Let’s Talk Case study · Fundraising Campaign
South Carolina State
University Foundation
A multi-channel communications campaign that connected strategy, storytelling, and direct response to measurable fundraising results.
IndustryHigher education foundation
EngagementOctober 2025–Present
Starting pointOne Annual Report
01
How it started
One project opened the door.
SCSUF first came to Pocket PR Plus for an Annual Report—a clear, low-risk opportunity to experience our capabilities and how we work.
The finished report showed what disciplined strategy, clean design, and tight project management look like in practice. That first engagement became the foundation for everything that followed.
02
Strategy
One message. Three campaign phases.
Pocket PR Plus developed a full strategic framework around four messaging pillars—Legacy, Impact, Experience, and Community—then moved audiences from awareness to engagement to urgency.
Awareness
Introduced the Gala and positioned it as a signature institutional event and mission-driven investment opportunity.
Engagement
Used honoree features, student spotlights, video, and impact storytelling to deepen audience connection.
Urgency
Deployed countdowns, deadlines, and direct-response messaging to move warm audiences toward action.
Campaign anchor
“Be in the Room” unified the message across social, email, SMS, web, media, and event collateral.
03
Execution
Strategy activated across every channel.
The campaign paired a high-volume content engine with direct communications, fundraising pathways, event assets, and real-time advisory support.
Campaign StrategyMessaging framework, audience segmentation, campaign funnel, and communications calendar
Content Engine100+ professionally designed assets and 200+ posts across campaign platforms
Email Marketing159 campaigns supporting awareness, storytelling, donor engagement, and conversion
SMS Marketing10 targeted campaigns with 2,792+ messages delivered during high-urgency windows
Video + SocialTestimonials, invitations, Gala moments, Reels, stakeholder features, and countdown content
Web + FundraisingWebsite updates, Gala and Shining Stars content, and calls-to-action directing audiences to Swell
Media + EventPress materials, invitations, signage, presentation assets, print collateral, and vendor coordination
Advisory + ReportingReal-time campaign guidance, weekly meetings, board reporting, and performance analysis
04
Selected work
A look at the work.
A curated gallery from the campaign shows how one strategy moved consistently across fundraising collateral, event materials, social media, honoree storytelling, and paid promotion.
Sponsorship brochure
A campaign-forward brochure positioned sponsorship as both a brand opportunity and an investment in student scholarships.
Gala invitation
The formal invitation established the event’s premium experience while making attendance and giving pathways clear.
Be in the Room
The campaign anchor unified the message around elegance, energy, excellence, and the value of being present.
Ticket launch
High-impact launch creative paired urgency with a direct path to purchase across social and digital channels.
North Stars announcement
Recognition content introduced distinguished honorees while extending the campaign’s credibility and reach.
Campaign advertising
A concise print and digital ad carried the event identity, scholarship purpose, and response information into partner channels.
05
Results
Digital attention translated into tracked fundraising revenue.
From January 1 through May 5, 2026, the Swell fundraising platform recorded $86,464.20 in tracked revenue across acquisition channels. Campaign calls-to-action directed audiences to Swell through email, SMS, social content, shared links, and direct campaign messaging.
The campaign also expanded the Foundation’s digital visibility and strengthened the path from awareness to action.
06
The outcome
A stronger communications foundation.
The Gala campaign created more than a successful event push. It gave the Foundation a reusable messaging framework, a cohesive visual identity, a content library, clearer digital pathways, and performance data to guide future campaigns.
The work continues through an ongoing communications partnership supporting social content, email marketing, donor and milestone campaigns, website copy, communications planning, and monthly reporting.
- A defined campaign narrative keeps every channel aligned.
- Emotional storytelling builds connection before the direct ask.
- Tracked results make future strategy sharper and more accountable.
Ready to build from here?