Good design makes a difference.

We focus on a combination of factors including cause, location, goals, and existing resources. It’s important to ensure we’re a good match for the organization’s needs before jumping in, so we thoroughly evaluate the details of each nomination to assess the need and potential impact of the work. Ultimately, we make the decision based on where we believe we can make the most meaningful contributions.

We offer two award types to help us collaborate with more nonprofits: discounted work and pro-bono work. Both award types are eligible for the exact same services (see next question). The discount is available year-round; simply apply using the form above, and we’ll reach out to discuss the details. Nominations for the annual pro-bono gift are accepted at the end of each year. During this time, nonprofits can nominate themselves to receive up to $25K in design work free of charge. Final decisions are made in January, and if your organization is not selected to receive the pro-bono gift, you will automatically be considered for a discount.

We offer all of our regular services, including branding, marketing, and web design. The most common project types include: logo design, brand refresh, brand guideline development, email templates, website design, messaging strategy, social media branding, ad designs, etc. The details of each project will be determined individually, to meet your organization’s most crucial needs and align with your goals.

Note: services that require third-party participation (e.g. web development, animation, video, etc.) are not included in the annual pro-bono gift, but will qualify for discounts. 

We prioritize Bay Area nonprofits that work to create a better tomorrow for future generations. We have been most active in supporting under-served youth, human rights, health services, and environmental causes.

Design in Kind only accepts organizations with 501(c)(3) status.

If you applied in the past and were not chosen, you are more than welcome to try again. We encourage it! We will not award our annual gift to the same organization twice; however, we have formed many successful, long-term partnerships with nonprofit organizations through the nomination process.

For the annual award, it typically takes 5-6 weeks from the application close date for us to read the applications, respond with necessary follow-up questions, and contact the selected organizations. For the year-round discounts, expect a follow-up within 1-2 weeks. For both, we’ll notify you using the email address listed in your application, so be sure that it’s accurate.

To ensure a smooth experience and great results, we need key stakeholders to be aware of the nomination/application and eager to participate in our creative process. We ask that recipients help us stick to project timelines by keeping communication prompt, accurate, and open, including providing the insights and information we need to do our best work. We strive to make our partnerships fun and maintain a spirit of collaboration throughout the project, and choose to work with organizations that show a willingness to do the same.

We promise to treat our Design in Kind projects with the same level of professionalism and respect as every other client. Our responsibility is to develop a scope of work and project plan that meets your organization’s unique needs, and to complete that work in a timely manner, exceeding your expectations. Our design, content, and management teams will be collaborative throughout the process to ensure success and that your most crucial brand and marketing goals are met.

Design in Kind is powered by Design in Mind. We are a team of experienced creative professionals with expertise across branding, graphic design, illustration, animation, web design, photography, copywriting, and more, but our collective talents are our greatest asset. Read more about our agency here.