In the world of LinkedIn connections and social media shares, sometimes the best way to make a lasting impression is with something concrete: a business card. These small, but mighty cards are more than just a way to share contact info; they cut through digital noise and give people something real to remember your nonprofit by providing an instant connection.
Thoughtfully designed business cards not only keep your organization top of mind but also help tell a story in every tiny detail. Print advertising packs a powerful punch, delivering an impressive 112% ROI according to the Association of National Advertisers (ANA). As part of our Brand Basics series, we’re exploring how classic print materials like business cards can boost your nonprofit’s impact. We’ll walk you through the benefits of business cards for your nonprofit, and share inspiring examples and templates to help you create a stellar first impression.
Business cards aren’t just a piece of paper, they’re your nonprofit calling card! These business cards should be fun, inviting, and true to your brand, especially since they’re often one of the first things people will hold in their hands when they meet you. So, before you dive headfirst into designing the ideal card, take a moment to figure out how these cards will help you shine in the long run.
First things first: who’s going to be receiving them, and who’s handing them out? Are you creating a donation card, a general business card for anyone on your team, or business cards specific to certain departments like leadership, volunteer management, or fundraising? Think beyond business: for example, if you’re a soup kitchen, handing out cards with your meal hours provides a huge benefit for a population that isn’t guaranteed to have smartphones.
Think about tailoring the design to fit your audience. For potential sponsors, you might go for a cleaner, more professional look that gets the point across. But for your volunteers—why not add a bit of pizzazz with a catchy phrase or fun design that makes them feel special and excited to be part of your mission? After all, business cards for nonprofits should be a fun little reminder of the awesome work you’re doing!
Next up, let’s think about how many different types of business cards you might need. You could go with a one-size-fits-all approach, but why not get a little creative and design different styles for your team? After all, each person in your nonprofit has their own role, and their card can reflect that!
For example, your public relations manager might want to highlight their email and phone number front and center to make it easy for journalists and partners to reach out. Meanwhile, your donor outreach specialist might prefer to send people to a specific webpage or donation form to help them connect with the cause and take action right away– you can even include a QR code that drives to your donation page! Tailoring each card to the role not only makes sense but also adds a personal touch that makes a big impact!
Business cards have a small canvas, so prioritizing information is key! With limited space, it’s all about focusing on the essentials and keeping things sleek and sharp. There are a few must-have details that every business card should include:
If the business card belongs to an individual with the nonprofit, consider adding a headshot or photo of them volunteering to show what it’s all about and why they’re passionate about the mission.
Feeling like an overachiever? Some fun extras can take your business cards to the next level. You can add a little tech flair with a QR code by linking your LinkedIn profile, donation forms, or volunteer sign-ups. It’s a quick and interactive way for people to connect! If your nonprofit has a physical location, you can include a small map or location details to make it even easier for people to find you. Depending on space, you can even throw in a short quote or list of services. Starting with these building blocks will make sure you’re ready to create a business card that’s not just functional, but a true reflection of your nonprofit’s unique personality!
Once you’ve nailed down the basics of your business card, the real fun begins! It’s time to design your business card. You’ll want something professional yet welcoming, giving people a glimpse into your brand’s personality and what you have to offer. Before diving into the design details, make sure to keep your brand front and center! Choose fonts and colors that align with your brand guidelines, making it instantly recognizable as yours, even before anyone reads a word.
Striking the right balance between information and simplicity is the ultimate design challenge when it comes to business cards. Three business card best practices to keep in mind to ensure every inch of space is used wisely are:
1. Focus Your Call to Action: Don’t lose sight of the goal of your business card! Whether it’s an invite for people to volunteer their time, a push to grow your social media following, or a fundraising opportunity, highlight it to keep your message strong and clear.
2. Use lots of whitespaces and minimize clutter: Don’t underestimate the power of empty space! The less crowded the card, the more each element will stand out. Whitespace also leaves room for notes, so parts of your card can become handy space for anyone who needs to jot something down like an important volunteer date. A font size that isn’t too small is also key to making your business card easy to read. Small print can be hard to read, soIt’s best to keep the important details front and center in a font size that’s accessibleeasy to read.
3. Balance imagery with text, using icons to support copy: If a picture is worth a thousand words, use that to your advantage! Icons can be a playful, space-saving way to communicate what you do, while other small photos can support your mission or introduce who you are. Also, don’t forget that your logo is made to be memorable. Make sure it’s prominent on the card to reinforce brand recognition.
When it comes to business cards, both sides are valuable real estate, so be sure to make the most of them! The front and back of a business card each have their own special purpose, and knowing which details go where can help you create a card that’s both functional and impactful. Let’s break down what traditionally belongs on each side, so you can maximize every inch of that little canvas.
The front side of a business card is all about quick, easy access to contact information. Generally, you’ll want to reserve the front of the card for the most essential personal details like your name, title, email, phone number, website, and anything else needed to get in touch. When it comes to designing the front of a business card, keep these five tips in mind:
1. Show Off Your Contact Info: Keep it simple and purposeful! Focus on the essentials and make it easy for people to find your contact info right away
2. Include Your Logo: Front or back, your logo should be anywhere and everywhere. Place your logo in a corner for a clean, classic look.
3. Introduce Yourself: If the business card is for a person, make sure to introduce yourself! Add your title so people know exactly who they’re connecting with and give them a clear sense of your role within the nonprofit.
4. Share a Snapshot: Nothing draws your eyes like a well-placed image. Pull people in with a captivating photo or headshot so they can put a face to a name.
5. Go Social: Pop your nonprofit social media handles here as a quick way for people to stay connected. Throw in social media icons along with your handle so people know just where to find you.
The back of the card is the perfect spot for broader details about your nonprofit. Think of the back of the card as a way to reinforce your brand’s personality and message in a single glance. It might sound like a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are 5 tips for designing the back of a nonprofit business card:
1. Highlight Your Mission Statement: Nonprofit mission statements are made to inspire everyone. A lot goes into creating one, so give it the attention it deserves by highlighting it on the back of your card!
2. Share a Quote: A quote can speak volumes and motivate people who read it. Use the space on the back of your business card to share a strong inspirational message.
3. Showcase Your Logo or a Key Image: Give people a memorable visual to connect your logo with the work you do. It’s all about making a lasting impression, with one look they’ll be thinking of your mission. Consider throwing your logo in the center to create a bold, symmetrical design.
4. Invite Others with a Clear Call-to-Action: There’s nothing more powerful than an invitation. Invite others to join your cause with simple statements like “Join Us,” and “Help Us Make an Impact.”
5. Go High Tech: Don’t be afraid to go high-tech. Put on a QR code to link directly to a donation page, volunteer sign-up form, or informational video.
Since donation cards don’t need specific employee details, switch it up from your classic business card layout. A bold call to action on the front, such as “Join Us in Making a Difference!” or “Every Gift Matters,” can set the tone, while the back remains uncluttered or features a single, focused message. For these cards, leaving the back blank can also create a clean, professional look while keeping all eyes on your main message.
There are plenty of occasions and settings where nonprofit professionals can pull out their business cards. Whether it's a community event, a fundraising gala, or a quick coffee with a potential donor, your business card is a powerful tool. To spark some creativity, here are some nonprofit business card examples to inspire your own design.
Standard business cards
Standard business cards will help your team build meaningful connections by sharing basic contact information. These straightforward, no-nonsense cards are perfect for staff and volunteers who need to share their essential contact details. Featuring your nonprofit logo and a clean layout, these cards ensure quick and easy connections. While simple, they set the tone for professionalism and are ideal for making sure every conversation counts.
Mission-focused business cards help tell the story of your organization. These types of business cards are a chance to communicate your nonprofit’s heart and story through photos, words, and thoughtful details. It’s not just a contact card; it’s a snapshot of who you are, what you do, and why it matters. They’re perfect for those who want to spark a conversation from the very first interaction.
Want to stay on people’s minds and encourage them to give more than just their money? Volunteer cards are your secret weapon! These little cards are designed to inspire action, showing people exactly how they can pitch in and make a difference with your nonprofit. With a catchy image, an uplifting phrase, and a quick pointer on where to find the latest volunteer opportunities, think of it as an invitation for others to become part of your mission. You can even include a QR code driving folks right to a sign-up form!
Drive people to take action with a donation card. These cards are all about making an impact and making the giving process as easy as possible. With a call-to-action (CTA) front and center, donation cards can encourage potential donors to take that first step toward supporting your cause financially. Consider adding a QR code or donation link so people can easily donate straight from their phones. They can be handed out at events, sent in mailings, or tucked into informational packets, always providing an opportunity for supporters to make a meaningful contribution.
Sponsor cards are designed to invite potential sponsors to get involved and make a difference. Nonprofits can use these cards to show what they’re doing in the community and invite others to join them. With a compelling CTA, a QR code, or a link to sponsorship opportunities, sponsor cards provide a simple yet powerful way to connect potential sponsors to your cause and create a tangible invitation for sponsors to join your mission and make a lasting impact.
Once your business card design is picture perfect, you then need to figure out how to make it look (and feel) best on paper! The paper and finish you select can make all the difference in how your card feels in someone’s hand and how it represents your nonprofit’s mission. Think of cardstock as the backbone of your business card. There are different types of stock, but we recommend 16 pt cardstock. It’s both durable and flexible, providing that professional introduction without being too stiff.
With your cardstock selected, it’s time to make your business cards pop with the right finish! To give your business cards a little extra flair get it printed with UV coating. This glossy layer not only protects your cards from fading but also gives them a sleek, polished look that catches the light and people’s attention. There are a couple options you can go with:
The right combination of cardstock and finish not only enhances your card’s look and feel but also ensures it leaves a lasting impression. It plays a significant investment in how your nonprofit is perceived, whether you’re networking with donors, engaging volunteers, or building community partnerships.
Your visual brand extends far beyond the look of your website and social media profiles – it’s the subtle details that often make the biggest impact. From the business cards you share to the swag you send, every element contributes to the impression you leave. Here at MissionPrint, we have dozens of business card templates to create the perfect business card to showcase the trustworthiness of your nonprofit. Sign up today to start designing the perfect card for your brand.
Whether you need business cards or a full suite of branded materials, MissionPrint offers hundreds of design templates and printing for everything from brochures, pocket folders, yard signs, and much more. We’re here for you every step of the way from creative brainstorming, to telling a brand story, to ensuring you’re using the utmost quality materials.
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