The Dunwoody Preservation Trust recently teamed with students from Mount Vernon School to address two organizational priorities: developing a capital campaign strategy and increasing brand awareness across the Dunwoody and Sandy Springs communities.
The collaboration was conducted through the school’s Innovation Diploma program, a multi-year, project-based learning experience in which students work with nonprofit, corporate, and civic partners to solve real-world challenges using design thinking and research-based strategies, according to a release from the organizations.
Student teams worked directly with Dunwoody Preservation Trust leadership to analyze the organization’s current positioning, evaluate community perceptions, and develop recommendations to strengthen fundraising efforts and broaden visibility.
“The level of insight and professionalism these students brought to the project was remarkable,” said Kristin Simons, executive director of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust. “They approached our challenges with a fresh perspective, thoughtful research, and creative energy. Their work will directly inform how we think about our future capital campaign and how we tell our story in the community.”
Students conducted stakeholder interviews, researched nonprofit fundraising models, and developed strategic messaging and outreach concepts tailored to the trust’s mission. The process mirrors professional consulting engagements, a hallmark of the Innovation Diploma program.
“Working with DPT was a meaningful and impactful process because we were able to understand their vision and help them think through what their future could look like,” said Leighton Scott, a project leader and member of the Class of 2027 in the release. “They have so much potential, with many great ideas and an even stronger foundation, and it was exciting to help shape that future.”
Krista Fancher, Innovation Diploma partnerships leader at Mount Vernon Upper School, said the experience was rewarding for students and faculty alike.
“DPT’s leadership was welcoming and receptive to the student-led team,” Fancher said. “I grew up around the corner from Donaldson Farm, so it was fulfilling to see the team develop the same interest in the stories and places that I grew up hearing about. Community partnerships are especially important to us because the work is highly relevant to learners. We hope to continue this partnership in the future.”
The collaboration gave the trust community-informed ideas for engaging new audiences, including approaches to storytelling and campaign messaging designed to reach a broader and more diverse audience.
For the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, the partnership represents a step forward in aligning its mission with strategies for long-term growth and sustainability.
DPT is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Dunwoody, according to its mission statement, encouraging the exploration of Dunwoody’s history through educational programs, publications, collections, and research.
Mount Vernon, located in Sandy Springs, is an independent school serving more than 1,250 students from preschool through Grade 12.
