Image by Penn State
This spring Penn State unveiled three new Honda Civics for their transportation services department that run on eco-friendly compressed natural gas (CNG). That would have been cool enough; what made these cars really awesome was that they were dressed to the nines with student designs.
When you see these cars driving down the street in University Park, PA you won’t be able to miss them. The designs feature shades of green against a white backdrop that resemble organic chemistry and the visible natural environment as they proudly advertise the type of fuel inside: “CNG.”
Why do such a thing? Isn’t it enough that the cars reduce the university’s carbon footprint? What purpose does wrapping the car to say so serve?
Here’s why. (If you represent a nonprofit organization, read on!)
- Public relations.
Penn State’s PR people probably needed to wear a cup under their chins, they were drooling so much over this opportunity. The sight of those vehicles affects the way people feel about the university. A poignant wrap design spreads through the community, creating positive impressions and counteracting any negative press an organization may receive.
- Marketing.
Oh yeah. You better believe Penn State is hoping to connect with environmentally conscious students and their parents. Given the cost of tuition they’ll see a return on their investment in a heartbeat. Vehicle wraps sell a nonprofit’s mission like nothing else, with a high rate of impressions (views) at minimal cost.
- Fundraising.
Helloooooo, donors! The story of these CNG-powered vehicles is a powerful tool the development folks at Penn can use when soliciting community leaders, alumni and past donors for funding toward whatever they need. Wraps create top of mind awareness, which is every bit as important among donors as it is among customers; they won’t give to what they’re not thinking about.
Nonprofits, what’s your cause? How are you telling your story? Whether for-profit or not, high visual impact = high results. Ask us about advancing your mission with vehicle wraps today.
