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.
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.
Professional Services Branding: Crafted with Purpose (And Yes, Actually Achievable)
Boost your business with thoughtful professional services branding. Show off your expertise and avoid the mistakes that can hold you back!
Graphic Designer For Hire? 3 Unexpected Reasons Your Nonprofit Should Work with a Pro
Seeking a graphic designer for hire? Discover 3 unexpected reasons your nonprofit needs professional design. From psychology-driven visuals to innovative trends.
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.
Why Your Nonprofit Organization Needs Professionally Designed Marketing Materials
Craft compelling marketing materials to shape your nonprofit's identity, engage supporters, and drive long-term success. Stand out and inspire action!
Follow These Strategic Planning Steps for Your Nonprofit or Foundation in 2025
Discover strategic planning steps to guide your nonprofit through 2025. Align your mission, set clear goals, and create meaningful impact with practical, step-by-step guidance.
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.
Why Your Foundation Needs to Consider Outsourcing Graphic Design (And Why That's Okay!)
Discover why outsourcing graphic design can transform your foundation's impact. Learn the benefits, cost savings, and how to choose the right design partner.
Emotional Engagement vs Emotional Manipulation
Learn how to create ethical emotional engagement for your nonprofit marketing. Discover the difference between authentic donor connections and manipulation.
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.
How to Make the Most of Your Nonprofit Donation Request: The Importance of Looking Like the Expert in Your Field
Make your nonprofit donation request more effective by establishing expert status. Learn how professional branding and visual identity help build donor trust and increase giving.
Elevating Orange County Community Foundation’s Brand and Marketing Collateral
Learn how Acton Circle partnered with Orange County Community Foundation to redesign their marketing materials, ensuring a cohesive, polished, and professional brand identity.
The Power of Giving: Making an Effective Case for Support for Nonprofits
Discover how to create a powerful nonprofit case for support that moves donors to action through authentic storytelling and smart design strategies.
How to Thank Donors: Create an Awesome Donor Thank You Card
Learn how to create donor thank you card that strengthen relationships and transform one-time gifts into lasting nonprofit partnerships.
Designing Impactful Materials for 10,000 Degrees' Mission
Discover how we partnered with 10,000 Degrees to create a cohesive set of materials, including an impact report, strategic plan, donor booklet, and microsites designed to inspire donors and showcase the organization's mission of supporting students in higher education. Our dynamic, student-focused designs bring their story to life across print and digital
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.
Designing a Comprehensive Report and Brand Style Guide for the Chiron Community Foundation (CCGF)
Discover how we helped the Chiron Community Foundation (CCGF) create an accessible mental health report and establish a unified brand style guide.
3 Ways Branding for Nonprofits Impacts Donors
Learn how strong branding for nonprofits can build trust, create emotional connections, and foster donor loyalty.
What’s the Point of Rebranding? A Strategic Guide to Brand Transformation
Are you ready for a brand makeover? Dive into our guide to understand what happens during a rebranding process. Get ready for a fresh new look!
Enhancing East Bay Community Foundation's Brand and Mission through Dynamic Design
Discover how Acton Circle partnered with East Bay Community Foundation to elevate their brand and advance their mission of racial equity.
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Where mission-driven design elevates presence, and meaningful work leaves a lasting impact. Biweekly insights on design strategy, visual storytelling, and brand stewardship—delivered with intention.
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Design Impact Assessment
We'll review your top 3 materials (like a report, deck, brochures, or brand guidelines) and give you specific recommendations to help you visualize your mission more effectively.