Nonprofit Case Studies
Achieve Ambitious Goals
Nonprofit leaders come to Catalyst Collective to grow their impact, increase visibility, and engage more donors. We do just that.
Quick Stats
- Nashville Parks Foundation’s first-ever event sold out a week in advance, boosting community engagement and setting the stage for future events.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee saw a surge in mentor recruitment thanks to social media and email strategies.
- Purity hosted the Moosic City Dairy Dash and BBBSMT was the benefactor for the race. BBBSMT marketing helped the race have the highest number of registrants since 2019.
- NWA has raised the following funds at events: l’Eté du Vin 2023 - $2.4+ Million | ’Eté du Vin 2024 - $2.3+ Million | Pairings 2024 - Record-breaking $1M | Totaling a massive $5.7M
Case Studies
Client: Women in Technology Tennessee (WiTT)
Storytelling & Marketing
In this strategic plan example, Women in Technology Tennessee came to us with challenges in expanding their community engagement and strengthening their marketing efforts. We revamped their social media strategy by focusing on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, creating platform-specific content to engage professional women in tech. We also enhanced their newsletter and public relations efforts.
“Catalyst Collective’s nonprofit services are invaluable to Women in Technology Tennessee (WiTT). They seriously upped our social media game! Sunny and team are thoughtful, responsive, and data-driven. If you are looking for a partner who can help you with social media strategy and execution, then I highly recommend Catalyst Collective.” – Amy Harris, former WiTT President
“Catalyst Collective’s nonprofit services are invaluable to Women in Technology Tennessee (WiTT). They seriously upped our social media game! Sunny and team are thoughtful, responsive, and data-driven. If you are looking for a partner who can help you with social media strategy and execution, then I highly recommend Catalyst Collective.” – Amy Harris, former WiTT President
Catalyst Collective has proudly served Women in Technology Tennessee (WiTT) since 2020. This makes them one of our longest-standing clients. WiTT is a membership organization supporting women in Middle Tennessee’s tech industry. They provide invaluable resources. They host events, offer mentorship, and grant scholarships to inspire women and girls to pursue careers in tech.
Before our partnership, WiTT struggled to reach and engage its community. There were critical gaps in its marketing and communications strategy.
WiTT faced hurdles that limited its ability to connect with its community meaningfully. The organization’s social media was inconsistent. It had no cohesive visual style or posting frequency. This fragmented its brand image.
This inconsistency hurt WiTT’s ability to engage across platforms. With limited resources, WiTT relied on a board member to manage external communications, like PR. But this role was secondary to other tasks. As a result, it missed chances for strategic growth.
But, most critically, WiTT lacked a clear strategy that was based on data for engaging its online community. Without support, it struggled to understand its target audience. It also lacked ways to establish genuine connections on social media. WiTT needed a partner to improve its outreach. This would help it better serve women in tech and build a community.
Before our partnership, WiTT struggled to reach and engage its community. There were critical gaps in its marketing and communications strategy.
WiTT faced hurdles that limited its ability to connect with its community meaningfully. The organization’s social media was inconsistent. It had no cohesive visual style or posting frequency. This fragmented its brand image.
This inconsistency hurt WiTT’s ability to engage across platforms. With limited resources, WiTT relied on a board member to manage external communications, like PR. But this role was secondary to other tasks. As a result, it missed chances for strategic growth.
But, most critically, WiTT lacked a clear strategy that was based on data for engaging its online community. Without support, it struggled to understand its target audience. It also lacked ways to establish genuine connections on social media. WiTT needed a partner to improve its outreach. This would help it better serve women in tech and build a community.
Catalyst Collective created a strategy to align WiTT’s marketing with its mission. We saw the need for a social media strategy. So, we did a thorough analysis of WiTT’s presence on all platforms. WiTT was active on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. We advised focusing on the platforms with the most engagement potential.
By cutting Twitter and focusing on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, we could better target WiTT’s audience: tech industry women and their male supporters in the region.
We created distinct content strategies for each platform. LinkedIn became the top site for networking and career posts. It fit WiTT’s audience and mission. On Instagram, we took a more relaxed, visual approach. It aimed to engage a broader, diverse audience. The team adapted Facebook content to foster community engagement and dialogue. We call this approach “personal professional.” It let us connect with WiTT’s community in a way that resonated across different contexts.
But it gets even better. We saw the potential for engagement in WiTT’s newsletter. So, we re-evaluated its structure around the three-year mark. We focused on data like click-through rates and scroll depth. This analysis led us to split the newsletter into two monthly editions. One edition would be for news, and the other for job opportunities. This change would help subscribers better engage with the content they value. Catalyst Collective’s quarterly calls with WiTT’s team let us test new social media features. We also brainstormed ways to engage members and integrate trends into their strategy.
We also took on WiTT’s public relations. We raised their visibility through press releases and media outreach. We focused on key events, like WiTT’s Annual Leadership Panel. It is a flagship gathering that highlights tech thought leadership. We also targeted the impactful Girls Who Tech summer camp. Our work on these initiatives amplified WiTT’s voice in the tech community.
“WiTT is a nonprofit, and we had always struggled to prioritize marketing given our lack of staff. [Catalyst Collective] brought a creative and innovative approach to marketing that not only helped us grow, but also helped our team to think outside the box.” – Meg Chamblee, WiTT President
By cutting Twitter and focusing on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, we could better target WiTT’s audience: tech industry women and their male supporters in the region.
We created distinct content strategies for each platform. LinkedIn became the top site for networking and career posts. It fit WiTT’s audience and mission. On Instagram, we took a more relaxed, visual approach. It aimed to engage a broader, diverse audience. The team adapted Facebook content to foster community engagement and dialogue. We call this approach “personal professional.” It let us connect with WiTT’s community in a way that resonated across different contexts.
But it gets even better. We saw the potential for engagement in WiTT’s newsletter. So, we re-evaluated its structure around the three-year mark. We focused on data like click-through rates and scroll depth. This analysis led us to split the newsletter into two monthly editions. One edition would be for news, and the other for job opportunities. This change would help subscribers better engage with the content they value. Catalyst Collective’s quarterly calls with WiTT’s team let us test new social media features. We also brainstormed ways to engage members and integrate trends into their strategy.
We also took on WiTT’s public relations. We raised their visibility through press releases and media outreach. We focused on key events, like WiTT’s Annual Leadership Panel. It is a flagship gathering that highlights tech thought leadership. We also targeted the impactful Girls Who Tech summer camp. Our work on these initiatives amplified WiTT’s voice in the tech community.
“WiTT is a nonprofit, and we had always struggled to prioritize marketing given our lack of staff. [Catalyst Collective] brought a creative and innovative approach to marketing that not only helped us grow, but also helped our team to think outside the box.” – Meg Chamblee, WiTT President
Our partnership with WiTT has generated impressive, measurable results. We’ve helped WiTT build a strong, influential presence across platforms. This lets the organization extend its reach, engage its community, and foster connections. Our strategies have improved WiTT’s digital presence. They are now a key support for women in tech in Tennessee.
- WiTT grew its LinkedIn following to over 2,500 users, with a notable 30% increase in engagement across all active social platforms.
- The revamped newsletter strategy significantly improved reach, increasing the open rate from 20% to over 50%
- The new job-focused newsletter segment has consistently garnered a 5-7% click rate each month.
- Girls Who Tech camp met and exceeded all goals and expectations
“Our AI program captured the attention of AWS, leading to an expansion of learning opportunities within a cohort-based community program, ultimately earning us the prestigious 2024 NTC Tech for Good Award. I wholeheartedly endorse partnering with the Catalyst Collective team for marketing initiatives that consistently yield tangible, impactful results.” – Stephanie Beard, Former STEM Director
Client: Tennessee Nonprofit Network (TNN)
Branding & Graphic Design
For this nonprofit case study, TNN started rebranding and needed a new logo and website that would reflect its new identity and enhance its online presence.
In October 2023, Momentum Nonprofit Partners rebranded as Tennessee Nonprofit Network to mark the official launch of Tennessee’s first statewide nonprofit association. With their rebrand, TNN wanted to establish a fresh, modern image that still maintained continuity with their previous branding.
The nonprofit needed a new logo that felt both eye-catching and professional, while also staying true to the essence of their former identity. Additionally, they sought a website that would articulate their role in Tennessee’s nonprofit sector more effectively while offering resources to their diverse audience.
Catalyst Collective worked closely with TNN to understand their vision and objectives. We developed a logo set that captured the dynamic and progressive essence of the new TNN while respecting the legacy of the previous brand. The new logo reflects TNN’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to supporting nonprofits across the state.
Then, we built a clean, user-friendly website that aligned with the fresh branding. It was designed to be approachable, not too serious, and easy to navigate—offering ample resources for individuals and organizations within the nonprofit sector.
“Catalyst Collective brings a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and professionalism to every endeavor. Their innovative approach to being the catalyst for change makes them an invaluable partner. I highly recommend Catalyst Collective to any person or organization looking to catch the attention of donors and volunteers for their organization and effectively fulfill their mission.” – Dorian Hines, Middle Tennessee Regional Director
TNN’s new branding and website have been met with positive feedback across the board:
- The new logo and website have helped TNN establish a stronger identity as the go-to statewide nonprofit association, standing out in Tennessee’s nonprofit community.
- The website’s clean design and easy navigation have led to improved engagement, with visitors able to quickly find resources and learn more about the organization’s initiatives.
“I had the pleasure of working with Sunny Bray, Founder & CEO of Catalyst Collective, on my agency’s website redesign. Sunny’s expertise and creative vision were instrumental in delivering a website that exceeded our expectations. The site’s user experience is both visually appealing and incredibly easy to navigate, which has resulted in positive feedback from colleagues and clients. The Catalyst Collective team communicated clearly, promptly, and embraced our feedback. I highly recommend Sunny and Catalyst Collective to anyone looking for a talented and reliable web design partner.” – Andrea Hill, Chief Development & Partnership Officer
Client: Diverse Learners Cooperative (DLC)
Website Redesign
The Diverse Learners Cooperative (DLC) supports educators nationwide. While DLC’s mission is transformative, its outdated website couldn’t keep up with its success. The site was hard to navigate. Key info was scattered. Their best resources weren’t utilized to their full potential. Also, DLC needed a platform to tell its founding story.
Catalyst Collective partnered with DLC to revamp its website. The goal was to create a platform. It should show expertise, increase engagement, and build credibility.
The Diverse Learners Cooperative (DLC) equips educators with tools and strategies to better serve students with diverse needs– special education, ESL, and speech therapy. They empower teachers to create inclusive classrooms for all students to thrive. Despite its impactful work, DLC struggled to showcase its story and expertise online.
The original website had too many pages. Its content was inconsistent, and there was no clear user journey. Potential collaborators or clients couldn’t find the info they needed on the site. It was hard to navigate. Also, the site’s backend was too complex to update. This caused missed chances to highlight events, share new resources, and communicate their latest achievements.
But the most pressing issue was that DLC’s digital presence lacked credibility and intent. Their audience was unsure how to engage. They needed a website to captivate their audience and inspire action. They wanted visitors to book unique tours, explore their resources, or learn their story.
Catalyst Collective reimagined DLC’s website with both functionality and storytelling in mind. We restructured the website to make information easy to find. We aligned the content with their goals. We reorganized the pages and streamlined the information. This lets users learn about our mission and services without confusion.
To close the trust gap, we rewrote key sections of the website. We emphasized their founding story and the impact of their work. New case studies and targeted marketing showed visitors DLC’s expertise and results.
We then made tools that let DLC easily update its events, resources, and news. This new feature keeps the website dynamic and relevant. It does this without needing much technical knowledge. The redesign also added SEO keywords to increase visibility. This would help partners, educators, and collaborators find DLC’s work.
The partnership with Catalyst Collective transformed DLC’s digital presence. Their new website is visually stunning and easy to use. It now turns casual visitors into engaged supporters. DLC can now effectively tell its story, show its work, and inspire action.
With better content and backend work, DLC can easily update its site with new events and resources. This will keep its audience engaged and informed. Adding SEO keywords has improved discoverability and made its work more visible.
The revamped site amplifies DLC’s mission and increases its credibility with each new user. It also drives engagement with educators, schools, and supporters nationwide.
Client: Dream Streets
Storytelling & Marketing with Social Media & Communications Support
Dream Streets, a nonprofit, helps those in need in Middle Tennessee. It turned to Catalyst Collective in a critical time of transition. With the departure of its full-time Communications Director, Dream Streets needed urgent, steady marketing and communications support. But it was hard to find a replacement.
Dream Streets commits to improving the lives of those in distress across Middle Tennessee. It offers services from supplemental groceries to vital programs. They include job readiness for justice-involved people, support groups for single mothers, and transitional housing for those in need.
However, a leadership change caused Dream Streets to lose the means to maintain its communications strategy. Without a full-time director, they struggled to manage their social media and promote their large events.
Before working with Catalyst Collective, Dream Streets had no social media strategy. They also lacked the bandwidth to post often enough to engage their community. They needed a marketing partner who could step in quickly, manage ongoing communications, and support their key events.
Catalyst Collective became a strategic partner for Dream Streets. It handled all communication needs during the transition. Our team supported Dream Streets with social media, email, and press releases. This lets them focus on other operations.
We promoted key events like the Golden Gala, Taste of West Nash, and the Dream Shot Golf Tournament. We managed pre-event marketing, live social media coverage, and post-event recaps to keep engagement high. Our activity on Dream Streets’ platforms increased their visibility. It ensured their message reached the right audience.
We promoted events and provided ongoing social media coverage for Dream Streets. We posted regularly to keep their community engaged and informed. We also supported their email marketing. We wrote press releases to advance their work in the community.
Catalyst Collective’s support enabled Dream Streets to maintain momentum while navigating leadership changes.
- Dream Streets saw a significant growth of over 400 new followers on Instagram from March to December 2023, thanks to consistent posting and engagement.
- All major events, including the Golden Gala, Taste of West Nash, and Dream Shot Golf Tournament, were successful, with robust pre-, during, and post-event social media coverage driving attendance and participation.
“Our communications were in great hands with Catalyst. They were able to smoothly manage everything while we figured out our next steps internally. Sunny’s approach is hands-on, quick, and clear—she always addresses issues immediately, making sure we’re taken care of. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner during this time of transition.” – TJ Fletcher, Executive Director, Dream Streets
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