NeighborWorks America
Revitalizing Communities Across a National Network
THE GOAL
249 organizations working to create opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve lives and strengthen their communities
NeighborWorks America set out to bring strategic branding and marketing expertise to their national member network in urban and rural areas, as well as initiatives within the organization. Since 2012, the work has evolved as organizations have shifted to customer-focused approaches and sustainable business models.
Many organizations come to us with a SPECIFIC NEED or challenge. The real work almost always starts with the same questions — understanding who they are, who they need to reach and what they want to say.
THE challenge
NeighborWorks America is one of the most respected names in affordable housing and community development in the country, with a network serving a wide spectrum of communities. Each member organization is deeply rooted in its community with passionate staff and meaningful programs, but a strong mission does not always result in reaching the people who could benefit most.
Across the network we have encountered consistent themes: brands that exist in practice but are rarely documented, messaging that lacks focus and marketing efforts led by capable but stretched staff working without a plan. The result is often brand identities, websites and materials that have grown organically over time without guidelines or consistency. This is where years of experience working exclusively in this sector makes all the difference.
The solutions
We have worked with over 40 NeighborWorks member organizations across the country, from those serving big cities and small towns to statewide initiatives. We also partner with NeighborWorks America directly on network initiatives.
- Brand architecture and identity design.
- Marketing plan creation.
- Social enterprise and income generation strategies.
- Website audits and custom-builds.
- Social media and email campaign approaches & content development.
- Collateral design and packaging.
- Impact reports, profile stories & toolkit guides for NeighborWorks.
- Presentations, interactive webinars & technical assistance for ongoing learning.
the impact
The most consistent outcome of our work is the shift an organization realizes when they see themselves differently. Not just who they are today, but what they are capable of. Here are just a few examples.
Rebrand Roadmap
Faced with a rebrand they didn’t know how to approach, a leading regional organization left with a full project roadmap, an aligned leadership team and the clarity to move forward with confidence. What started as uncertainty became a defined path, with a design partner ready to bring it to life.
Website + Identity
A homeownership organization had an outdated website that was not telling their story. We designed a new brand identity and built a custom site organized around the homebuyer journey, making it easy for first-time buyers to find education, counseling and down payment assistance in one place.
Digital Communications
Relying on annual print mailings with little response, this organization needed a new approach. We built a communications plan, a branded email template and the internal case for change. Regular email campaigns are now underway with a digital fundraising campaign in the works.
Business Development
When one organization developed a new initiative connecting residents to higher wage jobs in the region through a new auto loan program, we built a Business Partner Outreach Roadmap and pitch deck that gave them the tools to recruit the corporate partners they needed.
working throughout the network
