United Way of Lancaster County’s Level Up & Launch Grant Program

I attended the presentation of United Way of Lancaster County’s “Level Up & Launch” Grant Initiative this past week. I assisted in creating the visual marketing materials for the grant. The biggest task for this project was communicating the grant levels in a clear manner. Grantees have the opportunity get additional funds beyond their initial grant if they can fundraise or utilize their own revenue to “match” the first grant. In doing so, they will receive a second grant from The United Way. Most grants require an organization to equally match the amount of the grant being given. This grant does not require a match, but rewards an organization if they are able to do so, by doubling funds and providing a second grant.

I met with Kevin Ressler and Maddie Seiler; we had multiple brainstorming sessions. There were prints made for table-tops, a poster, and an email signature was created to spread the word about the funding opportunity.

February 28th – March 4th [Week 7]

On Monday, I was given the task of creating an infographic for a new grant program that will be presented to the public by The United Way of Lancaster County on March 10th at Tellus360. The infographic had to communicate a tiered system of grants that depend on the grantee’s commitment to fundraising and/or utilizing their own revenue as collateral for an additional grant (who wouldn’t wager on that, if they had the funds?!)

Initially, the ask was made via Microsoft Teams, by Kevin Ressler, the CEO of The United Way of Lancaster County. He had previously sent a sketch via Teams of an idea he had for this grant program. Afterwards, the program received backing from the Board, and an event at a local venue was set a week and a half out. I was asked to create fliers and an accompanying poster for the event. It would need to be completed quickly to save on the printing costs.

Utilization of words

“Grantee”
How to ensure the viewer understands the grant of $200,000 will be divided among the grantees
Additional funds that were not outlined wihtin the graphic because of spacing / clarity

Full Description of Internship

The student will be supervised by Madeline Seiler, Communications Director of the United Way of Lancaster County. They will contribute to the development of digital assets that will allow the organization to realize their goal of achieving systemic social change within the county, and to educate its residents about public policy and global issues beyond county lines. As United Way Worldwide is now placing intense focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, they will work with department directors to design marketing materials that will promote these ideologies.