As the only nonprofit in Philadelphia providing literacy programming through certified educators, Reading Allowed faced a critical challenge: how to effectively communicate the unique scope and impact of their work. They looked to create a targeted messaging strategy that would ensure their mission resonated with and inspired each of their unique audiences.
The Compass Pro Bono Approach
Compass Pro Bono assembled a volunteer consulting team to address Reading Allowed’s critical communications needs. Over the course of four months, the team:
- Researched the competitive landscape: Analyzed comparable literacy organizations, focusing on their goals, messaging, and funding.
- Listened to stakeholder perspectives: Through interviews with board, staff, and donors, the team gained valuable insights into how the organization was perceived and how its message could be strengthened.
- Analyzed donor data: The team identified trends and created targeted messaging strategies various donors.
About the client
Reading Allowed is the only nonprofit in Philadelphia that delivers literacy programs exclusively through certified and experienced educators. Serving over 350 students each year, Reading Allowed works in schools, prisons, and communities, to ensure equitable access to literacy resources. By offering a sliding-scale fee structure, Reading Allowed guarantees that financial barriers do not hinder a struggling reader’s opportunity to succeed.
Right-Sized Recommendations
“At the end of our project, our Compass Pro Bono team provided us with a positioning statement, pitch template, sample Powerpoint presentation and a summary of their work. These tangible products have been invaluable as we further work to refine our messaging.
I have used the sample Powerpoint presentation a number of times when presenting about Reading Allowed and have been able to update it and refine it as we move forward. The Compass team coached me on how to adjust our core message for various audiences.
The work that Compass did to review peer organizations showed us how to present our message in a more positive way. As a result, we updated our website and materials.”
“I believe that the changes we have made as a result of Compass Pro Bono’s recommendations have enabled us to present our message, across different mediums and to various audiences, in a clearer, positive and more consistent manner that has engaged more stakeholders. Potential funders are able to quickly and with clarity understand who we are and what sets us apart.
Compass Pro Bono’s recommendations helped us prepare presentations for varying audiences that clearly convey who we are, what makes us unique and why our work is so vital. Their recommendations have enabled us to present this messaging in a clear, concise, positive, understandable way.”
Long Term Impact
“I believe that our improved messaging allows stakeholders to quickly understand who we are, what makes us unique and what our work is so important. This has enabled us to engage further with more stakeholders.
We are so grateful for the insights provided by our Compass team. As our organization grows and matures, it is helpful to keep going back to the products produced by our team to continually refine our messaging.”
Angela Marks
Executive Director, Reading Allowed