“We just printed 1,000 brochures, and they’re still sitting in a box in the office.”

Let’s be honest: Most nonprofit print materials end up in the trash.

It happens all the time. Nonprofits spend time and money designing and printing materials, only to realize no one actually picks them up—or worse, they become instantly outdated.

In a world where most communication happens online, does print still matter?

Absolutely. But not everything needs to be printed.

So, before you hit “order” on another bulk print job, let’s talk about what’s actually worth printing in 2025—and what belongs in the digital world.

Print Isn’t Dead—But It Needs to Be Smarter

Nonprofits still rely on print materials for events, fundraising, and outreach. The difference today? People expect print to be intentional.

A decade ago, organizations printed everything—brochures, multi-page reports, and stacks of flyers. Now, with most supporters engaging digitally, print has shifted.

Instead of mass-printing generic materials, modern nonprofit print materials are high-impact, well-designed and serve a clear purpose.

The key isn’t to abandon print—it’s to print less, but print smarter.

Which Nonprofit Print Materials Are Worth Printing in 2025?

1. High-Impact One-Pagers

Forget thick brochures. A well-designed one-pager delivers your message faster, cleaner, and more effectively. Here’s how to create a nonprofit one-pager.

They work because:

• They force you to get to the point. No fluff, just key takeaways.

• They’re easy to hand out at events or donor meetings.

• They can be updated frequently, avoiding the “oops, this is outdated” problem.

Examples:

• A donor leave-behind summarizing how contributions make a difference

• A program overview with essential details in a visually compelling way

• An impact snapshot showing key stats from the past year

Think of them as elevated business cards—concise, memorable, and actionable.

2. Event Materials That People Will Actually Use

Printed materials still make sense for events—but only if they add value.

Worth printing:

• Programs & schedules for galas or conferences

• Name tags & signage

• A simple event takeaway with a QR code for more details

Not worth printing:

• Anything people will throw away before they leave.

A massive event packet? Nope. A branded thank-you card with a call to action? Much better.

3. Donation Envelopes & Direct Mail That Stands Out

Direct mail still drives billions in donations. But in 2025, it’s about quality—not quantity. Check out these nonprofit direct mail best practices.

Direct mail works when it:

• Feels personal (not a generic letter to “valued supporter”)

• Includes an easy giving option (QR code, slip, simple URL)

• Looks premium enough that people actually open it

Great mail tells a story. It doesn’t just ask—it invites.

4. Print Pieces That Feel Premium

If you’re printing something, make it worth keeping.

People will hang onto:

• High-quality donor reports with beautiful layouts

• Limited-edition postcards or thank-you notes

• Impact booklets with emotional storytelling and strong visuals

If it feels premium, it won’t end up in the recycling bin.

Nonprofit Print Materials That Are No Longer Worth Printing

1. Generic Tri-Fold Brochures

They’re filled with too much text, overcrowded design, and outdated info. That’s a no from us.

Instead? Use a one-pager or QR code that links to a live webpage with current info.

2. Mass-Produced Flyers

Handing out hundreds of flyers might feel productive, but if they aren’t picked up or acted on, they’re not worth the cost.

Save flyers for:

• Time-sensitive events

• Targeted in-person moments

Otherwise, go digital.

3. Long, Printed Annual Reports

Long printed reports are out. Donors expect digital nonprofit annual reports now.

Instead:

• Create an interactive digital report with videos and clickable stories

• Print a 1–2 page summary for board members or major donors

• Use infographics to present impact in a visual, accessible way

So, What Should Your Nonprofit Print in 2025?

The rule of thumb: If it’s not actively being used or driving action, it doesn’t need to be printed.

Worth printing:

✔️ Concise, high-impact one-pagers
✔️ Direct mail campaigns that feel personal and premium
✔️ Event materials that provide real value
✔️ Printed pieces that people will keep

Not worth printing:

❌ Generic brochures
❌ Flyers handed out in bulk with no purpose
❌ Long annual reports better suited for digital

Before printing anything, ask: Will someone read this, keep this, or act because of it? If not, save your budget.

Print With Purpose

Print isn’t dead—it’s just evolved.

In 2025, the goal isn’t to print more—it’s to print better.

That means fewer stacks of brochures collecting dust and more strategic, well-designed nonprofit print materials that actually serve a purpose.

If your nonprofit is ready to rethink its print strategy—HOLY SH*FT! can help.

Let’s create materials that don’t just get printed, but actually get used.