About the Project
Nonprofit Annual Report for America’s 250th Anniversary
Stratifi partnered with the Ashbrook Center to design its 2024–2025 Annual Report as the institution approached the 250th anniversary of the United States.
At the center of the work was a publication that translated Ashbrook’s mission into a compelling narrative through stories of students, teachers, and community members. The report modernized classical typography, archival imagery, and patriotic color into a refined, collegiate aesthetic, organizing a high volume of institutional information, including program impact, fundraising outcomes, and educational initiatives, into a clear and navigable experience.
Thoughtful hierarchy, typography, and layout systems allowed readers to skim or deep-dive, ensuring the Center’s accomplishments and impact were both accessible and engaging.
Translated Complex Impact Data into Clear, Engaging Design
The Annual Report required transforming dense institutional content into a format that resonated with donors, stakeholders, and educators.
Through:
- Clear typographic hierarchy
- Strategic use of pull quotes and data callouts
- Structured layouts for readability and flow
Complex programmatic outcomes and financial reporting were shaped into a narrative that felt both tangible and inspiring, without sacrificing clarity or depth.
From Annual Report Design to Ongoing Nonprofit Print & Event Design
Following the success of the Annual Report, Ashbrook continued to partner with Stratifi on additional design initiatives, expanding the relationship into ongoing nonprofit print design and donor-facing materials.
Rather than a single campaign rollout, the work evolved into a series of aligned, high-impact deliverables across different moments in the organization’s calendar.
Additional projects included:
- Fundraising gala invitation design (refined into a single, elevated format)
- Director’s Club event postcard design
- Vinyl banner design for large-scale donor events
- Custom Christmas card design
- Envelope systems and supporting print collateral
Each piece adapted to the specific goals, audiences, and formats of each initiative while bringing visual nuance and consistency across the Ashbrook brand.
Fundraising Event Design & Donor Communication Materials
From large-scale vinyl banners for the John M. Ashbrook Memorial Dinner to a redesigned gala invitation system, Stratifi helped elevate Ashbrook’s in-person and direct-mail donor experience.
These materials were built to:
- Reinforce institutional credibility and trust
- Create a cohesive, high-end presentation for donors and attendees
- Support engagement across both events and follow-up communications
Campaign-specific materials, including postcards tied to the “Freedom 250” initiative, extended Ashbrook’s messaging into additional touchpoints without requiring a full campaign overhaul.
Flexible Nonprofit Design System Across Print Materials
As the partnership evolved, Stratifi developed a flexible design system that carried across multiple formats and use cases.
This included:
- A modernized interpretation of patriotic and academic visual language
- Consistent typography, color systems, and layout frameworks
- Adaptable components for both long-form reports and quick-turn print materials
The result was a cohesive visual identity that strengthened recognition and clarity across donor communications, events, and institutional materials.
Results: A Scalable Foundation for Nonprofit Communications & Fundraising
What began as a nonprofit annual report design project grew into an ongoing creative partnership supporting Ashbrook’s broader communication and fundraising efforts.
The work provided:
- A clear and compelling annual report aligned with institutional goals
- Elevated donor-facing materials across events and campaigns
- A scalable design system for future communications
Rather than a one-time deliverable, these projects established a strong visual and strategic foundation that Ashbrook can continue to build on leading up to America’s 250th anniversary.
