Amplifying Research through Smart Design
10+ year relationship
70+ reports released
28,226 pageviews
of the report publication landing pages over 15 months, representing 18% of all pageviews on the site during this period
Challenge
Baltimore City, like communities across the country, grapples with complex challenges. To uncover creative and effective solutions, the Abell Foundation offers grants in health and human services, education, housing and community development, workforce development, criminal justice, and the environment. Because Abell knows these issues require thought-provoking, research-based information and analysis, they have a long history of supporting research reports to inform these discussions at the state and local level.
From school start times to eviction prevention to energy policy, Abell commissions researchers and journalists to thoroughly examine a variety of important issues facing Baltimore City and Maryland. Abell typically releases several of these reports a year, which pull together qualitative and quantitative research, best practices, and local context so that we can chart a path forward. But, simply producing the report doesn’t mean the right people are reading it. That’s where Hatcher steps in—to help make the information accessible to community members, advocates, and policymakers.
Solution
For more than a decade, the Hatcher Group has supported the Abell Foundation with strategic communications, editorial, and design support. Our team creates and implements dissemination plans for as well as designs the reports Abell creates to provide policymakers, advocates, and community members with the information they need to make smart decisions about policies that impact the city and its residents.
Hatcher crafted flexible report templates that allow us to apply a clean and modern design to each research report. The templates can adapt to work for a 20-page report or a 60-plus-page report, accommodating charts, tables, and other artifacts. We use appealing visuals to keep people reading and make complex information more digestible. When we put the finishing touches on each report design, we start crafting content to distribute the report across priority channels: print, web, social media, email, earned media, and direct mail. The dissemination strategy for each report is also flexible and customizable. Over the years, we’ve broadened Abell’s reach by creating one-page executive summaries and infographics for advocates; hosting events to explore certain issues in depth; and supporting video production to capture the essence of a report in 60 seconds or less.
Impact
The Abell Foundation provides critical data and analysis for key issues facing Baltimore City and Maryland, in addition to their grantmaking and investment activities. Their reports inform advocacy and policy on housing, environment, education, and so much more. Journalists and politicians see them as a reliable source of information on a wide range of topics. Our design highlights the key information and makes the research more accessible to the foundation’s key audiences.
Testimonials
“The Hatcher Group consistently delivers high-quality and timely services. Their attention to detail, prompt communications, and flexibility in meeting our needs have made them an invaluable partner.” – The Abell Foundation
Capabilities
Strategic Communications
Messaging
Digital Engagement
Creative