Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can strategic storytelling help our work?
Investing in a clear storytelling strategy involves strong audience research, goal setting, and messaging that aligns with purpose. Strategic storytelling tools align with both audience needs and outreach goals. This can help organizations attract the right funding and people, and build trust with communities and partners. For examples of this type of strategic storytelling, have a look at our portfolio.
Why hire Ensemble to help with strategic communications and storytelling?
Ensemble offers a deep creative bench of talent and over twenty years of strategy development experience. We help our clients level up their existing communications and outreach efforts to grow their donor base, engage with communities they serve, and align their communications strategy with their strategic plan.
Many of our clients have communications team members on staff but they may not have the bandwidth to create multimedia content or support larger projects. We bring our creative ideas and know-how to help you achieve more and do so more quickly.
We can also support your organization when it is at an inflection point, a time of reflection, or during a time-bound campaign. We can co-lead the engagement campaign as we did with the Accelerate Disabilty Inclusion campaign, or produce tools to support fundraising efforts, like this animation for Apna Ghar.
Do you do PR (public relations)?
We do! We can bolster your earned media efforts by researching and expanding your media list, developing and pitching story ideas, and conducting media trainings for your team. We can also help leaders secure speaking opportunities and support their thought leadership work. Here are examples from an ongoing project with Lake Forest Openlands Association.
In which industries does Ensemble Media specialize?
We specialize in the non-profit, social impact and philanthropic sectors. We have deep experience with organizations working on environment, education, health and equity-driven efforts both in the U.S. and internationally. We also support innovators: start-ups, new initiatives and coalitions who want to amplify their reach. Ensemble founder Stephanie Foerster is a documentary filmmaker trained in ethical storytelling and participatory action research (PAR).
What are sustainable behavior change solutions and why does Ensemble Media offer them?
Sustainable behavior change solutions are practical, evidence-based actions that focus on the behavior change of individuals. They use a combination of behavioral science, marketing, and social science. Behavior change programs go beyond storytelling, focusing on concrete actions. Behavior change strategies are informed by the barriers and motivations people experience. Sustainable behavior change initiatives support everything from recycling, planting native gardens, to water conservation.
Ensemble Media’s founder Stephanie Foerster became certified in Sustainable Behavior Change techniques in 2025 from UC San Diego as a way to deepen engagement and design evidence-driven solutions for climate resilience.
Do you do any training?
Yes! We offer customized trainings in:
- Ethical storytelling
- Digital storytelling
- Media pitching and inquiries
We also offer targeted workshops in:
- Defining your value proposition
- Audience research
- Purpose-driven team building
- Shifting from awareness-raising to behavior change
I need help with a project. What’s the best way to start?
You can contact us to schedule a free consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, challenges, and how we can help.