From the Nominator

"The March 2022 Brown Annual Fund “Where We All Belong” campaign was a comprehensive multi-channel diversity, equity, and inclusion marketing effort that promoted four key BAF initiatives that support the university’s efforts to build and maintain a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community of exceptional scholars and educators. These initiatives include the Pathways to Diversity and Inclusion Fund, the Inman Page Black Alumni Council Scholarship, the Advancing Diversity in Medicine Term Scholarship, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Engineering Fund. The campaign included an introductory email series, social media ads, and a peer-to-peer texting initiative and culminated in a direct mail piece showcasing all four funds in one comprehensive solicitation. The direct mail piece featured a uniquely folded, full-color, six-panel card with a strong call to action, a response card that included a URL and QR code, and a postage-paid business reply envelope.   

The project was a broad, collaborative undertaking comprising over ten different university units and twenty staff members who provided insight and strategic direction, sourced content, wrote copy, designed and edited the piece, and provided data analysis and list selection.    

This mailer provided strong exposure for the included funds and represented our broadest outreach effort for our current-use DEI designations to date—ultimately, all four of the funds reached record-breaking heights of donor support in the 2022 fiscal year. Furthermore, Brown Advancement continues to rely on it as printed collateral for prospect managers and internal staff, as it succinctly summarizes BAF’s DEI-focused giving opportunities."

From the Judges

The judges were captivated by the beautiful appeal, specifically designed to target DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) designations, which yielded incredible results. The thoughtful design and messaging showcased a deep understanding of the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity within philanthropic initiatives. The judges commended the ability to effectively engage donors in supporting DEI causes, making them a deserving recognition.