Showcasing the Impact of CSU Energy Institute
The Colorado State University (CSU) Energy Institute, headquartered at the Powerhouse Energy Campus, is a global leader in clean energy research and innovation. Despite its groundbreaking work, the Institute faced a critical challenge—effectively communicating its impact to key stakeholders, including corporate partners, foundations, and individual donors.
Without a clear and compelling way to showcase its work, the CSU Energy Institute struggled to secure necessary funding and expand its reach. CSU Energy Institute partnered with OTM to develop a professional, engaging, and visually compelling impact report that would serve as a long-term tool for stakeholder engagement.
THE PROBLEM
While The CSU Energy Institute has made significant strides in clean energy research, it lacked a foundational document that clearly articulated its mission, impact, and value proposition.
This communication gap made it difficult to:
- Answer fundamental questions like “What do you do?” and “How does it make an impact?”
- Build awareness among external stakeholders and the local community
- Strengthen donor relations and secure funding for key initiatives, including the expansion of Powerhouse 2
The CSU Energy Institute needed a compelling report to showcase its contributions and future vision—something it could present to stakeholders with confidence for years to come.
THE SOLUTION
OTM’s Unique Approach
Rather than relying solely on research and interviews, OTM took an experiential learning approach by physically touring the Powerhouse Energy Campus. This firsthand experience provided a deeper understanding of the Institute’s mission and impact, allowing for a more authentic and engaging final product.
To address CSU Energy Institute’s challenges, OTM provided a strategic mix of research, content development, and design services:
Venue Tour & Experiential Research
Conducted an on-site visit and discovery interviews to gain insights into the Institute’s work.
Narrative Development
Crafted a compelling and cohesive impact story through interviews and research.
Impact Report Design (Print & Digital)
Developed a professional, visually engaging report for both print and digital distribution.
Collaboration and Process
The project was a highly collaborative effort, starting with meetings to establish goals, target audiences, and key messages with Executive Director Bryan Willson. Regular check-ins ensured alignment between content, design, and the Institute’s vision.
Obstacles to Overcome
- Simplifying complex research – Translating technical energy research into accessible content required strategic storytelling and clear data visualization.
- Balancing design and messaging – Ensuring the report was both visually appealing and information-rich required close coordination between OTM’s design and content teams.
- Meeting deadlines – Coordinating interviews, content creation, and design under tight timelines required efficient project management and continuous client communication.
RESULTS
- Enhanced Brand Awareness & Visibility – The report increased CSU Energy Institute’s profile among donors, industry partners, and the broader community.
- Strengthened Stakeholder Engagement – A clear, compelling impact story fostered stronger relationships with key stakeholders.
- Improved Donor Relations – The report became a critical tool for donor outreach, potentially leading to increased philanthropic contributions.
- Increased Credibility & Trust – A professionally designed, well-structured report reinforced the Institute’s reputation as a leader in clean energy research.
- Improved Internal Alignment – The content development process helped CSU Energy Institute staff align on a unified message about their impact.
- Greater Advocacy & Support – The report became a powerful advocacy tool, influencing policy discussions and public perception.
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