How to Choose and Use Icons in Your Nonprofit Branding
Why do icons matter for nonprofit branding and how can you choose the right ones for your visual identity?
Icons might seem like small design elements, but they play a big role in how your nonprofit communicates visually with donors, partners, volunteers, and the communities you serve. In this post, you’ll learn why consistent, thoughtfully chosen icons strengthen your nonprofit’s brand identity, how to pick icons that fit your personality and mission, and practical tips for building an icon library that keeps your messaging clear and cohesive across all marketing touchpoints.
I created this cohesive icon set for The Lawrence Hall of Science, achieving consistency through uniform line weight, an unfilled design, and a playful touch of whimsy.
Consistency is Key
Like many aspects of branding and graphic design, consistency is crucial. Consistent icons create a cohesive and professional appearance, reinforcing your brand identity. To achieve consistency, look for the following:
Line thickness: Ensure icons have similar line weights, whether thin or thick.
Fill style: Choose icons that are all solid, partially filled, or outlined.
Edge style: Opt for sharp edges or rounded corners, but keep it uniform across the set.
Color: Decide whether you need one color or multi-colored icons and stick to your choice.
Aligning Icons with Your Brand Personality
Your nonprofit's brand personality should be reflected in your icon choices. For playful and casual brands, look for icons with rounded edges and unique designs. Serious and traditional brands should opt for icons with clean lines and timeless designs.
Finding the Right Icon Sets
An easy way to find cohesive icons is to search for collections from the same creator. The Noun Project offers various icon collections that work well together, saving you time and effort.
Customizing Icons in Adobe Illustrator
If you have access to Adobe Illustrator (or other vector editing software), consider tweaking your icons to make them even more consistent. Adjust line weights, fills, or colors to create a truly harmonious icon set that aligns with your brand.
Build a Library for Future Use
Icons are an integral part of your brand, so avoid choosing them on a project-by-project basis. Pick a style that works well with your brand and use it consistently across all marketing and communications materials. Start building an icon library for future projects, making it easier to maintain a cohesive brand identity.
By following these tips, you'll create a visually appealing and consistent icon set that strengthens your nonprofit's brand and effectively communicates your message.
Need help developing an icon library for your organization? Let’s talk!
FAQs
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Icons help convey information quickly and visually, support brand recognition, and make your communications more approachable and professional — especially when paired consistently with your other visual elements.
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Look for a consistent visual style — similar line thickness, uniform fill style (like outlined or solid), and matching edge style — so your icons feel cohesive and professional together.
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Your icon choices should align with your brand’s character: playful and friendly organizations might choose rounded, whimsical icons, while more traditional or serious nonprofits benefit from simple, clean icon designs.
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Use cohesive icon sets from trusted libraries like The Noun Project, and if possible, customize icons in design software (such as Adobe Illustrator) to fine-tune line weights, colors, or other small details so they better match your brand.