San Francisco University High School

Using their new messaging from Mission Minded in their 2025 spring appeal The Santa Barbara Foundation saw a 35% increase in giving from their spring appeal.

Sector

Independent Schools

Deliverables

Fundraising Campaigns
Marketing Materials

Countywide impact, city-only reputation.

Challenge

Santa Barbara Foundation’s bold new strategic plan pushed the institution to serve the entire county, not just those within the city of Santa Barbara. However, while the Foundation’s impact was countywide, its reputation was not. Santa Barbara Foundation needed a brand strategy and messaging that reached across the entire region.

Brochure spread titled "Why High School Matters" with two students wearing headphones

The bridge across an unequal region.

Insight

In a region marked by significant differences in income, language, race, and political affiliation, Santa Barbara Foundation had the opportunity to be positioned as the bridge that brought everyone together to build community in this area that is loved by many.

San Francisco University High School printed brochure spread with student photo and headline text

Surfaced unifying language.

Journey

Deep research—surveys, one-on-one interviews, and focus groups across the county—surfaced the language that could unite a community as diverse in income, language, and politics as Santa Barbara’s. Rather than speaking to any one constituency, the new messaging positioned the Foundation as THE organization with the expertise, connections, and reach to serve the entire region, from the city center to the farthest corners of the county.

Teacher in a red shirt helping students at a classroom table by a whiteboard

35% increase in spring-appeal giving.

Impact

Santa Barbara Foundation saw a 35% increase in year over year donations during their spring fundraising campaigns after leveraging Mission Minded’s brand, message, and tagline work.

Printed brochure cover reading "Next Level: The Campaign for University High School" in overlapping type

Related Projects

The Bay School of San Francisco

76% more enrolled, after a brand shift mid-season at Bay School of San Francisco.

International School of San Francisco

Together We Work’ — JVS reintroduced to jobseekers, donors, and supporters.
Julia Morgan School for Girls logo in orange lettering framed with stained-glass-style ornaments

Julia Morgan School for Girls

Helping a progressive school stop apologizing for what it does best.
Villa Duchesne logo, heart embedded in building

Villa Duchesne

Renaming Villa Duchesne and unifying the Sacred Heart school under one identity.