CASE STUDY: Equity & Opportunity
Edna McConnell Clark Foundation
PropelNext Takes the Next Step
Overview
PropelNext helps nonprofits that serve disadvantaged youth to build their capacity and become “learning organizations.” With PropelNext’s move to a new home, The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation (EMCF) asked The Hatcher Group to provide a full range of communications services — from earned and social media strategy to messaging and design — to support PropelNext as it takes it next steps.
PROJECT SCOPE
Strategic Communications
Messaging & Branding
Media Relations
Design & Creative
Digital Strategies
Our Strategy
To position PropelNext to succeed in a post-EMCF environment, The Hatcher Group began by doing a full audit of existing materials and communications capabilities and making recommending for improvement. We developed thoughtful messaging, focused on key audiences including grantees, members of the media, and colleagues at other foundations, to frame the transition away from EMCF. To highlight PropelNext’s work, we created profiles of 12 grantee. In addition, we developed a social media strategy to increase followers and engagement, produced a social media toolkit with graphics and engaging organic content, and provided social media training. We also designed a suite of new communications materials.
In addition, we helped announce PropelNext’s partnership in RISE, a new group of foundations in the Philadelphia area. We compiled media distribution lists, targeted pitches to key reporters, wrote a media advisory and press release, and developed talking points. We also designed a new logo for the partnership and provided social media support.


Our Impact
- Created a suite of communications materials for PropelNext to support its smooth and successful transition away from EMCF and its partnership in RISE
- Secured positive media attention, including significant coverage of the RISE partnership announcement in local and philanthropic press
- Highlighted the work of 12 grantees in PropelNext’s 2021 cohort