Centennial Celebration

The Duke Endowment

Opportunity

It is a special organization that continues to thrive and grow 100 years after its founding. So, as its centennial drew near, The Duke Endowment wanted to celebrate the milestone as an opportunity–to further serve its mission, increase awareness of its work and impact, and spotlight its grantees. To mark the historic anniversary, The Duke Endowment desired a multifaceted campaign aimed at connecting with the people of the Carolinas, honoring grantee partners and outlining a vision for the next 100 years.

Approach

From the outset, a strong strategy and excellent coordination were critical to the success of the campaign. After first facilitating strategic alignment around the objectives, tone, historical/forward-looking focus, activities and roles, Wg developed the “Committed to the Carolinas” theme alongside a sophisticated but flexible visual approach, and core messaging central to all traditional, digital and in-person communications materials. Wg support for the Endowment’s Centennial effort was deep and wide, and included:

  • A new centennial identity

  • A narrative website–designed to share stories of impact and partnership over its first 100 years, the history of the Duke Family and origins of the Endowment

  • A mobile museum exhibit

  • Nearly 20 community events across North Carolina and South Carolina

  • A 100-page historical photobook

  • Talking points and presentations

  • Gifts and giveaways

  • Invites, emails and social media

  • Announcement of $5B in accelerated grantmaking

  • Coordination of other communications partners, and much more