6 Successful Environmental Nonprofit Projects from 2023 (and How I Helped)
I’m lucky to work with organizations who are doing hard work for the environment.
I was recently prompted to take some time to reflect on 2023 and what I’d accomplished this year in my business. Some things are easily measurable – like income, new connections made and projects booked – but as climate change and the environment continues to feel heavy on my shoulders, it sometimes feels hard to measure the impact of my mission: to use graphic design to save the planet . I decided to revisit some of the projects I worked on this year and, while they may have seemed small at the time, reflecting on them now helps me see their significance in the big picture. My design work with the organizations I collaborate with is just a tiny cog in the wheel that’s driving impact, awareness and hope.
Without further delay, I’m excited to share a rundown of six environmental projects my amazing nonprofit clients accomplished this year (and how I helped)!
Removing Four Dams on the Klamath River
Two of my clients – American Rivers and Native Fish Society – were part of a nationwide effort to advocate for the removal of four Klamath River Dams in southern Oregon and northern California. This is the world's largest river restoration project in history and, upon completion, will reopen 400 miles of fish habitat! I supported this effort by designing fundraising, educational and marketing materials for each of the nonprofits which helped strengthen their ability to support this project.
$30 Million for Conservation
In April 2023, The Conservation Alliance celebrated awarding $30 million in grants for conservation projects since their beginning. Their support contributed to protecting 3,500+ miles of rivers and 81 Million + acres of land. Read more here and check out the infographic I designed for The Conservation Alliance to commemorate the occasion.
$460,000 for Pollinators
Butterfly Pavilion in Colorado hosted their Butterfly Ball Colorado fundraising gala and raised over $460,000 to support Butterfly Pavilion and their global Pollinator Awareness through Conservation and Education (PACE) initiative. I designed a full suite of event materials from invitations to digital ads and a 28-page event program. Seeing the event sell out immediately and successfully raise nearly a half a million dollars made me feel extremely proud to be a part of this event.
Fighting Corruption to Focus on Climate Action
The Green Climate Fund is the world’s largest multilateral climate fund. This year, they celebrated the 20th Anniversary of International Anti-Corruption Day by rolling out a series of illustrated anti-corruption posters for their climate project partners. I worked with The Green Climate Fund’s Independent Integrity Unit on the designs which were translated into four languages and distributed to over 120 countries. By fighting corruption, The Green Climate Fund can focus its funds and efforts on climate change projects.
Conservation through Community & Diversity
Forever Our Rivers is a grassroots organization with a mission to improve the health and vitality of rivers through community-inspired projects in Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. This year, they rolled out their 5-year strategic plan with exciting goals around engaging 1,000 more members of their community, expanding their team and increasing diversity by 50% and tripling their grantmaking and conservation impacts. I worked with them to develop an approachable, highly visual strategic plan to share with the community, local businesses and potential donors in order to gain the support needed to bring the goals of their strategic plan to life.
Measuring Success of Environmental Education
In partnership with NOAA and funded by the U.S. Department of Education, North American Association for Environmental Education awarded $2.45 million to 30 environmental education organizations that partner with NOAA to provide enriching after-school watershed-related STEM projects. This 5-year partnership aimed to increase environmental and science literacy among NOAA’s partners and external networks. As part of the project, I worked with NOAA to produce a 70+ page workbook as well as a series of infographics, case studies and social media graphics to share metrics and results of the pilot programs.
I’m Margo! A graphic designer who works with conservation-minded nonprofits and brands on projects like logos & branding, annual reports, maps, and infographics. I work with my clients to create beautiful and meaningful design that amplifies the marketing efforts it takes to ignite action and change. Visit my portfolio to see some of the projects I’ve collaborated on with nonprofits to protect the environment.