The challenge
Omaha’s historical legacy of segregation, redlining, job discrimination, and mass incarceration has entrenched in this otherwise economically thriving midwestern city a stark racial wealth divide.
As a start-up program designed to tackle these issues, Imagine Omaha faced a steep climb. Around half of all new nonprofits fail within the first five years. Moreover, countless studies show just how underfunded Black-led orgs are relative to their white counterparts – operating on razor thin margins that leave them cut off from the talent and resources they need to operate competitively.
The solution
In 2021, Imagine Omaha was little more than an idea.
For three years, Bureau for Good has been a key player on the team designing and launching this new nonprofit – providing strategic planning, developing an innovative revenue generating model, creating a brand identity, guiding fundraising strategies, along with board development, grantwriting, communications, and more.
Starting from nothing, in year one we helped Imagine Omaha form partnerships and secure planning grants. In year two, we secured more foundation grants from local funders, allowing Imagine Omaha to launch its first direct services.
As the organization establishes its efficacy, it is fast gaining a foothold and reputation in Omaha, with increasing interest from funders, and increasing demand for both its program services and its revenue generating activities.
Our Impact
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$75k
from the Sherwood Foundation
$5k-$25k
grants from other leading funders
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Our Impact
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Our Impact
Visual brand identity
Embarking on the creation of Imagine Omaha's visual brand identity, our inspiration was drawn from diverse and meaningful sources that hold significant cultural resonance. The starting point was their logo, which is a modern interpretation of the 'Birds in the Air' quilt pattern. This design was chosen for its historical significance: traditionally used as a secret language among African slaves to communicate escape routes and other vital information. In this context, it encapsulates the spirit of a journey towards freedom and prosperity.
Our chosen color palette subtly echoes the hues of the pan-African flag, a symbolic nod to the heritage and history of the Black community. These colors serve as a constant reminder of the resilience, courage, and determination that form the backbone of Imagine Omaha's mission.
Our Impact
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Typography and graphic elements
For typography, we selected the Centra No.2 font from Sharp Type. This geometric sans-serif typeface possesses an inherent balance, combining influences from modernist typefaces of the twentieth century with a keen focus on texture and readability. It adds a layer of sophistication and modernity to the brand, ensuring legibility across all platforms while maintaining a distinct style.
The visual identity is further enriched by supporting graphic elements. The use of halftones lends a dynamic visual texture and depth, while the artful use of silhouetting introduces an element of storytelling and individuality. The integration of the logo into images further enhances the brand's visual language, creating a multi-faceted identity that is as distinct as it is memorable.
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The website
Finally, we brought Imagine Omaha's brand to life in the digital realm. We built their website using Webflow, crafting a platform that communicates their values, showcases their work, and engages their audience. The website's design reflects their visual brand identity, weaving in elements from the logo and graphic supports. Simultaneously, we created a compelling pitch deck for supporters, delivering a cohesive narrative that harmonizes with their overall brand strategy and visual identity.
Our Impact
Our Impact
The pitch deck
As a key instrument in Imagine Omaha’s initial introductions to foundations and individual donors, the pitch deck vividly encapsulated their innovative theory of change. By visually translating the newly crafted messaging program, the pitch deck reinforced donor presentations and accelerated Imagine Omaha’s transformation from an inspired concept to a robust organization within a mere three years. It was instrumental in attracting substantial funding from several local institutional donors and securing a significant contract with the Urban League of Nebraska. With its compelling narrative and distinct visual representation, both the messaging program and the pitch deck amplified Imagine Omaha’s founding narrative and innovative model, propelling their vision forward.
Our Impact
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Bureau for Good has taken our vision, mission, and values to the next level across our communications, and they have opened doors to other opportunities within Omaha and throughout the country. We would not have the success we’ve had today without them on the team.
Jamar Dorsey, Ed.D, CEO
