Ottawa Network for Education

Developing a new brand and identity

For 15 years, the Ottawa Carleton Learning Foundation (OCLF) operated under the wing of the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI) to provide a range of valuable programs such as the School Breakfast Program, the Substance Abuse and Youth in School Coalition, OttawaReads, the Assistive Technology Support Initiative and Volunteers in Education. But this charitable foundation was overshadowed by the OCRI brand. In early 2011, when the OCLF separated from OCRI, it required a full brand audit and strategy (including a new name, visual identity, logo and tagline), and the application of the new brand to a range of communications tools, including a new website.

Brand strategy and visual identity

gordongroup began the project by developing a brand strategy. We reviewed the research and documentation provided by the OCLF; conducted stakeholder interviews to understand how the OCLF understood its values, goals and position in the marketplace; conducted an environmental scan to see how the OCLF’s brand and strategy compared with other similar foundations; analyzed the results; and wrote a comprehensive brand strategy report. We recommended several new names, logos and taglines and helped guide the OCLF’s choices. The new name is the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE).

Design communications tools and templates

After finalizing the new visual identity, we applied it to a range of communications tools and templates, including a PowerPoint presentation, brochure, reports, postcard, pop-up display, business cards and stationery. We will also develop a brand guide and toolkit for applying the new brand to future communications products. This work is ongoing.