Folders aren’t just for holding papers, they’re tools that can help tell your nonprofit’s story. When done right, they don’t just organize; they share your mission with the world, showcase your priorities, and demonstrate your commitment to the community.
In our Brand Basics series, we’re here to show you how something as simple as a folder can work wonders for your brand. Need a folder that’ll wow donors, dazzle volunteers, and keep everyone on the same page? We’ve got you! From picking the perfect paper to adding those finishing flourishes, we’ll guide you through every step to create a folder that shines.
Before you get into the nitty gritty of choosing the type of folder you need and how it looks. Let’s talk about your brand message. You first need to figure out how you’re going to use a pocket folder when it comes to your nonprofit. The right message can turn an ordinary folder into an extraordinary way to connect with the people who matter most to your nonprofit. Here are some ways you can use it depending on who you’re giving it to:
Donors: Treat your donors to a special welcome packet (and yes, toss in some swag!). Add an impact report that shows off the awesome work you’re doing, backed by the data that proves it.
Volunteers: These folders are a game-changer for organizing orientation materials, guidelines, and schedules. It’s the perfect way to make sure your volunteers hit the ground running with everything they need to be successful.
Community: Use these folders to share resources, event schedules, or support information. It’s a great way to make sure the people you serve have everything they need in one tidy, organized place!
No matter who’s getting their hands on your pocket folder, it’s important to make sure your brand message shines through. Are you all about helping families? Providing educational resources? Creating change in the environment? Let your folder be an extension of that mission: clear, concise, and full of purpose.
Take a minute to create messaging that speaks to everyone. A simple but strong call to action can share what your nonprofit is all about, why it’s awesome, and how people can get involved. If you’ve got room in the budget to create different folders like a welcome folder just for your rockstar volunteers or a thank you folder for donors go ahead and craft something that’ll speak directly to them! We like to think about messaging that incorporates three main things: mission, vision, and values. If your messaging focuses on that, you can’t go wrong!
Once you’ve nailed down your brand messaging, it’s time for the fun part: picking your pocket folder! Believe it or not, there are quite a few options out there. The most popular of the bunch is the classic two-pocket folder, sometimes called a dual- pocket or bi-fold folder. It’s the go-to choice for a reason: it’s simple, versatile, and perfect for nonprofits that need a handy way to organize information.
But wait, there’s more! You’ve also got one-pocket, three-pocket, and even four-pocket folders to choose from. While these are great for super organizers, they’re not as common as the trusty two-pocket variety. For most nonprofits, the two-pocket folder is the perfect fit: small, easy to use, and ready to keep your important materials in one neat place.
Your pocket folder can do a lot more than just hold papers! Here are some fun extras you can add to make it even more functional:
Business card slits: Handy little slots to tuck in business cards. You can place them in one pocket or both, depending on how many cards you want to share!
Fold-down tabs: These tabs at the top or side can fold down over your papers to keep them snug and secure. No runaway documents here!
Prongs: Three metal prongs down the center are perfect for organizing three-hole punched papers, giving your folder some serious staying power.
Fasteners: Metal fasteners at the top center of a pocket can be used for two-hole punched papers, so everything stays neatly in place.
Pen holders: Add a little spot for a pen or pencil, because you never know when you’ll need to jot down a brilliant idea!
Now that you’ve chosen your folder type, don’t rush off to design just yet! First, you’ll want to think about paper quality and finishing touches. The thickness of the paper, often called its weight, plays a big role in how your folder feels. Here at Mission Print, we use 14 pt cardstock to give your folders a premium, professional feel because your brand deserves the best!
Next up, finishing options! Do you want your folder to shine like a glossy magazine cover or keep things smooth and subtle? You’ve got three choices:
Matte: Non-reflective and oh-so-smooth. It’s perfect if you’re going for a more understated look.
Silk: A happy medium between matte and gloss, giving your folder just a hint of shine.
Gloss: Sleek and shiny, this option gives your folder that polished, eye-catching look. Don’t forget though, you can’t write in pen or marker on a folder with a glossy finish!
Each of these small decisions adds up to create a beautiful final product, and that’s before you even start on the design!
Now comes the really fun part – designing your folder’s look and feel! Think of this as the jewelry that’ll dress up your folder after you’ve nailed all the important basics. This is where your folder goes from being just an organizer to becoming your nonprofit’s official brand ambassador! But how exactly do you make that magic happen?
Keep it simple! Your folder is more than just a catch-all, it’s an intro to who you are and what you do. But no need to cram everything onto the cover! Remember, all the juicy details will be tucked inside on the papers, so use the design to invite people in. Stay true to your brand. Stick to your brand’s color scheme and fonts to keep things consistent, and if you’ve got awesome photos from the work your nonprofit is doing, show them off! You could even add a powerful quote or a few words that sum up your mission.
Don’t worry if you’re feeling a little stuck creatively, we’ve got your back! At Mission Print, we’ve got dozens of folder templates, and we’re always adding new ones. Whether you’re building something from scratch or customizing a template, we’re here to help. Now let’s dive into some fun design ideas for every part of your folder: the front, the inside, and the back!
The front of your folder is like the cover of a great book: it’s the first thing people see, and if it’s done right, they’ll be excited to open it up and dig into the important info inside. Make it count! Keep the design eye-catching but true to your nonprofit’s brand, and make sure it speaks to the heart of what you do.
To tie it all together, don’t forget to include your nonprofit’s logo, name, and maybe a short, punchy phrase that sums up what you do. Something like "Changing Lives Every Day" or "Empowering Communities Together." The key here is to let the photos do the talking while keeping the design clean and impactful.
Pictures can speak louder than words, and a photo montage can tell your nonprofit’s story in a flash! Whether it’s smiling faces, moments of action, or snapshots of your team in action, a photo montage creates an instant connection. Before anyone reads a word, they’re already captivated by the work your nonprofit is doing. A single image can stir up emotions, pull someone into a moment, or give a behind-the-scenes peek into the heart of your mission.
Who needs a cape when you’ve got a hero image? If you’ve got one powerful image that says it all, let it take center stage in your folder. A hero image is like the star of the show– it commands attention and immediately tells the story of your nonprofit in one glance.
Picture this: a vibrant shot of a student grinning in a classroom or a joyful volunteer planting trees in a community park. That image alone pulls people in and makes them feel the impact of your work. A hero image isn’t just about being big; it’s about being bold and meaningful. Let the picture say everything your audience needs to know before they even open the folder!
So, you’ve got a great photo, but it doesn’t quite fit the bill for a hero image? No problem! That’s where a featured image comes in. Rather than taking up the whole cover, this image plays a key role but leaves room for other important details, like your nonprofit’s logo, tagline, or a call to action.
For example, in this music school’s scholarship fundraiser folder, a subtle image of instruments is featured on the cover. Because of that, the focus shifts to the nonprofit’s name and the event details. The image is there to set the scene, but the text is what really grabs attention.
Who says you need real photos? Sometimes, a hand-drawn illustration can add a unique and playful touch to your folder design! Whether it’s whimsical drawings of mountains for a summer camp folder or fun icons that represent your nonprofit’s mission, illustrations can bring your brand to life in a fresh and creative way.
Think of an illustration as an invitation. It’s like a visual storybook that draws people in without overwhelming them. For example, a folder for a summer camp might feature a charming illustration of rolling hills, a bright blue sky, and campers hiking through the woods. It sets the tone and tells the story, but still keeps the focus on your message: “Sign up for an unforgettable summer!”
5. Simple Shapes
If you want to keep things clean and modern, you can’t go wrong with simple shapes. Sometimes less really is more and adding a few bold shapes can transform an ordinary folder into something that stands out without needing a full-blown image or illustration.
Shapes can be used to add splashes of color and break up space while keeping the design minimalistic and sleek. Imagine a bold triangle or a circle that draws the eye toward your nonprofit’s logo, tagline, or event details. The beauty of using shapes is that they let your nonprofit’s message be the star of the show, while still keeping the folder visually interesting. It’s all about balance!
While the cover may steal the show, the inside of your folder is the perfect place to sneak in some extra flair! Think of the interior as a bonus feature. It highlights the papers inside while giving you another chance to share important details or just add a little visual charm.
1. Mismatched Folder Pockets
Why stick to the same ol' pockets when you can mix things up? Mismatched folder pockets add a playful twist without going overboard. By using different colors for the pockets, you instantly draw attention to key information. For instance, in this example, the contact info stands out in a bright, bold color on the bottom right; this is perfect for keeping your nonprofit’s details front and center.
Want to add a business card slit? No problem! Just make sure to keep the area around it clear so your business card shines. Use the other pocket for any printed text, and voilà: you’ve got a fun, functional design!
2. Background and Folder Pocket Images
Another way to elevate your folder’s interior is by adding images, both on the background and the pockets. Sure, papers, brochures, or even flyers will eventually cover up those background images, but in the meantime, they make your folder look polished and professional. Think of them as the cherries on top!
In this music school example, images of musical instruments are subtly incorporated into the background and on the pocket itself. It’s a clever way to showcase the school’s mission without overwhelming the design. Plus, folders with beautiful imagery like this are more likely to be reused giving your brand even more exposure!
Sometimes, simple is best. If you want to keep things classic, go for matching pocket folders with a clean white background. Since the papers inside will cover up most of the interior anyway, this option lets your documents do the talking. The key here is to maintain the brand consistency from the front cover while keeping the focus on what’s inside. The result? A professional, no-fuss folder that’s all about your nonprofit’s mission.
Let’s not forget the back of the folder! While it doesn’t get as much attention as the front, it’s still a great spot for a simple brand reminder. Think of it as a little nudge, a place to reinforce your nonprofit’s name and contact info for quick reference.
Simple Brand Reminder
The back of your folder is the perfect place to reiterate who you are without overwhelming people with more details. Keep it simple! A small logo, your nonprofit’s name, and perhaps some quick contact info like a phone number or website. It’s like a little bookmark that reminds people of your brand without making them flip through the whole folder. If you want to add a photo, go ahead, but remember, people won’t look at the back as often, so keep it clean and minimal.
QR CodeWhy not take your folder into the digital age? Adding a QR code is a smart, modern way to direct people to your online world. Whether it’s a quick link to your website, a volunteer sign-up form, or a donation page, a QR code makes it easy for people to engage with your nonprofit in just a few clicks. It’s a great way to turn paper into action!
Two-pocket folders are like the unsung heroes of your nonprofit toolkit—simple, affordable, and oh-so -effective! Whether you're welcoming new volunteers, sharing important info with recipients, or impressing donors, these folders are a fantastic way to make a lasting impression. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pop in the mail or hand out in person, making them perfect for all occasions.
But don’t just settle for any folder—think through your design! The right folder helps tell your nonprofit’s story, showcasing your mission with style and professionalism. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference in how people see your brand.
We’ve got you covered with a whole collection of two-pocket folder templates, ready to help you get started. As paper goods pros, we’ll guide you from start to finish whether it’s selecting the right finishing touches or brainstorming design ideas that truly bring your brand to life. And the best part? You can either design and download your folder images for a DIY touch, or let us take care of the high-quality printing for you! Either way, our templates are here to make your life easier, save you time, and help you create a folder that’s not just functional but a true extension of your brand. It’s time to let your folders do the talking!