NGO/NPO Branding solutions

Following on from an earlier discussion about NGO's and the issues they face when looking to brand themselves including a Logo Identity.

@philipJClayton responded with valid points. In summary there seems to be a lack of understanding as to how branding can be used as an added benefit for the companies image and reflection of core values. This is not limited to NGO's or even NPO's but for the sake of this discussion lets focus on the aforementioned. Ultimately these organisations should be run like any other business. Is there a business plan in place? What are the short term, medium term and long term goals of the company or agency? One would expect that this would be adequately reported and discussed in order to enter into tenders and or raise money for projects. So how is the Branding aspect being dealt with? Is it due to lack of funding or fear of requesting for additional funds from donors that many NGO/NPO's turn to cheaper solutions?

One could argue that it is even more important for NGO's and NPO's to properly invest in their brand as not only do they deal with sensitive issues usually in the public eye, but funding is often sourced direct from the public. Therefore it is crucial to ensure one's public image is correctly and adequately represented setting themselves apart from competition (Let's face it there is as much competition within these fields as any other industry.).

I did a little digging (I have previously offered my services on one of these platforms) to see what is out there in terms of services being offered to cash strapped NGO's / NPO's and came up with a few sites: Taproot; Volanteermatch.org; Givingaway.org

I applied to volunteer for two separate companies from two out of the three sites above. The first attempt the client was looking for a new logo. We could not agree as to what the client was looking for. What went wrong? I failed as a designer to educate my client as to the logo process. There was no brief. I felt frustrated as it seemed that the client was not really into changing their Logo. It is important to treat these projects as with any paid work. I did not do this and if I had I would have very quickly found out if the client was a good fit and whether we would be able to work through the process together. You should not have to feel guilty as a designer if you feel that you cannot provide your best work and therefore part ways with the client. Even on Pro Bono work. It is your duty as a designer to ensure an adequate solution is in place once all said and done. As to the second attempt at volunteering work, I offered to work on a Logo design. I am yet to hear back after five days of the initial submission. There could be any number of reasons for the lack of response. One would think that the Company would jump at the opportunity. This could be my own ego and vanity getting in the way.

It appears to me that there is either first class branding being worked on or very poor branding / logo solutions being offered in this space. How do we rectify this? Who do we educate? The Company? Owners? Founders? The Donor? The Public? What are your thoughts? Are you an NGO or NPO? What brand strategy process have you worked through? Are you a Donor? What are your comments and or thoughts?

Are there any established NGO/NPO's out there looking to improve on their image? I would be happy to run through the process with you in order to ensure you receive the proper care and attention when working through the Logo Process with a Designer. Either DM me or drop me a mail on [email protected] and I'll schedule some time for you.

#ngo #ngowildlife #donor #brand #identity #logodesign #npo #aidwork #brandidentity #donation