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How Strategic Storytelling Helped North Carolina Nonprofits Drive 50,000 Tech Donations and Close the Digital Divide

Spreading the campaign to save new moms.

When two North Carolina nonprofits, Kramden Institute and E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide), set out to aggressively expand their corporate technology donations to close the digital divide. They needed more than logistics, they needed a movement.

Both organizations had built strong local reputations, but their message wasn’t reaching the corporate and government leaders who could make large-scale technology donations possible. To close the gap, they turned to BC/DC Ideas for a statewide communications strategy that could amplify their impact.

The Challenge: Turning Awareness Into Action

The goal was bold: Expand corporate technology donations to help every student and family in North Carolina get connected.

The challenge was clear:

  • Raise awareness beyond local audiences.
  • Unite two brands under one shared statewide message.
  • Inspire corporate and government leaders to donate technology at scale.

BC/DC Ideas saw an opportunity to build a campaign that didn’t just ask for donations; it created a shared sense of purpose around digital access and equity.

The Strategy: Building a Communications Engine

BC/DC Ideas developed a comprehensive nonprofit communications strategy to transform Close the Digital Divide into a coordinated statewide campaign.

Our approach included:

  • Message Refinement – We clarified language and storytelling to directly engage business leaders and local government officials.
  • Campaign Development – The team crafted compelling images for social ads. We collaborated with the Kramden Institute to create the “Closing the Gap: How Local Governments Can Power Digital Access Through Tech Donations” eBook and one-pager to inspire action and attract new audiences.
  • Earned Media Outreach – We secured media coverage in local and statewide outlets to elevate awareness and credibility, positioning E2D as trusted leaders in closing North Carolina’s digital divide.
  • Digital Marketing and Email Outreach – A series of targeted email campaigns, paid promotions, and content strategies boosted visibility and encouraged participation.
  • Donor Engagement Strategies – We designed messaging and outreach plans to strengthen relationships with individual and corporate donors, highlighting the real-world impact of their contributions and encouraging continued support.
  • Capacity Building and Sustainability – We designed a framework to help both nonprofits maintain effective communication long after the partnership ends.

The Results: Communications as a Catalyst

In just a few months, communications transformed from a side task to a powerful growth tool.

  • Since January 2025, 17,600 computers have been donated to Kramden, with 11,000 of them coming directly from corporations
  • Kramden engaged 120 corporate donors, with 25 new partners added in 2025.
  • The Closing the Gap campaign opened new partnerships with local governments.
  • Paid and organic digital campaigns expanded reach among corporate audiences across North Carolina.
  • The combined LinkedIn campaign reached more than 1,000,000 professionals, achieving engagement rates above industry benchmarks and driving new laptop donations.
  • LinkedIn has seen a growth of nearly 500 new followers across both organizations, strengthening their professional networks.

By the Numbers:

Paid advertising impressions
Clicks
Earned Media Mentions
Earned Media Audience
Earned Media Value

The Takeaway: Smart Strategy. Real Impact.

The Close the Digital Divide project proves that a communications strategy is one of the most powerful tools nonprofits can invest in. What started as a drive for computer donations evolved into a sustainable movement to expand opportunity across North Carolina. With the right stories, strategy, and systems in place, Kramden and E2D not only reached new audiences but also achieved significant growth. They redefined what impact looks like in their communities.

Key Services Provided

  • Nonprofit Communications Strategy
  • Campaign Development
  • Brand Messaging and Storytelling
  • Creative Collateral Design
  • Paid Digital Advertising
  • Earned Media Pitching and Placement
  • Donor Engagement Strategies
  • Capacity Building and Coaching

Ready to Turn Your Campaign Into a Movement?

At BC/DC Ideas, we help nonprofits craft innovative strategies and creative stories that drive real results. Let’s power your next big idea.

Contact Us Today to start your next campaign.