Brand Strategy

Not-for-profits almost never lack passion or purpose – but they can struggle to find their why. In a world where time, money, awareness and loyalty are in limited supply, you have to be able to tell the world (donors, supporters, volunteers, employees, beneficiaries, patients, students) what you stand for, and why they should care. Because if you don't, another worthy cause will step in to fill the void.

A well-defined brand strategy helps you:

  • Differentiate your brand in a crowded marketplace
  • Focus limited resources where they'll have the greatest impact
  • Align internal teams around a shared vision
  • Measure progress toward strategic goals
  • Future-proof your organisation against market changes
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Brand Strategy Meeting
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Cranfield Brand Research

Our brand strategy work includes:

Brand Positioning

Where do you sit in your marketplace? Who are you really competing with for hearts, minds and donations? We help you to define a clear, differentiated position that sets you apart from competitors and resonates with your target audiences. Through research and analysis, we'll identify the sweet spot you can occupy with confidence.


Brand Architecture

As organisations grow, brands can become cluttered with sub-brands, campaign brands, and legacy identities. We'll help you make sense of the relationships within your brand family – deciding what stays, what goes, and how everything should connect. From Branded House to House of Brands, we'll recommend the structure that best serves your strategic goals.


Audience Segmentation

Not all supporters are created equal. We'll help you identify and prioritise your key audiences, understanding what motivates them, what barriers they face, and how they prefer to engage with you. This insight becomes the foundation for targeted messaging and smarter resource allocation.


Competitor Analysis

You can't differentiate yourself if you don't know what you're differentiating from. We'll audit your competitive landscape, identifying sector trends, analysing competitor positioning, and spotting opportunities for your brand to lead rather than follow.


Brand Beliefs & Values

What drives your organisation? We go beyond corporate vision and mission statements to unearth the authentic beliefs that make your organisation tick. These become the compass for all your brand decisions – from messaging to visual identity to organisational behaviour.


Brand Statements

A clear, internal-facing statement that defines exactly who you are, who you serve, what makes you different, and why it matters. This becomes the north star for your organisation – ensuring everyone from trustees to volunteers can articulate what makes you special.

 

David Crichton, Creative Director and Brand Consultant at IE Brand
David Crichton
Free brand audit
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