Strong programs. Real outcomes. Good people doing the work. And still—too many organizations are living with the same quiet question: Do people actually know what we do?
Most teams respond by communicating more. But if awareness still isn’t rising, it’s rarely an effort problem. It’s a structural problem: the story isn’t reinforced consistently enough to be understood, remembered, and repeated.
Or, as one organization put it: “Our organization’s story exists. In 1,232 variations.”
You'll leave with
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A clear diagnosis of why boards keep saying, “No one knows who we are,” even when you’re communicating regularly
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A simple way to define the 12-month outcomes awareness is supposed to support (so “awareness” isn’t the goal)
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How to identify your priority audiences—the people whose understanding and support actually change those outcomes
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The 3 most common “Awareness Gap” breakdowns that create 1,232 versions of your story and keep you always explaining
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What reinforcement looks like in real life: how to stop reinventing your message and start repeating it on purpose
Not rebranding. Not a social media training. This is about the structure that keeps your message consistent enough to stick.
Who this is for
This session is designed for leaders and teams in mission-driven, community-rooted organizations that serve multiple audiences and depend on ongoing trust and support—especially those with limited capacity and inconsistent awareness.
Common fit includes:
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Community foundations
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Healthcare foundations and rural hospitals
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Regional / place-based nonprofits
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Education foundations
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Economic development and civic organizations
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Roles include Executive Directors/CEOs, foundation presidents, advancement/development leaders, communications staff, and board members responsible for awareness and growth.
If you feel like you’re always explaining the organization, you’ll recognize the patterns immediately.
Lori Bower is a communications strategist with 25+ years of experience helping mission-driven organizations build clear, consistent messaging that earns trust and support over time. She’s worked with hundreds of nonprofits, community development organizations, and community foundations across the country, and is a frequent featured speaker at national conferences and conventions. Her work and insights have been featured in outlets including Chief Marketer, Ad Age, and the Wichita Business Journal.
About Lori