Project · Fundraising & Development
Brand refresh for nonprofits
Part of our fundraising & development support. Work on it with a coach, practitioner or cohort — and keep the result.
No credit card required · you own & control your data
You’ll walk away with
Refreshed messaging
Visual identity guidelines
Rollout plan
- Typical length
- 3–5 months, depending on scope and approvals
- Who’s involved
- executive director (ED), communications lead and a small group of board and staff; about 2 hours a week, more at decision points
Overview
What is a brand refresh project?
A brand refresh updates how your nonprofit looks and sounds so people recognize you and understand what you do. When it’s done, you have clear messaging, guidelines for your logo, colors and fonts, and a plan to roll them out across your website and materials.
Steps
How does a brand refresh project usually run?
01
Listen
Ask clients, donors and partners how they see you today.
02
Clarify the message
Say what you do, for whom and why it matters, in plain words.
03
Update the look
Work with a designer on a refreshed logo, colors and fonts that fit the message.
04
Roll it out
Update your website, templates and signs in a planned order.
Signs you need this
When does a nonprofit need a brand refresh project?
The most common sign a nonprofit needs a brand refresh project is “Your logo and look feel dated.” — here are the others to look for.
- Your logo and look feel dated.
- People confuse you with similar organizations.
- Your website doesn’t match your work.
Delivery
How does Resilia deliver a brand refresh project?
Practitioner plus coaching: a practitioner guides the process, and about 2–4 coaching sessions keep the rollout on track. Design work may be scoped separately.
Practitioner time is scoped with you. 2–4 coaching sessions during rollout: about $400–$2,000 — or free to you if your funder sponsors it.
Example
What does a finished brand refresh look like?
For example, a 30-year-old youth arts nonprofit that people often confuse with a nearby school might finish with a new tagline, a simpler logo and a two-page brand guide. Its rollout plan would update the website first, then printed materials over six months.
Pitfalls
What are common mistakes to avoid?
- Starting with a new logo before agreeing on the message.
- Asking too many people to approve every choice.
- Launching without a rollout plan, so old and new versions mix for years.
Related
What is a brand refresh project often paired with?
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does a brand refresh take?
Usually a few months, depending on scope and approvals.
How long does a brand refresh project take?
Typically 3–5 months, depending on scope and approvals. ED, communications lead and a small group of board and staff; about 2 hours a week, more at decision points.
How much does a brand refresh project cost?
Practitioner time is scoped with you. 2–4 coaching sessions during rollout: about $400–$2,000 — or free to you if your funder sponsors it.
Who does the work on a brand refresh project?
A practitioner guides the process; coaching keeps rollout on track.
Can we start a brand refresh project for free?
Yes. Start self-service for free in your workspace, then add a coach, practitioner or cohort when you’re ready — or ask your funder to sponsor it.
Can our funder pay for this?
Often, yes. Here’s how to ask.
Start this project.
I run a nonprofit
Start in your free workspace — no funder needed.
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Advise nonprofits? See how consultants work with Resilia.