Clark University and studio-e: Inspiring donors to “challenge convention and change our world”

challenge: To create an engaging piece for Clark University, a small, private research university, that board members and fundraisers could use in one-on-one conversations with potential donors, to inform and inspire them to support Clark’s mission—challenge convention, change our world.

approach: studio-e reviewed existing materials, attended Clark board meetings and worked closely with the vice president of development to understand the school’s fundraising communications needs for its leadership donors.

solution: In the publication, studio-e used university stories to illustrate four key areas of Clark’s research that have challenged convention and positively affected the world. The design reflects Clark’s mission, serious yet engaging, and includes photos of both people and places: Clark students, administration and faculty, and the various countries that benefit from the scope of Clark’s research.

results: Fundraisers began by using the “Why Clark? Why Now” piece in one-on-one meetings with donors. Thus far, it has helped to start important conversations and brought in major gifts.