Nonprofits can use infographics to make complex data clear, tell impact stories visually, support fundraising appeals, and create shareable social content. By turning statistics and outcomes into simple, well-designed visuals, infographics help supporters quickly understand your work and are more likely to be remembered and shared than text alone.
Yes, we all know that infographics are a great way to illustrate and communicate data in a visually appealing manner. But the real question is, how do I use nonprofit infographics?
As I mentioned in an earlier post, nonprofit data visualization is on the rise. These pictorial figures, or infographics, are being used to help share important information with your supporters, members, donors, and audience in a more engaging (and fun) way.
Why you should be using nonprofit infographics…
- A great way to catch your audience’s attention- As humans, we crave visually attractive elements. If the words alone are not grabbing your reader’s attention, infographics are the way to go!
- It has a good chance of going viral- Any content with compelling visuals (such as graphics or images) has a higher viewership than text-only content. Let’s face it, people like to share their visuals.
- A simple way to get your nonprofit known- This is truly a great way to raise awareness for your cause. Instead of telling people what your mission is, show them!
Here are 4 types of nonprofit infographics to help you accomplish this:
1. Express the Problem
Problem infographics are your nonprofits #1, must-have, can’t live without communication and connection between you and your community. The problem or issue expressed in your infographic should be aligned with your organization’s mission statement. These infographics are a great way to provide raw facts and figures in a compelling and engaging format. Ultimately, attracting new donors, supporters, and followers to your cause.
2. Explain “How- to”
How-to infographics take the viewer on a step-by-step journey through a process or task. As a nonprofit, this should be easy! Great ways to use how-to infographics include: “how to get involved as a volunteer/member/advocate”, “how to donate to the cause”, “how to fundraise for the cause,” etc.
3. Illustrate Impact
Impact infographics illustrate the information your members, donors, and followers crave. They allow your nonprofit to express success and acheivements that have been accomplished within the organization. The key is to provide your supporters comfort in the fact that their donations and contributions are making a difference. Great ways to use impact infographics include fundraisers, campaigns, volunteer efforts, etc. This is a perfect way to recognize and communicate your nonprofit’s strength and unique story.
4. Tackle Your Annual Report
Let’s be honest, very few people (if any) take time out of their busy day to sit back, relax, and read your nonprofit’s lengthy annual report. Don’t get me wrong, the information written on the report is extremely valuable for your donors, volunteers, and board members, it’s just missing some jazz. This is where you annual report infographic comes in. Some tips to keep in mind:
- Simplicity. Use 2-3 key data points to be expressed in the infographic.
- Make it unique. It should be expressing your nonprofit’s personal story.
- Design. The design should be aligned with your existing brand elements.
Turning your annual report into an engaging infographic can strengthen your nonprofit’s connection to its donors, members, followers, etc. while at the same time emphasizing your brand.
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Nonprofit infographics will successfully tell your story and deliver your organization’s message. Whichever way your organization decides to implement nonprofit infographics, there is no doubt you will notice a difference in your marketing efforts, reach, and engagement with your community!
For the fundamentals behind every tactic here, see our complete nonprofit fundraising guide.
Nonprofit Infographic FAQs
How can nonprofits use infographics?
Use infographics to explain complex data, show impact visually, strengthen fundraising appeals, and create shareable social content. They turn statistics into clear visuals that supporters grasp and remember more easily than text.
What makes an effective nonprofit infographic?
An effective infographic focuses on one clear message, uses simple design and accurate data, and guides the eye logically. Less is more; cramming in too many statistics undermines clarity.
Why are infographics good for social sharing?
Visual content is eye-catching and easy to understand at a glance, which makes it more likely to be shared. A clear, compelling infographic can spread your message further than a block of text.
What data works well in an infographic?
Outcome data, comparisons, and trends that tell a story work well, such as people served or change over time. Choose a few meaningful figures rather than overwhelming viewers with every number you have.
Do infographics need professional design?
Clean, accurate design matters more than fancy effects. Simple, well-organized visuals built on a clear message can be very effective, while cluttered or inconsistent design weakens the impact regardless of the data.
