The Nature Conservancy

Low turnout at local conservation and volunteer events despite strong mission awareness

Limited direct, in-person connection between residents and environmental programs

Difficulty converting online interest into physical participation at restoration sites

Need for stronger human connection to environmental impact work

01.

To increase scale and resources:
- Engaged local businesses to sponsor and participate in volunteer days
- Built cross-sector collaboration between nonprofits, small businesses, and civic groups
- Activated employee volunteer programs for corporate partners in Cincinnati
- Strengthened donor and sponsor visibility through community storytelling

02.

To meet residents where they already were:
- Face-to-face conversations introducing conservation opportunities in simple, relatable terms
- Live sign-ups for volunteer restoration days and environmental events
- Quick-impact educational materials explaining local Cincinnati ecosystem challenges

03.

Directly at in-person events:
- Volunteer check-in coordination and on-site participant onboarding
- Live explanations of ecological impact during volunteer work
- Energy-driven hosting teams encouraging participation and retention
- Real-time engagement to convert first-time volunteers into repeat participants

03.

Sustaining human connection:
- Returning to the same neighborhoods for repeat outreach cycles
- Building recognition through consistent in-person presence
- Strengthening trust through ongoing face-to-face engagement
- Turning one-time participants into long-term community advocates

Higher turnout at local conservation and volunteer events

Stronger conversion from awareness increases participation

Greater trust and visibility for The Nature Conservancy’s regional work

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