Capricorn Impact Lab
Investing in stronger communications for organisations creating meaningful change
Each year we partner with one purpose-driven organisation and invest our time and expertise in the communications foundations that support its mission and long-term growth.
WHY WE CREATE D IT
Communications are more than a support function
At Capricorn Consulting, we believe communications are a catalyst for
impact. Clear messaging builds trust. Compelling stories inspire action.
Strong communications help organisations build partnerships, engage supporters and unlock opportunities for growth.
Yet many purpose-driven organisations, particularly smaller nonprofits, lack the time, resources or in-house expertise to build these foundations. The Capricorn Impact Lab was created to help bridge that gap.
Across the social impact sector, extraordinary work is carried out by small, dedicated teams. As programmes grow, communications often become
reactive, making it harder to tell compelling stories, build visibility, attract partners or inspire donor confidence.
We believe communications should not be a privilege reserved for organisations with large budgets or dedicated communications teams.
The Impact Lab reflects our commitment to investing in organisations whose work deserves to be seen, understood and supported
WHAT IS THE IMPACT LAB?
An annual communications capacity-building initiative
Rather than delivering a single project or campaign, we work collaboratively over a focused engagement of several weeks to understand the organisation, identify opportunities, and develop practical communications systems that continue creating value long after the engagement has ended. It is a partnership built on learning, collaboration and a shared commitment to creating greater impact.
Not This
A single project, then done
Deliverable handed over
Capacity unchanged
This
Systems that keep working
Engagement ends
Value keeps compounding
How We Work
Listen first, build together
DEPENDING ONPRIORITIES, THE ENGAGEMENT MAY INCLUDE
Communications discovery and assessment
Messaging and positioning
Stakeholder and audience mapping
Communications strategy and planning
Storytelling and impact communications
Content frameworks and templates
Practical tools to strengthen long-term communications capacity
Our objective is not simply to create communications materials, but to leave organisations with greater clarity, stronger systems and the confidence to keep communicating effectively long after the partnership concludes.
WHO IS THE IMPACT LAB FOR?
Purpose-driven organisations that meet five marks
We are particularly interested in organisations with ambitious ideas, dedicated teams and the potential to create lasting change.
Are creating meaningful social or environmental impact
Have limited in-house communications capacity
Are ready to strengthen how they communicate with donors, partners, volunteers and communities
Are committed to learning, collaborating and investing time in the process
Believe that stronger communications can help advance their mission
Our Commitment
Each year, Capricorn Consulting will dedicate its time and expertise to one organisation through the Impact Lab
One partner
selected each year
No cost
for the full engagement
Senior-led
delivered by Capricorn’s consultants directly
SHARING WHAT WE LEARN
Knowledge grows when it is shared
With the participating organisation’s permission, each partnership will conclude with a published case study documenting the journey, from the communications challenges and collaborative process to the outcomes, lessons and practical insights.
The challenges
Where communications was holding the work back, described plainly.
The process
How we worked together, week by week, and what we decided.
The outcomes
What changed, and what the organisation can now do for itself.
The lessons
Practical insights any organisation in a similar position can use.
For years we have done real work for our children and mothers, but we could not always show it to the people who might help us. What Capricorn gave us was not only the materials — they taught us how to use them, and how to protect the children we serve when we tell their stories. Now, when we sit in front of a donor, we know what to say, and our materials are as serious as the work we do.
Insights, straight to your inbox
Field notes, guides, and the occasional strong opinion on communications for purpose-driven work. No noise, just the useful part.
Let's talk about what you're building
A single campaign or a partner for the long haul, either way, the best place to start is a quick chat. Tell us what you’re working on, and we’ll be straight with you about how we can help.