Are other nonprofits sending more fundraising emails than you? Take our 30 sec. poll to see.
Accessible emails aren't “nice to have”—they’re essential.
Many supporters rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, or high-contrast settings to read the messages you send.
If your emails aren’t accessible (or hell, even readable on a phone because of tiny type or busted layouts), you’re excluding part of your community.
You’re also leaving donations and advocacy actions on the table.
The good news?
According to Cro Metrics, a large nonprofit found that optimizing font size boosted donations by 41%—proof that a few simple changes can make your emails more effective.
You’ll want to save this checklist for later:
✅ Use readable fonts and simple layouts
Readable fonts and a minimum of 17-pixel text make your messages easier to digest.
Stick to single-column left-aligned text for better readability. Keep paragraphs as short as possible to make your copy less intimidating and easier to skim.
Always preview your emails on your phone to get a real feel.
And keep in mind that much of the progressive community is over 65, so when your type feels a little too large on desktop, it’s probably just right on mobile.
✅ Add alt text to images
Alt text tells supporters using screen readers what the images in your images show. Without it, they might just hear the file name—or nothing at all.
Most email platforms let you add alt text when you upload an image. Keep it short but descriptive (1-2 sentences is ideal!), and include any important text that appears in the graphic.
✅ Check your color contrast
Good color contrast isn’t just for people with vision impairments—it helps every reader. Poor contrast can make your appeal hard to read and your call-to-action easy to miss.
Aim for at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text, and 3:1 for large text. Tools like WebAIM’s contrast checker make it easy to test your colors before you hit send.
Yellow text on white or dark gray text on black may look sleek, but they can tank readability. Choose combinations that make your copy easy to scan on any screen.
✅ Make links meaningful and clear
A link that says “Click here” doesn’t help someone navigate your email with a screen reader.
Use descriptive text like “2x your donation” or “Read the report.”
Make sure links look like links. Underlining is still the clearest cue that something is clickable, and pairing it with bold text helps it stand out.
✅ Start small, improve over time
Accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can start by adding alt text to your next email and checking color contrast on your buttons.
Over time, build accessibility audits and checks into your email template design and production process.
When you make your emails accessible, you’re not just meeting legal or technical standards. You’re showing your community you care enough to make sure everyone can take part in the movement you’re building.
Industry events
Free: Boost Engagement with Donor-Advised Fund Donors
Wednesday, August 20 at 2pm EST
This webinar will explore how donor-advised fund donors make giving decisions and what inspires their support. Leave with practical strategies to engage these donors and strengthen long-term relationships.
Free: The Year-End Fundraising Boost Workshops
Thursday, August 21 at 10am EST
The Year-End Fundraising Boost Workshops from Community Boost are a one-day virtual event with expert-led sessions to help nonprofits maximize Q4 giving.
Free: GivingTuesday Reloaded: Smart Campaigns, Loyal Donors, Bigger Impact
Thursday, August 28 at 1pm EST
Join this webinar to gain tactical guidance from Keela and Raisely for crafting smarter year-end fundraising campaigns that deepen donor loyalty—and drive bigger results.
Check our events list for more or reply to this email to submit one for consideration.
Quick hits
Republican digital strategist John Hall calls out the panic over Apple’s new iOS update for unknown text messages: it’s not censorship—it’s just giving users control.
Experts from M+R and the Trust for Public Land covered what’s changed and what hasn’t when it comes to email deliverability and shared practical tips for better list hygiene and subscriber management.
Digital strategist Gabbi Zutrau shared how she built chatbot automation for Zohran Mamdani’s NYC mayoral campaign—turning social engagement into real-world support through low-cost, high-scale organizing.
Precision Strategies is hiring a Vice President of Digital to lead strategy, manage teams, and drive client success.
Meme break
'Til next time!
Sara