Design shouldn't feel intimidating.
Figma is one of the most widely used design tools in the world—but for nonprofits, it’s more than just a trend. It’s a powerful way to communicate ideas, review work, and collaborate with your web or branding partner—even if you’ve never “designed” anything in your life.
If your team is new to Figma, here’s a gentle guide to understanding what it is, how it works, and how it fits into nonprofit workflows.
1. What Is Figma?
At its core, Figma is a browser-based design tool. It lets people:
- Design websites, logos, and graphics
- Leave feedback directly on layouts
- Collaborate in real-time—no software install required
Think of it like Google Docs, but for design. You don’t need Photoshop or Illustrator. Just a browser and a link.
2. You Don’t Need to Be a Designer
Figma is built for teams. You might use it to:
- Review a homepage mockup
- Comment on button text or spacing
- Share ideas with your web partner visually
You don’t have to create anything from scratch. Just click, look, and respond.
Figma brings everyone into the design process—without adding friction.
3. Understanding the Interface (Lightly)
The Figma interface includes:
- Canvas – where the designs live
- Layers panel – a list of every shape, block, or text element
- Comments mode – allows you to leave notes anywhere
Most nonprofits only need two tools:
- The hand tool (to move around)
- The comment tool (to leave feedback)
That’s it.
4. How Figma Fits Into a Website Project
Here’s how Figma often works in nonprofit web builds:
- The designer shares a link to your homepage or page layout
- You review the layout on desktop and mobile sizes
- You click “Comment,” leave feedback, and tag the designer
- The designer updates the file based on your notes
No PDFs. No messy email chains. Everything in one place.
5. Figma vs. Canva
Many nonprofit teams use Canva for flyers and social posts. It’s great for templates and quick graphics.
But:
- Canva is for final content
- Figma is for design systems and collaboration
You can use both. Canva is the kitchen. Figma is the blueprint.
6. Tips for First-Time Users
- Open links in Chrome for best results
- Use the “Present” button to view full-screen mockups
- Don’t worry about breaking anything—your comments are separate
- Use “@” to tag your designer or collaborator directly
And if it feels overwhelming? Ask your partner for a walkthrough. Good design includes everyone.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a design degree to participate in design. With Figma, nonprofits can co-create websites that reflect their values—visually and collaboratively.
At Loopdash, we guide our nonprofit partners through every step of the process. Figma helps make that process visible, elegant, and shared.
If you're just getting started, we’re here to make it feel easy.
