Program Description
The Power of Messaging: Asset-Based Communication for Nonprofits
How often do we use words like disadvantaged, at-risk, or underserved when describing the communities we serve?
For decades, nonprofit storytelling has often begun with a problem—a challenge that donors are invited to help solve. While this “deficit-based” approach may create urgency, it can also unintentionally reinforce negative stereotypes, define people by their circumstances, and overlook the full story.
But what if we shifted the frame?
What if we started with a community’s strengths? Their resilience, relationships, creativity, and drive. And invited donors and partners to invest in that potential?
In this session, strategic communications consultant Meredith Krantz will share practical strategies for flipping the script. Attendees will explore how to craft messaging that reflects aspiration, agency, and authenticity. We’ll discuss how to move beyond crisis framing toward storytelling that builds trust and long-term support, and how to align language, visuals, and data with a strengths-based approach. By focusing on partnership rather than pity, nonprofits can tell a more powerful and hopeful story, one that uplifts communities and resonates more deeply with donors, funders, and the people they serve.
Meet Our Speaker:
Meredith Krantz, President and CEO of Krantz Strategies is an award-winning communications strategist with deep roots in Illinois public affairs, media relations, and strategy. As the President and CEO of Krantz Strategies, she is a transformative and forward-thinking communications and marketing advisor with a strong reputation as a top communications consultant to business, civic, and nonprofit organizations.
Throughout her career, Meredith has successfully navigated the complexities found at the intersections of communities, government and media relations. She has held numerous high-level public-sector leadership roles, including Director of Communications for the Illinois Department of Human Services and Deputy Director for the Illinois Office of Communications and Information. She understands the value of bipartisan cooperation, having begun her career shaping public policy through the Illinois Legislative Staff Internship Program, and later as a senior communications analyst for the Illinois House of Representatives.
Meredith is a sought-after strategist and consultant, trusted by c-suite leaders across various sectors, including health, transportation, infrastructure, energy, and public affairs. She has consistently demonstrated a desire and capability to bring groups together in a collaborative process to make a positive impact. Meredith is a proven and successful communications strategist, skilled in developing and executing multiple, fast-paced projects that involve community engagement, message development, thought leadership programs, social and digital communication, coalition building, education campaigns, and earned media.
With a hands-on approach, Meredith is tenacious in her desire to understand audiences, leveraging insights and engaging with purpose to drive outcomes. She has led clients through critical milestones and moments of truth that range from strategic planning to reputation protection to elevating their big ideas.
Krantz Strategies is a Certified Woman-Owned Business through the State of Illinois Business Enterprise Program. Meredith lives in Sugar Grove with her husband and two young boys. She earned a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Illinois State University.
Registration is open until 1 business days prior to the event.
PENDING CFRE Credit 1.25 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.
