Education

Grambling State University

The Results

Record Fundraising & National Recognition

$20M+ raised in 2 years
Formed valuable partnerships, like Peyton Manning, Beyonce, and others
National & International media spotlights
Side benefit: 5-year enrollment record

The Situation

A Legacy School at a Turning Point

Despite deep alumni affection, Grambling faced persistent challenges: budget constraints, high presidential turnover, low donor engagement, and negative press. The arrival of a new president offered a chance to reset the narrative—and inspire the giving needed to meet ambitious new goals.

Strategic Insights

Telling a New Story

We moved beyond traditional fundraising to rebuild Grambling’s story around transparency, excitement, and partnership.

The focus was on two key shifts:

Turning Data into Narrative: Deep audience research helped shape resonant messages. We reframed the annual report as The State of Grambling—a bold, transparent look at progress.
A Story That Mobilized Stakeholders: The new brand gave alumni an inspiring story of momentum—making them feel included and proud to give, many giving for the first time. For businesses, it reframed the university as a stable, forward-looking partner—turning skepticism into strategic investment.

This approach supported major initiatives and laid the foundation for sustained growth.

Strategic Insights

We transform how mission-driven organizations reach the communities that need them most in North Carolina and beyond.

vitalink® is a strategic marketing partner for leaders in health, life sciences, education, workforce development, and social innovation. We don’t just build campaigns; we build bridges. By integrating deep sector intelligence with a passionate understanding of the barriers communities face, from social determinants of health to educational access and economic opportunity, we create strategies that are insightful, authentic, and powerfully effective. We use language that your audience will hear, not tune out.