1% For The Planet
As a member organization of 1% for the Planet, Manoverboard gives the equivalent of one percent of all revenues to select nonprofit partners that are benefiting the environment.
July 26, 2018
written by andrew
In 2017, Manoverboard set aside approximately $12,000 of labor hours to help a number of remarkable local organizations develop their brand, build out their visual identity and web assets, and strengthen their content strategies. We called this The Purpose Project. It was meaningful work for all of us — giving back to a few of social enterprises (Bee Project Apiaries and Northern Lights Mentorship Group) that had made and are making a large impact in the Winnipeg community. As a Certified B Corporation and a purpose-driven design studio, providing design and communications services on a pro bono basis reflects our values and keeps us more connected to the critical work that nonprofits and social enterprises are doing every day in the city.
While Winnipeg is experiencing growth and economic and cultural rejuvenation, the issues it faces are daunting. Child hunger and poverty rates are very high. Wealth disparity masks the hardships and racism that many thousands of people experience each day. As well, public transit infrastructure and active transportation are persistently underfunded.
In 2018, we are revamping (or repurposing) The Purpose Project, providing a similar level of pro bono support within a slightly different framework. We learned a lot over the past year. The recipe that we wrote is now being rewritten based on a number of questions that we asked ourselves about the Purpose Project:
Answers to these and other questions are in hand and the formula will be modified slightly. In 2018, the five big changes are the following:
That’s it. We are really excited to find a Purpose Project mate for 2018. Below are some of the details, with additional information coming soon.
Many organizations in the city of Winnipeg and the province of Manitoba are actively addressing important social, economic, and environmental challenges. Many organizations are having a difficult time getting the word out. Others feel stuck with their current website or communications platform. There are far too many pioneering organizations and social enterprises practicing in the shadows and too many who don’t have the funds to enlist a marketing and communications partner.
For 2018, we will be issuing up to $15,000 in service grants to selected nonprofit organizations and social enterprises in Winnipeg and Manitoba. Our goal is to find and support one change agent partner that may need a helping hand to get to that next stage in their communications initiatives.
Each Purpose Project applicant will be reviewed using six criteria:
These six criteria will be scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest in potential. Every team member at Manoverboard will have an equal vote. Ultimately, we are looking for a good fit: a pro bono client to whom we can lend a hand or two and who, in turn, will leverage our collaboration.
We will provide all applicants with their score so that they might understand our decision-making and gain feedback.
The chosen applicant will be publicly announced in a joint statement between Manoverboard and client. Please note that Manoverboard reserves the unconditional right to issue smaller, larger or no service grants than what is indicated and the right to modify any terms and conditions indicated here prior to issuing a service grant.
Any nonprofit organization or social enterprise with a demonstrated commitment to positive impact in the community or our environment should apply. All applicants must have a working address in Winnipeg.
Visual identity development, logo updates, small websites, collateral such as brochures and pamphlets, signage, presentation decks, and posters are all potential gigs.
Marketing and communications strategies, large websites, copy writing, media buys, photography, video editing or production, software or application development, IT consulting and support, and outdoor signage are not potential projects.
We know how valuable time is for people running organizations and for anyone trying to create change and hope you or an organization that you know will consider applying.
Please read our Purpose Project page for detailed information about applying. The application form link is at the bottom of that page.