Nonprofits shine brightest in every connection they make with the community. In a world buzzing with digital distractions, flyers can help you spread the word to the neighborhoods you care about most. These pieces of paper are not just event announcements. They’re ambassadors to your mission, made to leave a heartfelt, lasting impression that no email or social post could top. Whether you’re rallying the crew for a community festival, rolling out the welcome mat for a fundraiser, or getting everyone pumped for your next volunteer adventure, a thoughtfully crafted and placed flyer does more than just share information—it inspires action.
As part of our Brand Basics series, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about classic print materials and the important impact they can have in today’s world. Together, we’ll dive into how flyers can amplify your nonprofit’s message, what makes them truly impactful, and how to design ones that really turn heads. With the right flyer, your nonprofit isn’t just another cause, it becomes a movement people can see, feel, and rally behind.
What’s the deal with flyers? And how are they different from posters? Flyers are versatile and designed to be handed out, pinned up, or displayed to spread the word about your events. Whether they’re gracing a store window or stacked in a community rack, the mission of a flyer is to get people excited and involved. Posters, on the other hand, are more about delivering key information or advertising something specific.
Typically, posters are larger, heavier, and more expensive. They take up so much real estate in a window that it’s not as easy to find space for them or put them around town. Since flyers are typically the size of a standard sheet of paper it’s easy to make a lot of them and hand them out anywhere from street corners to local stores to pedestrian hands. If you want your messaging to be in the community in a big way, flyers are the way to go.
While flyers are flashy and fun, they’re also invitations to your nonprofit’s story. To make sure they’re not only eye-catching but also effective, you’ll want to include essentials that guide people straight to the right information about your event.
Here’s what no flyer should go without:
When it comes to making a flyer that grabs attention, it's all about the right combination of images, colors, and words. But why settle for the basics when you can take it up a notch? When you're designing a flyer, think about it as more than just a one-way communication tool. It's an invitation, a chance to connect and engage with others.
Sometimes, one side just isn't enough. Sure, if you’re hanging a flyer on a lamppost, you’ll be limited to just one side, but in many other cases, using both sides can make your flyer even more impactful. Consider finding spaces to show off your flyer where both sides can get attention like a glass door or window. A double-sided flyer gives you more space to shine—showcasing eye-catching photos, sharing your nonprofit’s mission, and packing in all the details about your event or cause. Whether it’s a fundraiser, a community gala, or a volunteer drive, having two sides means more room to spread the word and rally support for your cause!
Not every flyer needs to be a full-sized 8.5”x11”. Try something smaller and snappier, like a 4”x9” display flyer. These compact pieces of paper are perfect for display boxes or easy grab spots at school entrances, libraries, and community centers. Use both sides to maximize space, and consider adding a QR code for people who prefer a quick, digital route to get involved. A smaller flyer can pack a lot of punch, whether it’s promoting an event like a school supply drive, food drive, or another cause near and dear to your nonprofit’s heart.
Want people to engage with your flyer? Try a tear-off option. These creative designs feature tearable paper tabs that people can take with them, perfect for event sign-ups, volunteer recruitment, or even donation requests. Don’t forget about the tech-savvy crowd too: add a QR code so people can get all the information they need right on their phones. More options, more impact!
No matter what style of flyer you choose, thoughtful design is a must. Double check accessibility requirements and ensure that your flyer pops. While working on your flyer step about 6 feet back from it and ask yourself: are you still able to figure out what the event is and who’s throwing the event? If not, consider adjusting your design to be scannable by any passerby. You want to attract their attention like a moth to a fundraising flame.
Flyers are all about getting your message into people's hands, whether they're holding onto it, passing it to a friend, or tacking it to a board. That means durability is key. No one wants their flyer to fall apart or get ruined before it makes an impact!
When it comes to the best materials for your flyer, we recommend using 14pt (premium) or 16pt (deluxe) cardstock. These options strike the perfect balance between flexibility and durability. They can handle the hustle and bustle of being passed around, stored in bags, or displayed on bulletin boards without getting all tattered and torn. Plus, they’re thick enough that folding won’t be an issue. (if folding is part of your design you might want to check out brochures instead).
For display flyers, those that are going to get picked up and taken home, deluxe cardstock is your best bet. Not only is it durable, but it’s also water-resistant, meaning you don’t have to worry if it’s left outside in the rain or snow. That's extra peace of mind if your flyers are going to be exposed to the elements.
And don’t forget UV coating! You can go all-in with UV coating on both sides for a glossy, professional finish, or just coat one side to keep costs down. Quick tip: if your flyer includes writeable areas, (like with tear-off tabs), skip the UV coating—it won’t work well with pens, pencils, and most markers.
To really make sure your flyer gets noticed, think about places where people are waiting, walking, or hanging out. These spots are perfect for flyers:
But before you start posting, make sure to check if you need permission. Some places require approval before putting up flyers, and some spots might not legally allow it at all. For example, a college may require you to get a stamp showing the poster has been reviewed and approved before it can be scattered around campus. A little planning goes a long way to ensure your flyer stays up and gets noticed.
It’s amazing how a simple flyer can spark excitement and build support for your cause, especially in today’s world where digital content often competes for our attention. With so many digital distractions, flyers are the perfect in-person solution. Whether it's promoting an event, sharing news, or spreading the word about a new initiative, flyers provide a personal touch that digital media can’t quite replicate.
One of the best parts about creating flyers is how approachable and accessible it is. If you’re unsure where to begin, using a template can simplify the process. Here at MissionPrint we have over 100 customizable templates you can use to create flyers, postcards, and even tickets for your event. Whether you're promoting a fundraiser, an event, or volunteer opportunities, you'll find a design that suits your nonprofit's mission. It’s free and easy to sign up, so you can get started right away building what you need for your nonprofit. With the perfect flyer in hand, you'll be set to spread the word and get people excited to join your cause.