How Non-Profit Organizations Can Choose the Right LED Sign for Their Needs
Shopping for an LED sign as a non-profit organization can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re balancing budget constraints and the need to create a lasting impact in your community. Whether you’re looking for a sign to communicate messages to your supporters, promote upcoming events, or simply display your organization’s name, making an informed decision is key.
Here’s how non-profits can navigate the process of selecting the right LED sign for their unique needs, based on insights from real-world conversations with organizations just like yours.
1. Identify the Purpose of Your LED Sign
The first step in choosing the right LED sign is understanding what purpose it will serve. For non-profit organizations, LED signs are powerful tools for:
- Displaying your name and logo to establish a strong presence in the community.
- Communicating messages like event announcements, volunteer opportunities, and donor thank-yous.
- Sharing inspirational content to engage and motivate people walking or driving by.
In the case of a non-profit organization shopping for an LED sign, they were looking for a sign that could display their name prominently at the top while using the lower portion for digital messages that could be changed frequently. This approach allows non-profits to use the static section for branding and the digital section for flexible communication with the public.
2. Consider Your Location and Visibility
Next, think about the location of the sign and how it will be viewed by the community. Ask yourself:
- Is the sign visible from a busy street or highway?
- Will the sign need to be bright enough to stand out in direct sunlight?
- Will people view it up close or from a distance?
In one example, a non-profit organization was based in a rural area, far from the highway but still wanted their LED sign to be visible from a distance. By understanding their location’s challenges, they chose an LED sign with sufficient brightness and visibility to ensure it would be noticed by passing traffic.
When shopping for an LED sign, always think about how weather, sunlight, and surrounding structures will affect its visibility.
3. Determine the Right Size and Configuration
The size of your LED sign is another critical consideration. Many organizations, like the non-profit in our example, might not be sure what dimensions are appropriate. Here’s how to think through your decision:
- Static + Digital Configuration: Non-profits often benefit from a combination of static signage (for a permanent display of the organization's name and logo) and digital signage (for changing messages). In the example call, the organization was considering a 4x6 sign with half of the space dedicated to their name and half for digital messages.
- Sign Proportions: If you’re unsure of what size to choose, look at similar examples from other organizations. Many non-profits opt for a 4x8 or 4x6 sign as it provides a good balance between visibility and cost.
To help make this decision easier, many LED sign providers offer visual examples of different configurations so you can see how a similar sign would look before committing.
4. Plan for Installation and Structure Needs
If your organization doesn’t already have a structure in place for the LED sign, you’ll need to account for installation and construction. This can include:
- Building a pole or structure to support the sign.
- Running electrical lines to power the LED display.
In the example, the non-profit had no existing sign structure, so they needed to build from the ground up. The LED sign provider explained how they could manage the entire process—from creating the lightbox and LED sign to working with local contractors to ensure the structure was secure.
If you're in a rural area or temporary location, consider options like movable bases that allow you to relocate the sign if necessary. This is particularly important for non-profits that might move to a new building in the near future.
5. Use an Instant Price Tool to Get a Quote
Getting a quick, transparent quote is essential for non-profits managing tight budgets. Using an Instant Price Tool allows you to:
- Customize your sign (size, brightness, resolution).
- Compare pricing options in real-time based on your choices.
- Save and revisit your quote as needed when discussing with your team or board of trustees.
For example, the non-profit organization in our call was able to build their sign online, choose a configuration, and receive an instant quote to present to their trustees for review. This streamlined the decision-making process and helped them stay within budget while ensuring they had all the necessary information.
6. Plan for the Future: Warranty and Upgrades
Non-profits often think long-term when it comes to investments like an LED sign. Ask about:
- Warranty options: Many providers offer a 5-year or even 15-year warranty extension. A longer warranty may also include future upgrade opportunities, so you can refresh your sign down the road without replacing the entire unit.
- Upgrade plans: LED technology evolves quickly. If you want the option to upgrade your sign 10 years from now, look for warranties that offer pro-rated upgrade credits, allowing you to keep your sign modern and functional.
The non-profit in our example discussed the possibility of upgrading their sign in the future to ensure it remains in line with advancing technology.
7. Engage Your Team in the Decision Process
Once you’ve gathered your options, it’s time to present them to your team, board of trustees, or decision-makers. Using tools like saved quotes and PDF summaries, you can:
- Share the customized quote and sign details with other members.
- Discuss the installation, future upgrades, and the value the sign brings to your organization.
- Make adjustments if needed, based on your team’s feedback.
The non-profit in our example saved their quote and planned to present it to the trustees, ensuring that everyone had the chance to weigh in on the final decision.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your LED Sign Purchase
For non-profits, investing in an LED sign is a powerful way to enhance visibility and engagement. By considering your needs, location, size, and budget, you can choose the right sign that fits your organization’s mission. Use tools like visual examples and instant price quotes to make the process easier, and don't hesitate to involve your team in the decision-making process.
Ready to get started? Visit LED Sign City and start customizing your LED sign today! With just a few steps, you'll be on your way to creating a powerful communication tool for your non-profit organization.