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Your Guide to Canva for Nonprofits

Author: Adie M.
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Canva for Nonprofits page

Canva helps nonprofit organizations create professional-quality graphic designs with their user-friendly graphic design tools. Even with limited budgets and resources, Canva makes it easy for organizations to increase their reach with better visual storytelling. It’s become an essential tool for nonprofits aiming to maximize nonprofit fundraising efforts. 

From epic social media graphics to professional presentations, using Canva for nonprofits is a powerful way to improve your NGO’s performance. Let’s explore Canva's offerings, discover who qualifies, and explore the best practices for nonprofit organizations. 

Overview of Canva for Nonprofits

Canva helps users create stunning visual content with ease. The program simplifies the design process while providing access to resources that can boost engagement and elevate your nonprofit’s image.

Nonprofits that meet Canva’s eligibility requirements can apply for Canva Pro for Nonprofits, which includes a suite of premium features completely free of charge. These tools are tailored to meet the unique needs of nonprofits. You can create high-quality content without stretching your budgets. 

The best part? Its drag-and-drop interface and extensive library of templates make it easy for anyone on your team to produce professional designs. 

Whether you’re a small local charity or an international NGO, Canva can help you make a bigger impact with your visuals and storytelling. 

Key Features of Canva for Nonprofits

Canva comes packed with features designed to simplify and enhance the design process, allowing even total beginners to make professional-grade content. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout features nonprofits enjoy with Canva. 

1. Extensive Templates

Canva’s library has thousands of professionally designed templates for various needs, including nonprofit social media posts, event flyers, brochures, and email headers. These templates are fully customizable, allowing you to adjust colors, fonts, and layouts to align with your nonprofit’s branding.

2. Brand Kits

Canva’s smart Brand Kit feature helps nonprofits maintain consistency across all promotional materials. All you need to do is upload your logo, select your brand’s colors, and set default fonts. 

This feature is especially helpful for nonprofits with multiple team members or when you’re working on more than one project at a time. With Brand Kit, it’s easy to make sure everyone uses the same branding elements for a unified and professional look. 

3. Collaborative Tools

Collaboration is crucial for nonprofits. Fortunately, Canva makes it easy for teams to collaborate on designs in real-time. It allows multiple users to edit, comment on, and provide feedback on projects. 

4. Premium Stock Library

Another great feature is the Canva library – a database of high-quality images, videos, and graphics perfect for nonprofits. Instead of spending time and money sourcing stock images, nonprofits can rely on Canva’s vast collection to find the perfect visuals for campaigns. 

5. Social Media Integration

Canva simplifies social media management by allowing you to create and schedule posts directly from the platform. This integration saves time and ensures your content looks professional across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Canva app loading on a phone

Eligibility Guidelines

All registered nonprofits, including NGOs, social enterprises, and community-based organizations, qualify for Canva for Nonprofits.  

To join, your organization must qualify with a charitable status recognized by your country’s governing body. A few examples include organizations focused on education, environmental causes, healthcare, or social justice. 

If your mission is serving the public without discrimination, Canva is likely to approve your application.

However, some organizations do not qualify, including political groups, religious organizations without a secular public mission, and government entities. Organizations that primarily focus on private or commercial interests may also be ineligible.

How to Apply for Canva for Nonprofits

Applying is a simple and straightforward process. 

Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Visit Canva’s Nonprofits Page: First, navigate to Canva’s official webpage for nonprofits. There, you’ll find detailed information about the program and a link to the application form.
  2. Create a Canva Account: If you don’t already have a Canva account, now is the time to sign up for a free one. This account will be the foundation for your nonprofit’s access to Canva Pro features.
  3. Complete the Application Form: Next, fill out the application form. You’ll need to provide your mission statement, website, and documentation verifying your nonprofit status. Remember to be accurate and honest. 
  4. Verification Process: Canva takes between 7 to 10 days to verify your NGO with local regulatory bodies, which varies depending on your location. Be prepared to upload any necessary documentation while they verify the information you provided. 
  5. Approval and Access: Once your application is approved, your account will be upgraded to Canva Pro for Nonprofits. You’ll immediately gain access to Canva’s impressive premium tools. The entire process typically takes a few days, though verification times may vary depending on your location. 

Best Practices for Nonprofits

To make the most of your free Canva Pro, remember these best practices. 

Enhance Visual Storytelling

Visuals are a powerful way to communicate your nonprofit’s mission and impact. So, use the Canva tools to create eye-catching infographics, posters, and videos to share updates, information, and fundraisers. 

Create Marketing Materials

Nonprofits often use brochures, flyers, and newsletters to spread the word about a cause. Canva's drag-and-drop interface and customizable templates make it easy to design these materials for both digital and print. 

Engage on Social Media

Social media is vital for the modern nonprofit, providing unparalleled international reach. With Canva’s template and animation library, you create engaging posts that draw people to your cause. 

Develop Impactful Presentations

Presentations play a key role in nonprofit operations, whether for training volunteers, pitching to donors, or updating stakeholders. Canva’s presentation tools make crafting visually appealing slideshows that convey your nonprofit’s message painless.

Promote Events

Events are a cornerstone of nonprofit fundraising and community engagement. Using Canva, you can design event invitations, promotional materials, and signage that capture donors' attention and draw them to your cause. 

Canva website on a laptop

Conclusion

Canva is an impressive and powerful resource for nonprofit organizations. With its premium features, collaborative tools, and extensive template library, you can create high-quality visuals that tell your nonprofit’s story and engage donors. stories and engage their audiences.

If your organization qualifies for Canva Pro for Nonprofits, you’ll gain access to a world of design—at no cost at all!