Category No. 6: Printed Fundraising Appeal

OPUS DESIGN FOR WALNUT HILL SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS

Natick, MA USA
Grades 9-PG, Coed Boarding and Day

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SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS

I absolutely love the creativity of this piece and how well it ties to the school's mission. To the point and impactful.

Clever, original, fresh, representative of a school dedicated to the arts — very compelling!

Very clever and humorous re-making of images well-known to the school community. It conveys what the school is all about (arts) without a lot of language. I call that design decision "sensible risk-taking." Inviting recipients to answer a question is a fun way to engage them. How often do we get to see a fund-raising piece infused with humor?

TEAM

Ellery Curran, Art Director

Emily Knapp, Sr. Graphic Designer

MISSION MINDED FOR SAN FRANCISCO DAY SCHOOL

San Francisco, CA USA
Grades K-8, Coed Day

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SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS

This piece is simple — yet so compelling. Surprisingly, though there is not a lot of photography, the graphic elements and quotes work with the few photos to emotionally pull you in. The written content is concise and every word so well thought out. Love the headlines. Less is more in this piece and it really works well!

This is an overall excellent piece - from the die-cut design element, to the copy, to the beautiful, emotion-evoking photography, to the pull-quotes from constituents. The case for giving is simply spelled out, and there are clear calls to action.

The die-cut fold-out cover in bright colors creating the San Francisco skyline is a show stopper. Wow. The text is high-energy, upbeat and lively, with a "let's get going together" message that comes through loud and clear. This is some of the most motivational campaign language I've ever read.

TEAM

Rod Lemaire, Creative Director

Todd Shulte, Art Director/Designer

Stephanie Swain, Senior Brand Strategist/Writer  

Romayne Levee, Senior Brand Strategist

Leah Fasten, Photographer

SAUL MIROWITZ JEWISH COMMUNITY SCHOOL

St. Louis, MO USA
Grades K-8, Coed Day

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SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS

In a field of very different fundraising pieces, the Mirowitz appeal really stands out for originality and effectiveness. The message is what you would expect, but since you're required to interact with it, you really are compelled to read the words. The content and design are really well thought out.

So creative. Love the interactive design with a mission-appropriate message.

TEAM

Patty Bloom, Director of Admissions and Marketing

Ann Mayer Eisen, Graphic Design

Margo Newman, Director of Development

HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL

Studio City, CA USAz
Grades 7-12, Coed Day

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SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS

I have never seen a theme so well carried through in an annual report as Harvard-Westlake has done here. The photography and words are so beautiful and compelling that they could be a hard cover coffee table book if taken out of the context of the annual report. I love that the school has taken so much care in designing an annual report that will be saved, shared and thumbed through as an art book is.

An excellent stewardship piece. The arts theme is carried beautifully throughout. Almost the entire text is quotes, lending quite a sense of community. Photos and poetry and even sheet music break up the lists of donor names. Had I been a donor, I would feel celebrated for my gift to this amazing school.

TEAM

Ari Engelberg, Head of Communications & Strategic Initiatives

Agnes Pierscieniak, Creative Director

Elizabeth Hurchalla, Content Director

Shauna Aliteri, Assistant Director of Communications


Category No. 7: Fundraising Video, In-House

MISS PORTER'S SCHOOL

Farmington, CT USA
Grades 9-12, Girls Boarding and Day

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS

An extremely persuasive video which engages the audience by explaining exactly how donations will be used and why they are much needed. Copy was interesting and both factual and persuasive. Great filmography and fun content.

Voiceover by enthusiastic students draws you in - and then they reveal exactly what one's gift to the annual fund makes possible (ex. athletic uniforms) in sync with the visuals. Tightly edited, good pace, very impressive. Sure to tug on the heartstrings of alumnae and parents.

TEAM

Skyler Magnoli, Digital Content Strategist

Jennifer Eburg, Associate Director of Communications and Marketing

Anne Baker, Director of Annual Giving

MCCALLIE SCHOOL

Chattanooga, TN USA
Grades 6-12, Boys Boarding and Day 

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS

This video magically shares the story of McCallie student Jamie Hickling, capturing his extraordinary educational journey and expertly weaving in McCallie's influence on his path. The breathtaking videography enhances the sense of wonder and the unique accomplishments that McCallie has made possible. It reels in the donor with the story, then ends with a strong, simple GIVE TODAY. It's awe inspiring and motivational, all in under two minutes — well done!

Extremely high quality video for an in-house production — terrifying shots, in fact, of the student rock climbing at dizzying angles. This seems to be one in a series promoting the Annual Fund, and as he tells his own story, you get a clear sense of how McCallie builds confidence in its students. This video goes in strong from the student perspective and succeeds.

TEAM

Brandan Roberts, Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing

PACIFIC HILLS SCHOOL

Sydney, Australia
Grades Prep-Year 12, Coed Day

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS

A collaboration between an independent school and its partner school for children with developmental differences, this is a standout. Students from both schools address the camera with smiles and conviction. Love the captioning for each speaker. The direct request for support, looking straight at the camera, is refreshing. Well done.

A really original and endearing video. A creative concept with great visuals. A very positive and collaborative effort.

TEAM

Fiona King, Videographer & Co-Producer

Bil Ghali, Co-Producer

GERMANTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL

Philadelphia, PA USA
Grades K-12, Coed Day

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS

Love the kinetic text, simple messaging, and that it was produced by students — very effective.

An excellent video with a fresh, original approach. The students and copy were persuasive, and the graphics were fun, original and very engaging.

TEAM

Amanda Reath, Annual Fund Manager

Matthew Flynn '19, Student

Ben Rosin '20, Student

Thomas Shaw '20, Student


Category No. 8: Fundraising Video, Outsourced

THE WINSOR SCHOOL

Boston, MA USA
Grades 5-12, Girls Day 

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS

This is a storytelling with substance. The carefully thought out interview questions and responses create an unscripted dialogue that makes this an honest portrayal. We get to know these teachers so well in this shorter video.The quotes from the teachers show how much they care about students.The photography and sound are excellent. The slow motion b-roll of school life is enjoyable.

It's a beautiful video. I like the focus on teaching and to introduce the faculty philosophy.

TEAM

Naomi Walker, Assistant Director of Communications

Mark Gilday Jr., Independent Video Producer

ROBBINS HEBREW ACADEMY

Toronto, ON Canada
Grades N-8, Coed Day 

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS

Great message with high quality images! Wonderful video!

Nice, simple video that shows a vibrant student body. The music is up-lifting. I like how they state their core values. At only one minute running time, it manages to gently convey lots of information both visually and in copy. The photography is well thought out and creative.

Gorgeous photography and music.

TEAM

Suzanne Porter, Chief Executive Officer, Porter Hughes

Dierdre Hughes, Chief Creative Officer, Porter Hughes

Rob Vena, Co-Founder, Creative Director, Feast Creative Interactive

Lucia Mariani, Co-Founder, Feast Creative Interactive

Ronnie Strasser, RHA Parent

Claire Sumerlus, Head of School

Kara Lysne-Paris, Director of Marketing & Communications

Reagan Macklin, Director of Strategic Development

THE ARCHER SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Los Angeles, CA USA
Grades 6-12, Girls Day 

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS

Compelling video demonstrating the essential need of girls' schools in today's world, filled with gender bias. The clips of students are a wonderful ways to recognize awards and achievements and shows how each success matters for individual girls. I felt the urgency around supporting and empowering young women today.

Engaging message and use of students. Loved the use of awards and stats.

TEAM

Quyen Ngo, Director of Communications & Strategic Marketing

Sara Billings, Director of Advancement 

Avani Patel Shah, Communications & Strategic Marketing Manager

Victor Borachuk, Executive Producer/Director, JupiterReturn


Category No. 9: Fundraising Web Page

No awards given