Our vision for effective nonprofit communications
All nonprofits face similar communication problems at some point on their journey from idea to established. DIY and piecemeal design decisions add up into a confusing visual identity. Institutional knowledge is lost with employee turnover. The mission changes over time and the brand no longer feels like an accurate representation of the organization. Every communication piece starts from scratch and time is wasted searching for the right files and photos. And worst of all: an organization’s visual communications diminish trust with stakeholders instead of increasing it.
After years of firsthand experience studying and wrestling with these problems, and experimenting to find the most effective solutions, we have formulated a vision of an alternative to these common problems. It is the vision that shapes our daily decisions and long-term planning at RDG: that every nonprofit doing important work has the power to communicate effectively.
What does the vision look like?
Imagine a world where:
Every time someone encounters one of your brand touchpoints–your website, physical location, annual report, or other marketing materials–their recognition, understanding, and trust of your organization deepens.
Every new communications piece starts from a strategically assembled kit of parts. Your team members know where to find the pieces they need, and how to use them.
New employees can quickly understand your organization's visual identity and communication standards without relying on a single long-time staff member to explain them.
Outside partners, designers, photographers, printers, and consultants can represent your organization accurately because the expectations are clear and documented.
Your programs and initiatives have room to express their unique character while still feeling unmistakably connected to the parent organization.
Years of photographs, illustrations, reports, templates, and design assets are organized, searchable, and available when needed.
Your communications evolve alongside your organization. As your mission grows, your brand remains an accurate reflection of who you are and the communities you serve.
The quality of your communications no longer depends on who happens to be creating them. Systems, tools, and shared knowledge help maintain consistency over time.
Communication becomes easier, faster, and more effective because your team has the support, structure, and resources it needs to succeed.
This is the future we are working toward.
Most nonprofits will never have a large communications department or an unlimited budget. They shouldn't need either in order to communicate their work effectively.
Strong communication systems enable organizations to spend less time reinventing the wheel and more time advancing their mission.