The Carter Center News

Designing a donor-focused newsletter for over two decades

Introduction

The Carter Center News is the official newsletter of The Carter Center, the peace and health organization founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Published twice a year, the newsletter is mailed to thousands of donors, supporters, and subscribers worldwide. Since the early 2000s, our team has partnered with The Carter Center to design every issue — keeping their community informed, inspired, and connected to the Center’s mission.

The Challenge

With a biannual newsletter that must be both informative and donor-focused, The Carter Center needed a design partner who could balance:

Clear communication of complex global initiatives
A professional yet approachable brand voice
Print production details such as folding, mailing, and cost efficiency
Consistent design quality across decades of issues

Our Process:

We apply our signature IMPACT process to every issue:

I – Identify
We collaborate with The Carter Center team to identify the core stories, updates, and donor highlights that need to be featured. This includes understanding which initiatives are most urgent and which messages best reinforce trust with supporters.

M – Map
We map the content into a clear layout, considering both editorial flow and technical needs. For example, because the newsletter is folded three times to fit in an envelope, we design every cover so that all faces and key visuals remain visible above the first fold.

P – Produce
Our team produces layouts that balance photography, infographics, and narrative text. Each issue reflects The Carter Center’s established brand while staying fresh and engaging for long-time readers.

A – Approve
We work closely with The Carter Center’s communications staff to refine each spread, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and visual appeal.

C – Coordinate
We manage print specifications, mailing requirements, and vendor coordination to ensure each issue arrives in donors’ mailboxes on time.

T – Track
We continually refine the design from issue to issue, noting what resonates most with readers and how layout choices can strengthen donor engagement.

The Result

For over 20 years, The Carter Center News has served as a reliable and recognizable touchpoint between The Carter Center and its global community. Each issue not only documents the organization’s progress but also fosters lasting donor relationships — reinforcing the impact of their support.

By applying our IMPACT process, we’ve helped The Carter Center communicate with clarity, consistency, and care across decades of publications.

Project Hightlights

Client: The Carter Center
Publication: The Carter Center News
Since: Early 2000s (20+ years)
Frequency: Twice a year (biannual)
Audience: Donors, supporters, global community
Format: 8-page newsletter, folded to mail
Services: Editorial design, print production, mailing coordination
Signature Process: IMPACT framework applied to every issue