Designing logos for the small but mighty organizations we serve is a creative challenge that inspires us. A logo must convey an organization’s identity and mission using just a few elements. It also needs to be versatile, able to adapt seamlessly from small icons to large signage while maintaining clarity and professionalism.

A logo is a foundational element of visual branding. It appears everywhere—from websites and social profiles to email signatures—instantly communicating the organization it represents. A well-designed logo connects to a nonprofit’s mission, helping teams share their story with clarity and purpose.

Explore this curated collection of our logo work for inspiration. For each, we share our thought process on how the design blends thoughtful details that reflect the organization’s mission with a clean, professional aesthetic.

Coast Guard Foundation

The Coast Guard Foundation ensures Coast Guard members and families have the resources they need to build resilience throughout their lives. Their programs offer support, where and when they need it the most.

When the Foundation approached us, they were looking for two things in a logo design. One, they needed a more modern design that reflects where the organization is today. And two, they wanted a simple mark that would be easy to work with across various media.

While we were called to modernize and simplify, it was important that our work respect the Foundation’s legacy. Honoring the organization’s history and the original logo was essential.

What resulted is a logo that conveys confidence and stability, positioning the Foundation as a solid source of support.

The new logo is made up of two shields, a nod to the original logo’s shield element. Together, the shields symbolize support, protection, and community. The inner shield features the iconic stripes, which represent the Coast Guard members. The outer shield represents the Foundation itself, a strong protector and ally.

This modernized design blends tradition with progress and reflects the Foundation’s mission and its commitment to those who serve.

See more about the Coast Guard Foundation’s branding and website design.

Science Literacy Foundation

The Science Literacy Foundation (SLF) envisions a world where understanding science plays a guiding role in shaping a safe, satisfying, and opportunity-filled future for everyone.

Our goal was to create a logo that reflects their expertise as well as their ability to make science more accessible. The result is a brand identity that balances professionalism with approachability.

The SLF team wanted their logo to incorporate the golden ratio. Inspired by their mission to make science approachable, we paired this complex concept with a more recognizable symbol: a leaf.

The leaf represents nature and simplicity. Using shapes from the golden ratio, we created a leaf icon that is both meaningful and approachable. It visually alludes to SLF’s goal of making science part of everyday life.

We balanced the vibrant colors and basic shapes of their mark with a classic serif font. This combination of playful and timeless positions SLF as both friendly and trustworthy.

See more about the Science Literacy Foundation’s branding.

MediaMKRS

MediaMKRS brings together industry and education leaders that work to diversify the media landscape and create equitable solutions. Their mission is to build a more diverse pool of skilled New Yorkers for careers in film and television.

Launched in 2019, MediaMKRS quickly gained success. As their small but might team grew, they approached us to level up their brand. We had two goals for their new logo. One, the logo needed to reflect the quality of their program. And two, it needed to appeal to their student and professional audiences.

We redesigned a bolder, more polished mark that was easier to read and use across various media. The logo is in the shape of a badge, reflective of their program at the time which was training focused.

See more of MediaMKRS' branding here.

Reel Works

Reel Works empowers underserved NYC youth to share their stories through filmmaking. After nearly 20 years of success, Reel Works wanted to give their brand an update.

Their work is a collaboration between industry leaders, educators, and local government. They needed a brand to resonate with all three audiences. Our task was to create a more polished design that also felt dynamic.

We started by streamlining their logo to align with the style of their media partners. From there, we developed a series of graphics to bring energy and versatility to their brand. Vibrant colors, bold patterns, and striking imagery of their student film makers come together to create a cohesive and inspiring identity.

See more of Reel Works branding here.

New York Foundling’s Building Futures Campaign

The New York Foundling believes that all people—no matter their circumstances or zip code—deserve the opportunity to thrive. They recognize that reaching full potential often requires support along the way. The Foundling provides that support with a network of effective, interrelated services.

In 2022, The Foundling kicked off their Building Futures campaign. The goal of the campaign was to highlight their impact and encourage greater community support. They asked us to create a visual identity for the campaign, including a logo.

Inspired by The Foundling’s mission to build brighter futures, we leaned into vibrant colors and bold graphic elements. The finished design captures the optimism and forward momentum of their work.

See more of The Foundling’s Building Futures campaign here.

Spark Kindness

Spark Kindness’s mission is to build a community where no one feels alone, bullied, unsupported, or unconnected. They support families, schools, organizations, coaches, artists, and faith and community leaders in building a culture that empowers youth and promotes kindness and respect.

The Spark Kindness team asked us give them a new logo. They needed the logo to be easy to read and to work well across different applications. Of course, it also needed to reflect the quality of their work.

Spark Kindness wanted to maintain the feel of their previous logo: community, inclusivity, warmth, and empowered neutrality. They also wanted to maintain the spark from their original logo as a symbol of being active in kindness.

We paired their signature spark with a clean, friendly sans-serif font. The final result communicates who Spark Kindness is and what they’re about: kindness.

Learn more about Spark Kindness and their mission.

Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program

Since 1972, Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program (HJTEP) has been providing high quality tennis instruction and education. They focus on the role that tennis and sports can play in preparing students for success in life.

HJTEP is a great example of a small but mighty team that came to MOD-Lab to level up their online presence. They wanted a visual identity that better represented the quality of their program as they continued to grow. We created a clear and dynamic mark that connects the two pillars of the program—tennis and education.

See more about HJTEP Branding and Website.

Wrap Up

An organization’s mission should take center stage in the logo design process. The final design should tell their story, reflect their mission, and build trust with audiences and stakeholders. By thoughtfully balancing simplicity, symbolism, and clarity, a logo can become a powerful tool for connection and impact. We hope these designs inspire you as you consider how your visual identity reflects the heart of your organization.