Culver Academies

The Challenge

Culver Academies, a prestigious boarding school known for its leadership programming and academic rigor, set out to launch a fundraising campaign that felt distinct from its admissions messaging. The campaign needed to connect meaningfully with a diverse alumni base, parents (past and present), and participants in seasonal programs, such as summer camps and winter courses.

The scope was multifaceted: rolling deadlines, multiple phases, and print quantities exceeding 3,000 per piece. The creative approach had to balance the school’s legacy with a fresh voice—while navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of a post-COVID world. Campaign themes centered on legacy, opportunity, and connection—all of which needed to shine through in both design and delivery.

The Insight

This was a call to community. Our research and collaboration with Culver’s internal teams revealed a central truth: the campaign needed to feel deeply personal. Whether you were a recent grad, a longtime donor, or a camp parent, the message had to reflect your unique role in sustaining and shaping the Culver legacy. Emotional resonance, not institutional formality, would be key to engagement.

The Execution

We began by developing a distinct visual identity for the Development Department’s communications, respectful of Culver’s brand but flexible enough to express warmth, clarity, and relevance. The resulting design system became the foundation for multiple campaign touchpoints Every piece told part of a larger story, honoring the past while investing in the future.

The Result

The campaign earned praise from both internal stakeholders and the wider Culver community for its polished design, narrative consistency, and emotional depth. Amid pandemic uncertainty, the campaign helped Culver reconnect with its base, inspire meaningful giving, and build lasting momentum, proving that even in challenging times, legacy has the power to lead.