Challenge
Founded in 1976 after a period of extreme drought in Sub-Saharan Africa, SOS SAHEL works to improve the food security and nutrition of rural communities in 11 countries, from Senegal to Djibouti.
SOS SAHEL has an expansive footprint in the field, but little visibility outside of that space.
Our Solution
They sought support in building awareness and making connections for fundraising.
We crafted a far-reaching international campaign to motivate fundraising and visibility, including:
- Messaging and presentation: We built the Food Security and Nutrition Initiative, its message, positioning and graphic identity. This included the development of special initiative communications materials in English and French such as a campaign booklet and website.
- International Advisory Committee: We researched, identified, helped approach, and animated a very successful Advisory Committee with members in Africa, Europe, Asia and the U.S. Additionally, we created tailored materials for the Advisory Committee’s use.
- International conferences: We organized conferences at the UN and side events at important conferences such as the COP. These conferences were organized with major players, and most of them resulted in grants from partners identified and pursued through presenting together.
- International events: We organized events in France and Africa, aimed at engaging partners, cultivating contacts and introducing SOS SAHEL’s work to new prospects.
This work was supplemented by targeted high-value prospect research to identify institutional funding partners and meeting preparation and staff training.
As a result of our collaboration, SOS SAHEL has increased its visibility in the U.S. and on the global stage, established an advocacy plan, and raised several million dollars internationally from major institutions and governments.