Monthly Email Design Retainer
Get ongoing email design support with a flexible monthly retainer. Perfect for nonprofits who need consistent design help but don't want to commit to a full-time designer.
Starting at $800
How it works:
Each month, you get a dedicated number of custom email designs based on your package tier. I become an extension of your team—designing campaigns, newsletters, and special announcements while you focus on content and strategy.
Billing: Month-to-month or save 10% with annual commitment
All Retainers Include:
✓ Mobile-responsive designs
✓ Brand-aligned templates
✓ Strategic CTA optimization
✓ Image sourcing and editing
✓ ESP integration support
✓ Monthly performance insights
Three Retainer Tiers
Starter Package
$800/month
4 custom email designs per month
2 revision rounds per email
48-hour turnaround time
Email support
Perfect for: Small nonprofits with consistent monthly communications
MOST
POPULAR
Growth Package
$1500/month
8 custom email designs per month
3 revision rounds per email
24-hour turnaround time
Monthly strategy call
Priority email support
Perfect for: Mid-size nonprofits with active campaigns
Scale Package
$2500/month
12+ custom email designs per month
Unlimited revisions
Same-day turnaround available
Bi-weekly strategy calls
Dedicated Slack channel
A/B test design variations
Perfect for: Small nonprofits with consistent monthly communications
Process
I've refined my process to be as smooth and efficient as possible for nonprofit teams. You'll know exactly what to expect at every stage, and I'll handle all the technical details while you focus on your mission.
-
Timeline: Week 1
What Happens:
Kickoff Meeting (60-90 minutes)
We'll discuss:
Your nonprofit's mission and programs
Target audience and supporter segmentsTarget audience and supporter segments
Current email performance and challenges
Goals for this project
Brand guidelines and visual preferences
Technical setup (ESP, integrations)
Email Audit
I'll review:
Your last 10-15 email campaigns
Open rates, click rates, and engagement patterns
Mobile display and accessibility issues
CTA effectiveness and placement
Brand consistency
Strategy Document
You'll receive a detailed plan including:
Recommended template structure
Design approach and rationale
Success metrics we'll track
Project timeline and milestones
What I Need From You:
✓ Brand guidelines (or logo + color hex codes)
✓ Access to your ESP
✓ Examples of past emails
✓ 2-3 competitor/inspiration examples
✓ Any copy or content for templates -
Timeline: Weeks 2-4
What Happens:
Week 2: Initial Concepts
I create mood boards and style direction
Design first template (usually newsletter)
Share for your feedback
Week 3: Design Execution
Incorporate your feedback
Design remaining templates
Ensure mobile responsiveness
Optimize for conversion
Week 4: Refinement
Present complete template system
Make requested revisions
Test across devices and email clients
Finalize all designs
Collaboration:
Async feedback via email or Loom videos
Optional mid-project check-in call
Clear revision process (included rounds vary by package)
What I Need From You:
✓ Timely feedback (within 3-5 business days)
✓ Content for template examples
✓ High-quality photos/images (or I can source)
✓ Approval from key stakeholders -
Timeline: Week 5
What Happens:
ESP Setup
Upload all templates to your platform
Configure for easy editing
Set up any automations
Test thoroughly
Team Training (60 minutes)
Live session covering:
How to edit each template
Best practices for customization
Image sizing and optimization
Troubleshooting common issues
When to reach out for help
Documentation Package
You'll receive:
Recorded training video
Step-by-step editing guide
Image sizing cheat sheet
Brand guidelines (if created)
Template maintenance tips
Final Review
Send test emails together
Answer any questions
Ensure your team feels confident
What I Need From You:
✓ Schedule training session
✓ Have team members attend training
✓ Test templates after setup -
Timeline: Week 6 onward
What Happens:
Soft Launch
Send first email using new templates
Monitor performance
Gather team feedback
Make any necessary adjustments
30-Day Support Period You have:
Email support for questions
Minor tweaks and adjustmentsj
Troubleshooting help
Check-in at 2 weeks and 4 weeks
Ongoing Optimization
After 30 days:
Optional monthly retainer for ongoing support
A/B testing services
Template updates as needed
Strategy consultations
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
-
Email Primary communication for updates, sharing drafts, and feedback
Video Calls Kick-off meeting, mid-project check-in (optional), training session
Loom Videos I often record quick videos to present designs or explain concepts
Your Project Portal (if applicable) Centralized place for files, feedback, and timeline tracking
Response Times:
My responses: Within 24 hours on weekdays
Your feedback: Requested within 3-5 business days to keep your project on track
-
Educational Approach I don't just hand over templates. I empower your team to use them confidently
Nonprofit Expertise I understand your constraints, compliance needs, and donor psychology
Flexible & Understanding Nonprofit schedules are unpredictable. I build in flexibility for delayed feedback or changing priorities.
Mission-Focused Every design decision is made with your goals and impact in mind, not just aesthetics
-
Life happens, especially at nonprofits! We can pause for up to 2 weeks without issue. Longer pauses require rescheduling.
-
Absolutely! Additional templates can be added for $300-500 each depending on complexity.
-
First draft is always exploratory. Your feedback guides the direction. We iterate until you're thrilled.
-
I provide copy structure guidance and placeholder text, but final copy is typically yours or from a copywriter I can recommend.
-
I can migrate templates to a new platform for a fee. Amount depends on complexity.
Ready to improve your nonprofit email reach?
Let's discuss how strategic email design can help you engage more supporters and raise more funds.
Not sure what your needs are? Start with a free audit. I’ll review your current email designs and discuss improvements at no cost.
Based in Seattle. Working with nonprofits nationwide.
