From the Nominator

The 2025 NCEAS 30th Anniversary Impact Report—from the University of California, Santa Barbara's National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS)—is not typical. It is a custom piece designed to bridge 30 years of impact with an ambitious $10 million fundraising campaign. As a direct result of this publication, NCEAS secured a $1 million gift in support of AI for the Planet to mobilize climate solutions. The report has also helped inspire a challenge gift of $50,000, a pledge of $100,000 for the Art + Science program, and over $800,000 in research funds. The NCEAS partnered with UCSB’s Development Communications team to produce this project. Our approach weaves data-driven milestones with narrative storytelling and a rich visual theme. The report humanizes complex data science and reinforces NCEAS’s position in the top 1% of global ecological research institutions. The report targets an audience of partner organizations, current and prospective donors, and formerly affiliated scientists. The planning process for this publication started in fall 2024 with a strategic planning meeting and a survey of former visiting scientists. It was released in June 2025 with a robust social media strategy, local and national news coverage, and nine events. UC Santa Barbara submits this publication not only as a model standalone case but also as an example for how to execute a wraparound strategy for a publication that bridges impact report and case statement.

From the Judges

This high-quality campaign piece was universally praised for its exceptional visual appeal. It tells a compelling story by combining fabulous, full-page photography with clever integration of artist-in-residence work. By seamlessly blending a celebration of NCEAS’s 30-year history—including an insightful timeline—with the case for support for the new AI for the Planet campaign, it effectively shows the center's extensive impact. The butterfly theme and "About NCEAS" opening are highlights.