Your nonprofit newsletter shouldn’t feel like an obligation. Not for you to send, and definitely not for your supporters to open. Done right, it’s one of the best tools you have to connect with your community, share updates, and inspire action.
Whether you’re sending monthly, quarterly, or whenever you’ve got good news or a big ask, your newsletter is your chance to remind folks why your work matters and how they can be part of it.
Here’s what your nonprofit newsletter should include if you want people to open, read, and care.
How to Write Nonprofit Newsletter Subject Lines That Get Opened
Not every newsletter needs to be jam-packed with everything your nonprofit has ever done. Start with intention.
- Are you sharing wins?
- Asking for support?
- Inviting folks to an event?
- Just keeping your community in the loop?
The clearer you are about why you’re sending it, the clearer your readers will be on why they should open it.
Subject Lines Matter More Than You Think
You know what gets your newsletter ignored? A subject line like “June Nonprofit Newsletter.”
Boring. Vague. Easy to skip.
Instead, make it specific and human. Try something like:
- “See how you helped us plant 200 trees 🌱”
- “We’ve got good news and a small favor to ask”
- “Our volunteers rock (proof inside)”
Be clear, be real, and skip the jargon.
Nonprofit Newsletter Best Practices: What to Include for Maximum Impact
1. A Quick Progress Update
Share a win, milestone, or real story that shows your impact. It doesn’t have to be a 12-paragraph report. One solid stat or a short story from a community member or volunteer is perfect.
2. Community Photos or Videos
People connect with people. Add photos from your events, a quick video update from your team, or even a snapshot of your latest project in action. It makes your work real and relatable.
3. Nonprofit Storytelling: Spotlight Your Volunteers and Donors
Shout out the folks making your work possible. A quote from a volunteer or a quick donor thank-you builds community and shows that everyone can play a part.
4. Your CTAs Need the 3 C’s
Every good CTA should be:
✅ Clear – Your audience should know exactly what you want them to do
✅ Consistent – Use the same look, language, and style each time for easy recognition
✅ Clickable – Make it easy with big, obvious buttons or links
Whether it’s “Donate Now,” “Sign Up to Volunteer,” or “RSVP Here,” your CTA should stand out.
5. Ways to Interact
Newsletters don’t have to be one-way. Add a poll, quick survey, or ask for feedback. Not only does this boost engagement, it reminds your audience they’re part of your work, not just spectators.
6. Accessibility Matters
Your newsletter should be easy to read and easy to access. That means:
- Clear fonts and big enough text
- Good contrast between background and text
- Alt text on images for screen readers
- Breaking up long blocks of text
- Bonus points if it is branded correctly
End Your Nonprofit Newsletter with Gratitude and a Call to Stay Connected
Always close with thanks. Thank your readers for sticking with you, for showing up, for caring. Then make it easy for them to share the newsletter or invite a friend to subscribe.
One Last Tip: Consider a Simple Template
A basic, branded template makes your newsletters look polished and consistent (and saves time). It also helps keep your CTAs, colors, and structure aligned. That builds trust and makes your emails easier to navigate.
TL:DR
If you want your nonprofit newsletter to actually work:
✅ Know why you’re sending it
✅ Write a subject line worth opening
✅ Share real stories, real people, real impact
✅ Make your CTA clear, consistent, and clickable
✅ Keep accessibility in mind
✅ Always say thanks
Need help pulling yours together? You know where to find us.
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