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Place-based Impact in Union County, SC

NationSwell PROJECT
Place-based Impact in Union County, SC by NationSwell

credits

Title
  • Place-based Impact in Union County, SC
Entrant
  • NationSwell

About This Project

Summary

NationSwell partnered with the BlackRock Foundation to shift the narrative on rural investment. We went on the ground in Union County, where we interviewed both investors and local changemakers to produce a multimedia story that brings the power of place-based investment to life. The strategy centers lived experience, strengthens belief in long-term, trust-based funding, and positions storytelling as a catalyst for equity, investment, and scalable change.

Goals & Objectives

To show how corporations can drive social change by investing in communities and elevating their stories. This project highlights what’s possible when funders build deep, local partnerships and use storytelling to inspire broader commitment to place-based impact.

Results & Impact

Though newly launched, the case study is already influencing how corporate and philanthropic leaders think about rural revitalization. It has sparked deeper engagement, shaped cross-sector dialogue, and positioned Union County as a model for community-led impact.

the team

Minna Son
  • Senior Director, Studio Management & Strategy
  • NationSwell
Taylor Onderko
  • Program Manager
  • NationSwell
Amy Lee
  • Chief Strategy Officer
  • NationSwell
Brooke Josebachvili
  • Director, Growth Marketing
  • NationSwell
Daniel West
  • Vice President, Social Impact
  • BlackRock
Jessica Baird
  • Head of Employee Engagement, Social Impact
  • BlackRock
Sophie Luo
  • Producer & Filmmaker
Gianna Aquilina
  • Director of Photography
Brian Fannin
  • Assistant Camera
Kevin Murray
  • Location Sound Mixer
Ian Curcio
  • Still Photographer
Kyle Turgeon
  • Editor, Colorist, Sound Mixer
Marisa Asari