As a nonprofit organization, you may have a list of missions waiting to be executed but need more funding. And to secure financing for those generous causes, you’ll need to create a compelling case for support.

One of the most effective ways to do this is by creating a nonprofit one-pager that outlines your organization’s mission, goals and impact.

But here’s the problem: Communicating your nonprofit’s profound stories and missions on a single page can feel like fitting an ocean into a cup.

We understand that it can be difficult. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to writing a nonprofit one-pager.

The article will equip you with the strategies, tools and templates to write a nonprofit one-pager that helps you secure funding and build relationships with potential donors.

So, let’s get started!

I. What Is a Nonprofit One-Pager?

A nonprofit one-pager is a single-page document that contains important information about a nonprofit organization, including its mission, objectives, accomplishments, programs and ways to support its cause. It’s designed to promote the organization and encourage donors, volunteers and partners to support its efforts.

Here’s an example of a nonprofit one-pager:

II. Benefits of a Nonprofit One-Pager?

Before we dive into creating the document, let’s explore the various benefits that one-pagers offer to non-profit organizations:

• Streamlined Communication: Non-profit one-pagers concisely summarize an organization’s essential information. This document makes it easier for donors, volunteers and the community to understand your organization’s mission, core values and impact.
• Improved Fundraising: People are more likely to invest in a cause they fully understand. Non-profit one-pagers can attract potential donors by showcasing a clear mission statement, accomplishments and goals.
• Increased Transparency: A one-pager can improve transparency by providing insights into financial data and project outcomes. It fosters trust and encourages more people to join hands with your organization.
• Time Efficiency: Since a one-pager contains all critical information concisely, it saves considerable time for both the organization sharing it and the individuals consuming it.

III. How to Write a Nonprofit One-Pager

Here’s an easy-to-follow guide on how to create a nonprofit one-pager. It includes everything from structuring the document to designing and sharing it with potential donors and investors.

1. Understand the Key Elements of a Nonprofit One-Pager

To create a compelling non-profit one-pager, it’s essential first to understand which elements you should include. Your one-pager should convey important information and inspire action and support.

Ensure your one-pager includes the following elements:

Headline

Your headline is like a handshake that introduces your content to the readers. It should be concise yet captivating and effectively communicate your purpose and mission to your audience.

Here’s an example of a nonprofit one-pager with a compelling headline to engage the target audience immediately.

Choosing the right visuals is crucial to creating an immediate connection with your readers. Pick images that align with your mission and evoke emotions to make your content more captivating and easily understandable.

The visuals in the article are nature-inspired and have an environmental theme focused on global warming and natural resources.

Compelling Narrative

Share your story in a way that resonates with your readers. Explain why your nonprofit organization exists, the issues you are addressing, the community you serve and the significant changes you are making.

This template is a good example that provides an overview, problem statement, solution, target audience and other sections for a compelling narrative.

Critical Metrics and Statistics

Use facts and figures that demonstrate the impact and effectiveness of your organization. Your fact sheet may include the number of people served, improvements noted, and goals achieved. These metrics offer concrete evidence of your work and add credibility to your mission.

Follow the financial projections section for inspiration.

Social Proof

Use testimonials, endorsements, or case studies to showcase your organization’s credibility and value. These examples amplify trust, inspire engagement, and create a positive image of your organization among your audience.

Call to Action (CTA)

A CTA is a statement encouraging your readers to take action, such as donating, volunteering, or participating in your cause. It should be clear and concise and prompt your readers to become active contributors.

Learn how to strategically place a call-to-action or call-to-donate section by referring to the “How to Participate” section at the bottom of this template.

Contact Information

Always include your contact details, such as your email, website, or social media handles, to establish open channels for further engagement. So, your audience can quickly reach out to you whenever they have questions or want to learn more about your organization.

Use these elements as an outline and write your content for each section.

2. Craft Compelling Content

Your ultimate goal with the one-pager is to spread the word about your organization in the most concise and effective way possible. Every word should engage your reader to communicate your mission and inspire action effectively.

So how do we achieve this? Here are a few tips.

• Use clear, accurate and specific language when describing your organization. For example, instead of saying, “We help people,” say, “We provide food, shelter and medical care to those in need.” This will help your reader understand what you do and why it matters.
• Share stories that emotionally connect with your readers and highlight the lives your organization has transformed.
• Keep your content concise and relevant by providing valuable insights and showcasing your organization’s impact and objectives.

3. Choose a Template

There are many one-pager templates on different platforms that are specifically designed for nonprofits. The design and layout of your one-pager are foundational for effectively presenting your message and NPO’s identity.

Incorporate Your Organization’s Identity and Brand

To reinforce your organization’s identity, you should consider incorporating:

• Logos,  brand colors, and brand fonts, which will enabling your one-pager to reflect your organization’s unique brand identity.
• Visuals that align with your organization’s mission.
• Visual elements, like icons, illustrations, shapes or any other element that enhances your message. Personalize your one-pager to showcase your organization’s strengths and ambitions.
• Data Visualization like charts, graphs, and data widgets to convert intricate data into visually appealing and straightforward representations. Showcase your organization’s accomplishments and positive impact in a manner that instantly catches your audience’s eye and inspires them to endorse your mission.

4. Collaborate with Your Team

When designing a one-page document for your nonprofit organization, it’s essential to get team members and other stakeholders involved. This will enable you to identify mistakes, incorporate diverse perspectives, and strengthen your communication strategy.

III. One Pager Examples

Consider the one pagers included on UCSD’s Advancement page, such as:

• Birch Aquarium
• Peer-Led Academic Cohort Experiences (PACE)
• School of Arts and Humanities

Nonprofit One Pager FAQs