You know your brand is outdated. Your team knows. The logo is a relic of the early 2000s. But the board? They just don’t see it. Or worse – they see it but don't want to spend the money to fix it.
I get it. Asking your board to invest in branding can feel a little like trying to convince someone to repaint a house they think is fine. You see the cracks, the faded colors, the way it blends into the background. But to them, it still stands.
Board members love to hear a good plan. They want to see that you're moving the mission forward somehow, in some way. So connect the dots for them!
How does your branding (or lack thereof) affect your ability to fundraise, attract volunteers, build partnerships, or expand services?
If your visual identity doesn’t reflect your current work, it’s holding you back.
Outdated branding can confuse donors, slow down outreach efforts, and make your nonprofit appear less credible. Rebranding isn’t cosmetic. It’s strategic. Link it directly to your communications, development, and growth goals. When your nonprofit branding reflects your current mission and values, it supports nonprofit growth by creating consistency and clarity.
If you can, show examples of nonprofits in your sector that have rebranded successfully. Point out how their new look helped clarify their message, increase engagement, or attract new funding. Better yet...
The proof is really in the pudding though. Here's what nonprofits tend to see when they undergo a strategic rebrand tied to organizational goals. These stats are a collective report of 115 nonprofits across the nation, one year after rebranding.
This isn’t just a makeover. It’s an investment in your future. A strong nonprofit brand can boost campaign results, improve donor retention, and make your team’s job easier. That’s money well spent.
Think of it this way: if your nonprofit’s branding inspires confidence and clarity, it becomes easier to attract funding, secure partnerships, and grow your reach. A refreshed brand can lead to more meaningful engagement across every audience. Smart nonprofit marketing starts with a solid brand foundation.
Instead, explain why it’s worth the cost – and what they’ll get in return. If you’re working with a studio (like Say When), you can outline the full scope: brand strategy, visual identity, guidelines, templates, and rollout support. This isn’t just a new logo. It’s a tool for growth.
Remind them that professional branding for nonprofits eliminates confusion, creates consistency, and gives your team tools to work smarter.
Reassure them that a nonprofit rebrand isn’t a black box. Great branding is collaborative. You’ll gather input from staff, leadership, maybe even clients. And yes, the board of directors too. When people feel heard, they feel better about the investment.
At Say When, we actually form a temporary 'Rebranding Committee' with a member limit of 2-7 people. I always encourage my clients to bring people from each major area of the nonprofit: Executive, Programs, Fundraising, etc. When we do have a well-rounded committee, it makes the strategy more effective and a whole lot less biased.
A refreshed nonprofit brand can energize your team, attract the right supporters, and make people actually pay attention. It’s not just about a new logo – it’s about moving the mission forward.
Your nonprofit deserves a brand that reflects the caliber of work you do. A rebrand can bring clarity, confidence, and a sense of renewed purpose for your team, your supporters, and your community.
Your board directors want what’s best for the organization. So, keep the conversation focused on the benefits. Show the impact, and invite them to imagine what’s possible. You might just get that big green light – and finally say goodbye to that pixelated logo from 2003.
