Purpose & Story
Development communications that build compelling cases for support
Our Philosophy
Every organization has a purpose worth sharing—and the right story can turn that purpose into connection, understanding, and support. At Purpose & Story, we believe development communications is ultimately about helping organizations communicate the story beneath the surface with honesty, clarity, and heart so that the right people can see themselves in the work and want to be part of it..
“Karen was instrumental in helping formulate our mission's message and streamlining it to be used across multiple platforms for the most impact. We will use the documents she provided for years to come as a guide for our future fundraising efforts. Having Karen on board made this incredibly daunting first fundraiser launch achievable.”
Dr. M. Kaitlin Dozier, Founder, CEO & Head Veterinarian, Peace for Every Pet
“Karen’s journalism chops shine through her whole work process. She thoroughly researches her client and her targeted audience, digging through the details to find the perfect fit. She thoughtfully aligns objectives, and writes a pointed application with clarity and grace. Best of all, Karen is a delight to work with. She is a valuable resource for any fund-raising team.”
Laurie Christiansen, Chair, Laundry Love of Greater Danbury
Our process is simple and collaborative.
Discover
We listen before we write. Through interviews, research, and thoughtful questions, we uncover the heart of your mission.
Clarify
Together, we identify what matters most and shape messaging that’s authentic, strategic, and donor-centered.
Create
From case studies to grants, impact reports to campaign messaging, we develop communications that inspire confidence and action.
Grow
Communications isn’t a one-time project. We help organizations build lasting relationships through consistent, meaningful storytelling.
Practice Areas
Our holistic view of the development lifecycle means we help organizations tell their story, make a case for support, inspire investment, demonstrate impact, deepen relationships, and sustain momentum.
Build Your Case
Every successful fundraising effort begins with a compelling reason to believe. Purpose & Story will help you uncover what makes your mission distinctive, articulate why your work matters, and create messaging that inspires donors, partners, and communities to invest in lasting change.
Case for Support Development | Campaign Messaging | Messaging Frameworks Fundraising Communications | Donor Communications
Secure Funding
Winning grant proposals are about more than meeting requirements. They’re about helping funders see possibility. Purpose & Story combines strategic thinking, compelling storytelling, and meticulous proposal development to position your organization for meaningful funding opportunities and long-term relationships.
Grant Research | Grant Strategy | Proposal Development | Funder Reports Foundation Communications
Tell Your Story
Every organization has stories worth telling. Purpose & Story will help you discover and share the voices, moments, and outcomes that demonstrate your impact and deepen connections with donors, volunteers, partners, and the communities you serve.
Impact Stories | Beneficiary & Client Profiles | Donor Stories |n Impact Reports Newsletters | Annual Reports
Lead the Conversation
Strong organizations communicate with purpose. Not only during campaigns, but every day. Purpose & Story provides strategic communications guidance that helps leaders align messaging, strengthen engagement, and communicate with confidence across every audience.
Executive Messaging | Editorial Strategy | Thought Leadership | Board Communications Fractional Communications Leadership
Welcome.
I’ve always been an insatiably curious person. I want to understand how things work, why situations play out the way they do, and who can share knowledge not found anywhere else. All of this hinges on people, and the stories they have to tell.
My background in journalism taught me to ask good questions, listen closely and look beyond the obvious to find the story that matters. Over the years, that curiosity led me into content and communications, but I’ve always been most energized by work that creates connection and serves a larger purpose.
That’s what led me to launch Purpose & Story, a studio focused on development communications that help mission-driven organizations tell the stories behind their work, their communities and their impact.
Karen Reddington, Principal