about the Brand Level-Up and…
Grid of bright and bold nonprofit logos designed by HeartSpark Design.
Article

From Meh to Memorable: Ultimate Guide to Nonprofit Logos

Your nonprofit’s logo is the visual heartbeat of your mission—the first thing people notice and the lasting impression that helps…
Three phones against a light blue background, showing screenshots of the updated WareHouse of Venice website.
Article

The Before-and-After Branding Journey of the WareHouse of Venice—And What You Can Learn From It

Struggling with an old website that’s costing you time and funding? Debbie and Linda were, too—until a brand and website…
Illustration of a hand editing online visual branding with graphic elements like code, eye icon, and photography.
Article

Why Your Nonprofit May Need More Than a Website Update

Updating your nonprofit’s website seems like the right move—but without a strong brand, it won’t be as effective. A cohesive,…
Article

So You’ve Grown Beyond Your Nonprofit’s Startup Brand. What’s Next?

Wish your nonprofit had a visual brand that reflects who you are and where you’re heading? This guide walks you…
Illustration of a man with a beard interacting with web interface, meant to represent a nonprofit's website.
Article

Why Branding Matters More to Donors Than You May Think (and How It Drives Donations)

Your mission matters—but it’s not enough on its own to convince donors to give. Learn how strong branding helps nonprofits…
Lauren Atherton working with Pantone color swatch books on a white desk.
Article

From Growing Pains to Gaining Confidence: 3 Phases to Level Up Your Nonprofit’s Brand

Your nonprofit has grown, but has your brand kept up? Learn HeartSpark’s 3-step process to refresh your look without starting…
Illustration of four people's hands reaching in from out of frame to work on a nonprofit website.
Article

No More Website Shame: 4 Strategic Steps to Update Your Nonprofit’s Website

Tired of cringing when people ask for your website address? Discover 4 time-saving strategies to update your nonprofit’s website that…
Illustration of a woman's hands holding a set of pink binoculars with exclamation points in the lenses, representing the idea of a mistake being hidden in plain sight.
Article

The Logo Mistake that’s Hiding in Plain Sight (And How to Fix It)

Too much of a good thing? It’s possible! When your logo shows up everywhere – merch, letterheads, slides, socials –…
Woman in a yellow blazer smiling while sitting at a white desk and talking on the phone. She's typing notes on her laptop.
Article

Why You Don’t Have to Blow Up Your Brand to Make it Better

It started with one consultation call, and then another, and another—all with nonprofit leaders saying the same thing. This is…
Tablet showing the "50 Easy Ways to Raise Funds" guide cover, with an illustrated fox to the right of it with little like boxes floating above its' head.
Download

50 Fresh & Easy Fundraising Tips: A Free Guide for Nonprofits

MemoryFox released their free fundraising guide “50 ways to raise funds” that features expert tips from over 20 contributors, including…
Illustration of line of paper planes all going up, but one individual red paper airplane with an extra boost going ahead of the others. Representing the advantage your organization has by differentiating itself.
Article

Brand Positioning for Nonprofits: 5 Keys to Differentiation and Growth

In the crowded nonprofit sector, standing out is crucial. Explore how effective brand positioning sets the foundation for strong branding…
Illustration of a gravestone labeled "mission drift" with a light beam coming down from above "abducting" candies, representing a nonprofit leader being tempted to venture away from their mission.
Article

Mission Drift: Navigating the Void and Keeping Your Nonprofit on Course

Has your nonprofit drifted off course? Learn how to recognize the signs of mission drift, refocus your efforts, and stay…
Illustration of four hands each holding a smartphone. Represents the different ways people view Giving Tuesday campaign graphics via text message, email, website, and online donation pages.
Video

How to Select and Edit Canva Templates Like a Pro [WORKSHOP]

Struggling to find a Canva template that fits your nonprofit’s brand? Learn how to select and edit templates that align…
Illustration of a woman with four arms multitasking between email, messages, and phone calls. Representative of the different roles and tasks of a fundraiser.
Article

Boost Your Fundraising: The Role of Branding in Raising Money

From awareness to action, a strong nonprofit brand drives fundraising success. Explore how your nonprofit’s identity shapes donor engagement and…
Illustration of a gravestone labeled "scope creep" covered in green ooze with a laboratory beaker leaning against the front.
Article

The Scope Creep Conundrum: How to Keep Your Projects from Spiraling Out of Control

Scope creep can transform your nonprofit’s design or website project into a bloated mess. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls…
Illustration of four hands each holding a smartphone. Represents the different ways people view Giving Tuesday campaign graphics via text message, email, website, and online donation pages.
Article

Boost Your Giving Tuesday Campaign with Inspiring Graphics & Canva Templates

Create branded Giving Tuesday graphics with Canva templates and expert design advice. Find inspiration from real nonprofit campaigns and elevate…
Group of diverse people with Giving Tuesday shirts holding a sign that says "I'm supporting Giving Tuesday."
Guide

Branding Guide for Giving Tuesday 2024

Your comprehensive guide to brand your Giving Tuesday campaign successfully, from logo guidelines to creative graphic inspiration for social media…
Split image with the yellow GiveButter logo on the left, and the green Fundraise Up logo on the right.
Article

Comparing the 2 User-Friendliest Online Donation Tools

A successful Giving Tuesday campaign starts with choosing the right online giving platform for your nonprofit. As a certified partner…
Illustration of a gravestone knocked over with a hole and shovel in front of it, representing burying your nonprofit's core message alive.
Article

Buried Alive: Resurrect Your Message from Layers of Clutter

Don’t let your nonprofit’s mission get lost under unnecessary details. Learn how to simplify your messaging, avoid burying the lede,…
Article

Personalize the Giving Tuesday Logo: Simple Modifications to Fit Your Nonprofit’s Branding

For effective branding, consistency is key! Being able to customize the classic Giving Tuesday logo gives you a way to…
Article

Why Your Nonprofit’s Brand is Like a Mosaic, Not a Photo

A nonprofit’s brand is ever-evolving, like a mosaic. Explore how every decision and interaction adds to the bigger picture, helping…
Article

Chasing Ghosts: Silence the Haunting Chatter of Perfectionism

Is perfectionism haunting your nonprofit’s design process? Discover practical tips to break free from endless revisions and create powerful, purpose-driven…
Article

10 Places to Update Your Logo After Launch (Checklist with 2024 Image Sizes)

You finally got your new logo, but now what? To make sure your nonprofit looks consistent everywhere, check out this…
Starting a Nonprofit: A Simple Guide to Building a Brand from Scratch
Article

3 Branding Tips for New Nonprofits: Start with Purpose, Not Visuals

Thinking of starting a nonprofit? Learn which three branding foundations to focus on first, and why proving your concept is…
Article

Frankensteining: How to Control a Patchwork Brand

Tired of your brand feeling like a Frankenstein monster? Get Lauren’s top tips for unifying your brand identity and avoid…
Why Branding and Marketing Are Often Confused: Perception vs. Persuasion
Article

Branding vs. Marketing: Perception vs. Persuasion

Check the connection between Branding and Marketing and how Perception shapes Persuasion…
Illustration of a red megaphone with star elements coming out of it to represent storytelling elements.
Guide

Launch with Confidence: The Ultimate Checklist for Nonprofit Rebrands

A brand launch isn’t just about the big reveal—it’s a key moment to engage your community and rally your supporters….
Illustration of a hand holding a key with a ring that represents keys to a new home.
Article

Treat Your Website Like a Digital Home

Caring for your nonprofit’s digital home – its website – is a lot like real homeownership. Whether you’re building your…
Illustration of someone brainstorming and planning brand strategy.
Article

Brand Strategy 101: Strengthen Your Nonprofit’s Identity and Impact

A clear brand strategy is essential for communicating your mission, building trust, and standing out in a crowded space. This…
Illustration of a risograph poster using abstract shapes to represent the 4 shades of color used to print artwork – cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
Article

Color Psychology in Nonprofit Branding

Colors carry deep emotional meaning that can shape how people see your nonprofit. By selecting colors that reflect your values…
Illustration of a legal contract with a pencil and magnifying glass "inspecting" it, meant to represent the thorough process of trademarking your nonprofit name or logo.
Article

Protecting Your Nonprofit’s Identity: A Guide to Trademarking

Protecting your nonprofit’s name and logo is crucial for building a strong, recognizable brand. In this article, patent and trademark…
Article

7 Best Award Competitions for Nonprofit Branding and Website Design

Winning a branding or website award can boost your nonprofit’s visibility and credibility. Discover the top awards to enter, including…
Illustration of three people looking through binoculars trying to find the culprit of their situation. Is it a website or deeper branding problem?
Article

Is It Time for a Branding or Website Update? Here’s How to Tell

If your nonprofit feels like it’s lost momentum, it might be more than just your programs—your brand and website could…
Grid showing illustrations of all 12 nonprofit brand archetypes.
Article

Discover Your Brand Personality: An Overview of 12 Archetypes for Nonprofits

In a world full of causes, your nonprofit needs to stand out. Brand archetypes offer a powerful way to define…
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Two hands connecting an electric plug and a power socket together. Represents a nonprofit plugging in to their donors and unlocking their Unique Reason to Give (URG).
Article

Nonprofit Branding vs Marketing Strategy: What’s the Difference?

Branding and marketing are often lumped together, but they serve two very different purposes. In this post, you’ll learn the real difference between branding and marketing, why the order matters, and how to set your organization up for more powerful, consistent, and aligned communications.
HeartSpark founder Lauren Atherton takes an online meeting on her laptop, with a podcast mic in front of her.
Article

Why Your Nonprofit Struggles to Explain What You Actually Do…and How to Fix It with the SPARK Strategy

If talking about your nonprofit feels confusing or unclear, you’re not alone. The SPARK Strategy is a simple, powerful framework to help you confidently communicate your mission, connect with the right people, and inspire more support. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how it works and how to get started.
Photo of HeartSpark's founder, Lauren Atherton sitting on a vintage yellow couch. She is smiling while looking at her laptop and tucking her hair behind her ear.
Article, Video

The Best Nonprofit Websites Do These 5 Things: How to Make Your Website Great

This post breaks down 5 smart strategies to help you build a great nonprofit website, guide visitors to action, and feel proud of how your nonprofit is being shared online.
Article, Video

Branding for Nonprofits: When Is the Right Time for New Branding and Website Design?

Not sure when to refresh your nonprofit’s brand and website? In this post, I’m sharing the best (and worst!) times to rebrand plus how to plan around events, campaigns, and busy seasons without overwhelming your team.
HeartSpark founder Lauren Atherton takes an online meeting on her laptop, with a podcast mic in front of her.
Article, Video

How to Improve Your Nonprofit Website and Get More Online Donations

If your nonprofit website feels outdated or isn’t converting visitors into donors, these 3 simple fixes can start turning it around. Learn how to turn your site into a fundraising asset today.
Article, Video

Fundraising for Nonprofits: Why Your Branding Strategy IS Your Donor Acquisition Strategy

If your fundraising feels harder than it should, your brand might be quietly working against you. Watch this quick video to learn how the right brand can help more of the right donors find YOU instead of chasing them.
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Two hands connecting an electric plug and a power socket together. Represents a nonprofit plugging in to their donors and unlocking their Unique Reason to Give (URG).
Article

Nonprofit Branding vs Marketing Strategy: What’s the Difference?

Branding and marketing are often lumped together, but they serve two very different purposes. In this post, you’ll learn the real difference between branding and marketing, why the order matters, and how to set your organization up for more powerful, consistent, and aligned communications.
HeartSpark founder Lauren Atherton takes an online meeting on her laptop, with a podcast mic in front of her.
Article

Why Your Nonprofit Struggles to Explain What You Actually Do…and How to Fix It with the SPARK Strategy

If talking about your nonprofit feels confusing or unclear, you’re not alone. The SPARK Strategy is a simple, powerful framework to help you confidently communicate your mission, connect with the right people, and inspire more support. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how it works and how to get started.
Photo of HeartSpark's founder, Lauren Atherton sitting on a vintage yellow couch. She is smiling while looking at her laptop and tucking her hair behind her ear.
Article, Video

The Best Nonprofit Websites Do These 5 Things: How to Make Your Website Great

This post breaks down 5 smart strategies to help you build a great nonprofit website, guide visitors to action, and feel proud of how your nonprofit is being shared online.
Article, Video

Branding for Nonprofits: When Is the Right Time for New Branding and Website Design?

Not sure when to refresh your nonprofit’s brand and website? In this post, I’m sharing the best (and worst!) times to rebrand plus how to plan around events, campaigns, and busy seasons without overwhelming your team.
HeartSpark founder Lauren Atherton takes an online meeting on her laptop, with a podcast mic in front of her.
Article, Video

How to Improve Your Nonprofit Website and Get More Online Donations

If your nonprofit website feels outdated or isn’t converting visitors into donors, these 3 simple fixes can start turning it around. Learn how to turn your site into a fundraising asset today.
Article, Video

Fundraising for Nonprofits: Why Your Branding Strategy IS Your Donor Acquisition Strategy

If your fundraising feels harder than it should, your brand might be quietly working against you. Watch this quick video to learn how the right brand can help more of the right donors find YOU instead of chasing them.

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