Maven Strategies guided NRP from inception, helping define its mission, vision, and working with them to develop a strategic plan. Equipping NRP with a professional logo, brand, and prospectus was essential for mobilizing support for the novel organization. As former political candidates, the founders had existing networks that were strategically leveraged, including email lists, donors, and social media followings. To ensure the work was community-driven, Maven helped hire NRP’s initial staff and coordinated with a research firm to execute polls and focus groups in targeted rural counties. Seeing the national interest in North Carolina and rural communities, Maven helped identify and pitch high-profile donors, securing the funding needed to launch and grow the organization.