Building Brands That Inspire Connection and Change
We help mission-driven organizations communicate with clarity, creativity, and purpose, turning meaningful work into movements that build trust, mobilize communities, and drive measurable impact.
From nonprofits and foundations to public institutions and citywide initiatives, we help good ideas grow into lasting impact.
We collaborate with organizations improving lives and shaping stronger communities through creativity, strategy, and story.
Welcome to What Works for Community Impact
For more than 16 years, What Works Studio has partnered with organizations dedicated to making the world a little brighter, kinder, and more connected.
We help nonprofits, foundations, and civic leaders tell their stories with authenticity and imagination, building emotional connection and measurable results.
Our work blends creativity, empathy, and data-driven strategy to elevate awareness, increase participation, and strengthen donor and stakeholder relationships.
Services for Community Impact
Our approach combines strategy, storytelling, and engagement systems that help mission-driven organizations grow awareness, funding, and participation.
Brand Strategy & Positioning
Clarify your mission, unify your message, and connect with supporters who share your purpose.
Brand Discovery & Messaging Framework
Stakeholder Workshops & Alignment
Visual Identity & Guidelines
Brand Refresh & Repositioning
Creative & Storytelling
Make your mission unforgettable through storytelling that moves hearts and minds.
Campaign Concepting & Creative Production
Video Storytelling & Photography
Community Awareness Campaigns
Content & Social Strategy
Digital Marketing & Campaigns
Reach audiences through integrated campaigns that inspire action.
Multi-Channel Awareness Campaigns
Paid Media & Geo-Targeted Outreach
SEO & Web Optimization
Donor & Participant Journey Design
Event & Fundraising Support
Transform events into experiences that build loyalty, visibility, and results.
Event Branding & Design
Donor Communications & Sponsorship Decks
Fundraising Collateral & Digital Integration
On-Site & Virtual Experience Support
Community Impact Case Studies
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Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore
Brand Strategy & Community Engagement
Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore partnered with What Works Studio to conduct in-depth research and develop a unified brand strategy that positioned the organization as a leader in urban stewardship, community engagement, and environmental advocacy. The collaboration produced a refreshed identity, new website, and the launch of marquee initiatives including Mr. Trash Wheel and Light City Baltimore.
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Mr. Trash Wheel
Global Environmental Awareness Campaign
What Works Studio transformed a local harbor cleanup device into an international icon for ocean conservancy. By personifying the water wheel and creating the beloved Mr. Trash Wheel persona, we built a viral movement that generated 1.2 million Twitter impressions in one day, global press coverage, and millions raised for the client. -
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Light City
Citywide Festival of Light & Innovation
Conceived as a self-initiated project by What Works Studio, Light City Baltimore became the nation’s first international festival of light, music, and innovation. Over three years, event attracted 1.3 million attendees, 2.9 billion media impressions, and created $111.6 million in economic impact, redefining Baltimore’s image and creative identity.
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Enoch Pratt Free Library
Awareness & Attendance Campaigns
To reposition the Enoch Pratt Free Library as a modern community hub, What Works Studio led integrated campaigns combining video, podcast production, digital advertising, and event strategy. The initiatives generated record attendance across 21 branches, a 49% rise in print circulation, and 4.1 million social media impressions in six months.
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Outward Bound
Website, Fundraising Campaigns & Print
What Works Studio partnered with the Baltimore Chesapeake Bay and Philadelphia Outward Bound Schools to elevate their digital and print presence. We designed and developed responsive, brand-aligned websites and created impactful fundraising campaigns and collateral, including annual reports, event materials, and donor communications, that strengthened community engagement and advanced Outward Bound’s mission of character development through outdoor education.
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Network for Good
Citywide Philanthropy Campaign
Network for Good and GiveCorps partnered with What Works Studio to launch Baltimore’s #GivingTuesday initiative, making it the most generous city in America. In just 24 hours, the campaign raised $5.7 million for local nonprofits, engaged 300+ organizations and 200 business partners, and inspired 70+ replications nationwide. The groundbreaking effort is now featured in the Smithsonian’s Philanthropy in America exhibit.
What Our Partners in Community Impact Say
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“Light City Baltimore has unlocked forward‑thinking ideas and tools to positively impact and grow healthy, sustainable communities in a way that we’ve never experienced before.”
—Stephanie Rawlings‑Blake, Mayor of Baltimore City
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"Not only have you used your expertise to create and lead world-class campaigns and social movements, but you have engaged the whole community in the process. You are an inspiration."
-C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, 2nd District, Maryland, Member of Congress
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"Both Mr. Trash Wheel and Light City are two of the greatest stories to come out of Baltimore in recent years and neither would have been possible without What Works."
- Adam Lindquist, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore
Let’s Build What Works in Community Impact
Whether you’re launching a campaign, growing a movement, or amplifying your mission, we’ll help you inspire connection, action, and measurable change.
Let’s make your mission unforgettable.