Section Topics

• Program Logos
• Examples
• Partners
• Sponsors
• County Programs
• 4-H Program Branding
• Contact

Following are guidelines and examples for visually branding NC State Extension programs and related efforts, as well as partner initiatives. NC State Extension programs, initiatives and entities must use logos that comply with the university's brand standards -- read Chancellor Woodson's brand letter.

Visit the NC State Brand Architecture page to learn more about our strategy to unify our efforts as a family of brands that support and advance one another.

View a visual explainer of the university's approach to program branding:

Program Logos

The NC State Extension logo should accompany all campus-based Extension program names in all communications (unless an exception is approved by the director's office).

There is flexibility regarding the arrangement of these elements -- see program branding guidelines below -- but the core requirements of an NC State Extension program logo include the NC State Extension logo paired with the program name in text.

At times, Extension program names may be paired directly with the core NC State logo when the program name begins with the word "Extension" (e.g. Extension Master Gardener or Extension Master Food Volunteer).

Program Branding Guidelines

• The NC State Extension logo and program name can be used as either a singular graphic (one image file), or they can be used separately from one another on the same communication piece. See Program Branding Examples below.

• While there's flexibility to separate the Extension logo and program name, note that both should always be present in the same resource (e.g. the same manual cover, webpage, t-shirt and so forth).

• Entities with multiple funding sources and/or missions stemming from national organizations, such as 4-H, may be granted approval to use existing, well-established marks in conjunction with the NC State Extension logo.   Contact NC State Extension Marketing and Communications to discuss.

• Care should be taken to adhere to all rules for using the Extension logo and appropriate color and font selections as you develop program materials.

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Program Branding Examples

• The first example reflects a standard Extension program identifier.
• The second graphic demonstrates the flexibility available for program name placement.
• Lastly, the third example illustrates a case where a program is authorized to use an existing mark.

Sample of Program Standards

The NC State Extension Master Gardener^SM program has developed detailed guidelines for marketing program-related resources. While this level of specificity is not necessary for all programs, it's a good example of how the brand standards can be incorporated at the program level.

• NC State Extension Master Gardener | Logos and Marketing

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Partner Branding

When NC State Extension coordinates or develops resources in partnership with external entities, treat the partner name(s) and logo(s) as you would use the Extension logo.

• Logos should be placed in highly visible locations
• E.g. A cover page, opening / closing of video, top of webpage, etc.
• Prominence may be given to the lead institution, whether or not it's NC State, in terms of logo size and placement (Optional)
• Otherwise, all logos should be comparable in size
• Avoid stacking logos atop one another; opt instead for side-by-side placement
• Strive to create balance while allowing key content like titles to stand out
• Arrange partner logos or names alphabetically
• When the list is long and/or space is limited, consider listing partner names in text instead of logos to streamline things

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Sponsor Branding

Sponsors contribute goods, services or funding that help Extension deliver programs or services. Place sponsor logos at the bottom of a page, in the credits or another peripheral location. Sponsor logos should be equal or smaller in size than the NC State Extension logo.

Group the sponsors by contribution level (e.g. gold, silver and bronze) to streamline placement of logos, as appropriate. Otherwise list them alphabetically. Use sponsor names instead of logos for a more professional look when the list is long and/or space is limited.

When Extension is a Sponsor

When partnering with other agencies or groups, always offer our logo. Confirm what size(s), color and file format(s) they need up front.

• Send the logo promptly, or point them to our logo downloads

• Make sure they are aware of our logo usage guidelines

• If unable to include a logo, request a name credit: E.g. “NC State Extension” or "NC State Extension, County / Program Name"

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County Programs

All county centers and county-based Extension efforts reflect a strategic partnership with local governments, N.C. A&T State University and USDA-NIFA called N.C. Cooperative Extension.

As such, county efforts and programs should follow N.C. Cooperative Extension Program Branding Guidelines.

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4-H Program Branding

4-H is Extension's youth development program, and the only youth organization based at land-grant universities. As a national program delivered by Extension units at more than 100 universities, 4-H necessitates a unique visual identity that is used alongside our local Extension logo.4-H personnel and programming associated with NC State should utilize the resources below when marketing their efforts:

• Download 4-H Graphic Standards and Style Guide
• Download Extension 4-H Logos
• National 4-H Photo Albums (Flickr)

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Contact

For more information on Extension program branding or other questions, contact: NC State Extension Marketing and Communications

To request a program mark, complete the project request form at:
CALS Communications

Together we will arrange a time to discuss your program and explore next steps regarding your marketing needs!

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