This is a guest post written by Jack Karako of IMPACTism.
Logos are everywhere. From golden arches to a swooshing checkmark, our eyes are constantly bombarded with logos that represent organizations of all shapes and sizes.
Corporate logos are some of the most easily recognizable images on the planet. While it might seem impossible for your nonprofit logo to compete with those major companies in terms of brand awareness, all your logo really needs to do is tell your nonprofit’s story.
There are many different examples of great nonprofit logos out there, and whether your organization is crafting a brand new logo or revamping an existing one, there are a few strategies and tips you should consider.
Here are the top three ways that your nonprofit logo is important in telling your organization’s story.
1. Your logo shows your nonprofit’s personality.
You nonprofit’s logo is what most people will remember about your organization, and your organization’s personality should be part of that!
If your organization works with young children, it might be a good idea to have a fun looking and colorful logo.
Conversely, if you work within the international community to fight for refugee rights, use a more serious design to convey your mission.
For example, your nonprofit can show its personality and tell its story like A Place Called Home does.
A Place Called Home is a charity that provides South American youths with educational opportunities and other programs. Their logo properly reflects this mission and tells a story with its bright colors and excited figures (one is wearing a graduation cap and another is playing an instrument).
Whatever personality your nonprofit is trying to convey, make sure that your logo matches it.
You can also use other images to display your organization’s personality.
2. Your logo is simple.
Complicated logos will confuse and bewilder individuals who are unfamiliar with your organization.
Additionally, the more complicated a logo is, the more likely it is to be misinterpreted.
Take inspiration from Rare, an environmental organization that focuses on conservation.
The Rare logo is simple but allows individuals to understand what the nonprofit does. The colors are not overwhelming, and the minimalist icons are easily recognizable.
Keeping your logo clean and simple is one of the best ways to tell a part of your nonprofit’s story. You can’t possibly explain the years that you spent working that led your organization to where it is today, but you can reveal a small portion of that story in a simple logo.
3. Your logo is ubiquitous.
Your nonprofit is constantly telling its story whether or not you are aware of it. It does so through your logo.
When you make your logo part of your nonprofit’s culture of storytelling, you show your supporters that you are still committed to accomplishing your mission.
Making your logo ubiquitous means including it:
- On your website.
- On all of your communications to donors and within your organization.
- On all banners and flyers at your fundraising events.
- On your promotional items.
- Within your social media posts.
When supporters are regularly reminded of your nonprofit’s logo and mission, they are more likely to continue identifying with it and supporting your cause.
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Making your nonprofit’s logo a part of your organization’s story is vital in reminding supporters of your organization. Because logos are one of the most identifiable components of your nonprofit, it’s vital that you use that space to communicate your vision and story.
This post was written by Jack Karako, Founding Principal and Strategist of IMPACTism.
Jack has 30 years’ experience within the charitable and philanthropic industry that he brings to the forefront with IMPACTism. Jack has been a major gifts fundraiser and senior organizational executive working with or consulting to nonprofit and advocacy organizations. A generous community and civic leader who has served on several nonprofit boards, Jack has a unique perspective as a donor, benefactor, and as an industry thought leader. Working closely with senior leadership in strategic planning, Jack has personally raised over $50 million in annual and deferred gifts. Jack has a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton, Florida), Master of Arts (M.A.) degree from American University (Washington, D.C), and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from State University of New York at Geneseo.
