Client Spotlight
Hutchinson Community Foundation
Since 2012, Hutchinson Community Foundation has partnered with BowerComm to evolve from a traditional grantmaker into a visible leader and connector for community change in Reno County—most recently helping drive a housing initiative that raised approximately $2.5 million before going public.
THE CHALLENGE
Evolving from a traditional foundation into a visible community leader.
Communicating a broader role beyond grantmaking.
Engaging the community in identifying and solving local challenges.
Aligning messaging, strategy, and campaigns over time.
Ensuring the foundation highlighted community impact—not just its own work.
OUR APPROACH
Led Journey to Yes and Strategic Plan Navigator pr.ocesses to define messaging, priorities, and long-term direction
Developed and refreshed the foundation’s visual identity and positioning, including the shift to “Change Makers at Work”.
Designed and executed multi-year storytelling and community engagement campaigns.
Built and launched the Love Where You Live campaign—a 3-year initiative to gather input and activate community participation.
Created full campaign ecosystems including surveys, convenings, social media, digital outreach, and print materials.
Supported a major housing initiative through messaging, donor materials, and an education campaign around workforce housing needs.
THE OUTCOME
Generated 1,000+ community survey responses annually (1,022 in 2024; 1,144 in 2025).
Successfully engaged the community in identifying key priorities, leading to a focused housing initiative.
Helped drive a major gift effort that raised approximately $2.5 million—before the campaign even went public.
Positioned the foundation as a trusted hub for community change and engagement.
"When I first reached out to Lori, I thought I wanted a brand “refresh,” or maybe a new logo and a fabulous brochure. What we got was so much better and more powerful. Lori walked us through the steps by asking 'Why?,' and ultimately, we ended with a comprehensive plan that we still use and continuously revise all these years later. Our communications are more intentional, more focused, and more purposeful. Our mailing lists are targeted. We know who are we are trying to reach and why. Best of all, our community's endowment has grown!"
- Aubrey Abbott Patterson
President & CEO, Hutchinson Community Foundation