Case Studies.

Fund My Future (FMF), an established program under Propel Schools, found new wings as it transitioned to Neighborhood Allies in April 2020. The program aims to support and encourage families to pursue post-secondary education by encouraging saving for college and other academic endeavors. In partnership with the Allegheny County Executive, the Mayor of Pittsburgh, and other local officials, FMF took flight in 2017. In 2020, it transitioned to Neighborhood Allies, providing an opportunity to reimagine the brand and strategies being used to encourage participation.

Despite its successful track record, Fund My Future needed a refreshed identity that aligned with Neighborhood Allies’ brand, as well as marketing and messaging to focus specifically on serving Allegheny County. A renewed brand identity was crucial to establish Fund My Future as a recognizable and impactful initiative within Allegheny County. The program sometimes needed help with consistent messaging across its various communication channels, which made it challenging to convey its vision and mission to its target audience in the most efficient manner. Lastly, the program encountered obstacles in visual communication as the design elements failed to evoke the desired emotions and responses. Captivating visuals were essential to inspire families to embrace the program wholeheartedly, paired with the right messaging (at the right time).

Neighborhood Allies and Fund My Future collaborated with TrailBlaze Creative. This led to a creative campaign strategy that harmonized messaging across all channels, effectively conveying the program’s vision and mission to families and stakeholders. The cohesive storytelling approach showcased the profound difference Fund My Future was making in the lives of families, fostering greater engagement and support. Furthermore, TrailBlaze crafted compelling promotional items, including a new website, reinforcing the newly developed brand identity as powerful reminders of the program’s mission and values.

The program’s revitalized messaging, brand identity, and visual communication resonated profoundly with families, leading to increased participation and recognition. Fund My Future’s impact radiated beyond Allegheny County, inspiring hope and aspiration across Pennsylvania. These tangible touchpoints strengthened the connection between Fund My Future and its community, sparking enthusiasm and participation. Through innovative design concepts, TrailBlaze enhanced the program’s visual appeal, communicating its transformative impact through in-person events, guerilla tactics, and media placement and outreach.

With the help of TrailBlaze, FMF experienced increased participation, and an unprecedented number of families now access the resources needed to build individual wealth for their children’s future education. Through media and consumer touchpoints coordinated by TrailBlaze, the campaign gained widespread recognition. The transformative journey of FMF stands as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that through collaborative efforts, we can achieve greatness for generations of humans.