Modeling local insights for place-based funders.
Place shapes people—and the systems designed to serve them. The Place-based Impact Collaborative was created to help funders understand how local needs, histories, and relationships should guide investment decisions. We partnered with NationSwell to build a digital and print experience that makes this vision real: a platform that surfaces grounded research, local initiatives, and actionable pathways for funders committed to equitable, community-rooted change.
At the center of the project were the communities driving this work. We collaborated closely to design an interactive mapping experience that highlights place-based initiatives across regions—allowing funders to explore stories, data, and models emerging from the ground up. To complement the digital experience, we also developed a print toolkit that distills frameworks, insights, and case studies into a format that funders can bring to convenings, boardrooms, and strategy sessions.
Outcomes
The interactive map and toolkit became essential resources for NationSwell as they introduced their place-based strategy to new funders and partners. The digital experience sparked deeper conversations about how place informs impact, while the print toolkit enabled teams to bring these insights into real-world settings—strengthening alignment, shaping new partnerships, and accelerating investment in communities nationwide.
Team
Marisa Ruiz Asari | Creative Direction
Meaghan Barry | Map Design
Alessia Musío | Toolkit Design
Charlotte Eckstein | Creative Ideation
Kristin Baumann | Map Development
Sey' Adem Cileli | Development
Vitor Orem | Development
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