Messaging that moves

We help leaders move ideas forward and build support on the issues that shape our communities.

Learn More

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Issues Impacted

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Repeat Clients

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Client Satisfaction

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Years of Experience

Our Clients

Circle City Readers
Indianapolis Foundation

You’re already doing the hard work. We help you communicate it—clearly, quickly, and effectively. Our team comes issue-fluent and ready to plug in. From strategy to execution, we work as part of your team to make sure your message not only resonates, but gets results.

CASE STUDIES

Providing fractional support for a dynamic team
Economic Development
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Fractional Staffing
Fueling reach of a new, statewide literacy grant
Out-of-School Time
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Campaign Development & Implementation
Elevating the impact of a 20-year-old institution
Economic Development, Public Health
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Report Development & Release
Creating a visual identity, messaging, and collateral for fundraising
K-12 Education
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Message Development, Brand Identity, Diverse Audience Outreach

Services

Strategic Communications Fractional Support

Come alongside your team to enhance strategy and implement tactics as needed.

Campaign Creation & Implementation

We craft clear positioning and messaging as well as implement strategies to ensure those messages reach your target audiences. 

Report Development & Releases

We research and write reports to put your issue front and center, helping you raise funds for your organization and build support for your issues.

Thought Leadership & Media Relations

We turn your know-how into bold ideas that spark attention and build authority. Then, we get the right people talking about you in the right way. 

Process

Discover

We dig into the questions that matter: who is your audience, and what do you want them to do? Through a combination of facilitated exercises, audience research, and secondary research, we get smart fast so we can develop a plan that’s rooted in an understanding of the audiences and issues that matter to you.

Plan

Based on our findings, we develop messages, a strategic roadmap for getting those messages in front of key audiences, and a visual identity to bring the idea to life.

Deliver

We know who to talk to—and how to get them talking about you. We offer a full range of implementation support, from project management to content creation, design, video, and advertising. We’ll tailor our support to build on your team’s talents and meet your needs. 

PACKAGES

Message and Plan Development

We develop customized messages and a communications plan to get those messages in front of the audiences that matter to you. This can include audience research and brand development based on the project.

Thought Leadership

Raise your issue or organization’s visibility through a steady drumbeat of attention in key publications. We’ll develop an editorial calendar and identify the publications and outlets to target based on the audiences you need to reach. We’ll write and get pieces placed if desired.

Fractional Staffing

Do you need an extra team member with capacity to support your team? We can plug in and add support in areas of key need, from media relations to project management and content development. We flex so you can do your best work without the need for a full- or part-time hire.

Want a unique solution to meet your needs?

What our clients say

“Pen+Principle helped our team identify and amplify a winning message on a complex public policy issue. By partnering closely with our team, they ensured the message came to life across channels to move key policy audiences to action. Consider them an invaluable partner and capacity-builder for your team.”

Matt Mindrum

President & CEO, Indy Chamber

“We chose to work with Pen+Principle because we needed subject matter experts who understand our work and can help us tell our story with deep issue fluency. Our partnership has resulted in excellent results to help elevate Christel House's profile and expand our thought leadership efforts.”

David Harris

President & CEO, Christel House International

“Pen+Principle has been an incredible partner and capacity builder for our team. They've helped us think strategically, while also rolling up their sleeves to support the day-to-day work. Because of their support, we've been able to move faster and make a bigger impact."

Kim Reier

VP of Strategy, Indiana Charter Innovation Center

"We needed support on a complex grassroots advocacy project and were grateful to find a partner in Pen+Principle. From developing messages and a plan to working alongside key community engagement partners, they were part of a team that helped us achieve the zoning approval we needed for our school."

Tommy Reddicks

CEO, Paramount Schools of Excellence

"I'm grateful to have Pen+Principle as a partner in elevating Butler University, thinking through approaches to solving communications challenges, and bringing new ideas. They're a resource on both ideation and implementation, and it's fantastic to have them as part of our team."

Mark Apple

Director of Strategic Communication,
Butler University

"Francesca and her team were extremely knowledgeable, connected, creative, and responsive to our needs throughout the process. They always helped us move along and created a helpful decision-making framework to advance our goals with the project."

Derrick Carnes

Senior Director of Communications, Indiana Afterschool Network

"Francesca and team were flexible, responsive, creative, and overall a joy to work with. I loved the brainstorming process and the conversations we had to identify our priorities, branding, and goals. They took the time to understand our needs and delivered on everything they promised and more."

Shaina Cavazos

Director of the Office of Education Innovation, City of Indianapolis

Frequently Asked QuestionS

What types of organizations do you work with?

We partner with all kinds of teams—nonprofits, corporations, advocacy groups, coalitions, and civic-minded organizations—working on issues that shape communities.

What services do you offer?

We provide strategic communications support tailored to your goals. This includes message development, campaign strategy, storytelling, content creation, media support, and more. We adapt to your needs—whether it’s a full campaign or a fast-turn project.

Do you specialize in any issue areas?

While we work across sectors, we have deep experience in education, health, housing, workforce, and public policy. If it’s an issue that shapes communities, we likely have context—and if not, we ramp up fast.

How do you get up to speed so quickly?

We come issue-fluent. Our team brings policy knowledge, local context, and real-world experience so we can plug in quickly and add value right away—no lengthy onboarding required.

What does a typical engagement look like?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. We often act as an embedded part of your team, collaborating closely throughout a project or campaign. We’re flexible—whether you need a long-term partner or short-term support.

How do we know if you're a good fit?

If you’re doing meaningful work and need communications that can keep up—we’re probably a match. We care deeply about the issues and show up as true partners. Let’s talk and find out.

What’s your pricing structure?

Take a look at our packages section to see if one of those makes sense for you. If not, we’ll tailor proposals to each project based on scope and timeline. We’re happy to discuss budget and find an approach that meets your needs while respecting the value of the work.

How do we get started?

Just reach out! We’ll schedule a discovery call to learn more about your goals, talk through where we can plug in, and propose a path forward.