We are the people behind the people at the forefront of social change.

The Wakeman Agency helps nonprofits, foundations, and socially responsible companies leverage the power of strategic communications in pursuit of social change.

We are the best communications partner for organizations seeking:

  • Trusted counsel and advisory for communications planning and execution.
  • Earned media campaigns that elevate brand prominence and drive action.
  • Narrative, foresight, strategy, and implementation to advance mission-driven causes.
  • Field building communications for foundations and nonprofit networks.
  • Organizational lexicons and shared language.
  • Thought leadership development to elevate organizational expertise and positioning.
  • Crisis communications and reputation management.
  • Event planning to maximize fundraising and donor engagement.

The Wakeman Agency started more than two decades ago as a public relations agency for nonprofits. Building on those early wins, we have come to understand the power of communications to engage with audiences, shape perception, and catalyze action. Learn more about our services on our Expertise page.

How to Plan Successful Fundraising Galas, Even in Difficult Times

Check out our article featured on the Candid blog


Read the Article Here →

Work in Action

Discover how our unique capabilities and methodologies create impact and ignite action.

Building Communications Strategies for Uncertain Times
Case Study: Successful communications for field building by foundations
Explore

A Risk Register for Crisis Prevention
Case Study: Mapping and addressing organizational risk for pre-emptive crisis management
Explore

Identity and Culture Communications for Nonprofits

Increasingly today, effective communications are using identity and culture to reach more audience members.

 

Learn More →

Testimonials

The Wakeman Agency transformed Day One’s Gala into a platform for influence, elevating visibility, clarifying institutional voice, and exceeding fundraising goals. Their strategic, communications-informed approach lifted operational burden, aligned leadership, and amplified the mission, combining professionalism, creativity, and responsiveness to deliver exceptional outcomes for events and organizational impact”.
Stephanie Nilva
Founder
– Day One
The Wakeman Agency excels at translating complex priorities into compelling narratives, strengthening institutional voice, and guiding high-impact work with clarity. Their strategic counsel and media expertise helped AFI amplify global financial inclusion efforts, elevate visibility, and build influence, all while maintaining credibility and delivering responsive, practical guidance in high-pressure moments”.
Monika Lahjner
Former Head of Communications, Media Relations & Events Management
– Alliance for Financial Inclusion
The Wakeman Agency took the time to understand our organization and a growing list of programs to identify how to effectively tell the stories of our work and the people that we serve with dignity and respect. Their expertise in storytelling, media engagement, and out-of-the-box strategies amplified awareness, secured extensive coverage, and positioned the organization as a city-wide leader in social services and economic mobility.
Liane Paonessa
Former Associate Vice President of Communications
– United Way of New York City
The Wakeman Agency led a rigorous, organization-wide Lexicon Project that transformed how we align language with our values. Through research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic insight, they created a dynamic, evolving resource that clarified our voice, strengthened positioning, and empowered more intentional, culturally competent communications across our global organization.
Sam Mayer
Vice President of Global Strategic Partnerships
– The END Fund
The Wakeman Agency helped us clarify our mission and articulate our impact with renewed confidence through the Lexicon Project. Their thoughtful, structured approach translated complex dynamics into actionable insights, equipping our team with shared language and sustainable tools to move from reflection to implementation—focused, energized, and aligned with our mission.
Kristy Aurand
Chief Development Officer
– Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County

Our Clients*

*This is a partial listing of past and present clients.

Contact us to explore how our strategic communications offerings can amplify your organization’s work.