RISD Advancement

Founded in 1877, RISD is one of the highest ranked art and design schools in the US. The school’s rigorous curriculum and reputation for nurturing curiosity and critical thinking support its mission to educate students who go on to make meaningful and lasting contributions to society.

Philanthropy is critical to RISD’s success. Donations help to fund scholarships, provide access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, advance of equity and social justice initiatives, and support other urgent needs.

Studio Rainwater has partnered with RISD for several years to design print and digital campaigns that show how giving makes and impact at the school and beyond. Fundraising materials honor the RISD’s creative culture while following the clean sophistication of the brand.

Campaign designs embrace playful use of an angled bracket to represent a creative spark that expands into something greater than the sum of its parts. The campaign helped to establish RISD’s brand with its larger community of alumni, parents, and friends and raised funds that were nearly double what had been achieved the year before.

We also designed Momentum, a magazine about making a difference through giving and service. The publication helped to build a culture of philanthropy at RISD by telling the stories of students, donors, and volunteers while increasing engagement around fundraising for a broader community.