New Rural Project
"Maven Strategies was instrumental in helping to launch the New Rural Project. Kimberly and Maggie weren’t just consultants, they were true partners. From helping us craft our strategic plan and vision, to advising us on fundraising and infrastructure, Maven helped set us up for long-term success. If you want a team that’s invested in your mission and knows how to get things done, Maven is it"
Cynthia Wallace
Strategic Consulting | Messaging & Communications | Graphic Design & Branding | Fundraising | Event Management
Situation:
New Rural Project (NRP) launched with a mission to engage young and marginalized residents in civic and electoral engagement across rural North Carolina. As a new organization, it faced challenges including limited infrastructure and resources to support its ambitious goals.
Approach:
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.
Results:
New Rural Project is now a thriving organization running five programs, employing nine staff members, and working across seven rural counties. It continues to empower young and marginalized residents to participate in civic and electoral processes, amplifying voices in rural communities across North Carolina.