Leveraging design and storytelling to fuel fundraising initiatives.

MakerUSA: Scaling Impact Through Strategic Storytelling

I partnered with MakerUSA to refine its visual identity and storytelling strategy, creating a concept video, website redesign, and a professionally designed prospectus. These assets effectively communicated the nonprofit’s mission, attracting key funding from NACCE, Arconic Foundation, and Genentech while strengthening engagement with its growing community.

My Role

Problem Definition
MakerUSA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, empowers students in marginalized communities through making, skills development, and project-based learning. The organization needed a cohesive storytelling and design strategy to clearly communicate its mission, attract funding, and grow its community.

Design Consultant
As an Art and Design Consultant, I shaped MakerUSA’s visual identity and storytelling strategy. My responsibilities included UX design, video production, layout design, and developing marketing collateral to enhance engagement and attract funding.

Solution

I developed a suite of visual assets to amplify MakerUSA’s mission and impact:

Concept Video – A compelling narrative-driven video to communicate MakerUSA’s vision.

Website Redesign – A user-friendly, visually engaging digital platform to showcase initiatives and resources.

2022-23 Prospectus – A professionally designed report to communicate impact and attract funding.

To ensure alignment, I collaborated closely with stakeholders, incorporating iterative feedback loops to refine messaging and design elements.

Impact

Secured funding from key partners, including NACCE, Arconic Foundation, and Genentech.

Strengthened brand identity with cohesive storytelling, improving engagement with investors and the Maker community.

Enhanced digital presence, supporting MakerUSA’s rapid community growth.

Key Learnings
Strategic Storytelling Drives Engagement – A compelling narrative is crucial for communicating complex missions and mobilizing support.

Design as a Catalyst for Growth – Clear, visually cohesive materials amplify credibility and impact.

Collaborative Feedback Strengthens Outcomes – Continuous iteration ensures alignment with stakeholder goals and audience needs.