Creating clarity in complexity


about me

Nonprofits do important work. How that work looks and sounds affects whether funders, partners and the public understand it.

I work with nonprofits, NGOs, foundations and social enterprises in three areas. Communication with external stakeholders. Donor communications and fundraising. Internal communications and building the team's own capability.

The aim is practical. Improved visibility and trust. More successful fundraising. An internal team that is competent and empowered.

I bring over 25 years of agency and in-house creative leadership experience across the social sector, education, healthcare, government and finance.

Work with me

Three ways to work together. Each is built around how nonprofits and mission-driven organisations actually operate: small teams, tight budgets, and a lot of audiences to keep informed.

A single mission-driven project with a clear scope and an end date.

A rebrand, an annual or impact report, a donor campaign, a case for support. I lead it from brief to delivery, working with your team and your suppliers, and hand it over in a form your team can keep using.


Brand projects

Ongoing senior brand direction for nonprofits, NGOs and foundations.

For organisations that need a creative director but can’t justify a full-time one. I set direction, support your team, and keep how you look and sound consistent across donors, partners and the public.


Fractional leadership

Creative direction for agencies working with nonprofit and social impact clients.

For studios that have won or are pitching for a mission-driven client and need someone who knows the sector. I bring experience of how funders, boards and programme teams read and judge communications.


Agency support

Creative insights, once a month

Short, practical thinking for people who lead communications, fundraising or brand in mission-driven organisations.

    Notes on my work, thought & method


    Exploring the space where strategy, creativity and delivery collide


    View all notes

    An AI Policy for Your Nonprofit’s Communications

    A communications AI policy works when it sets firm rules on the few things that would damage trust, and leaves the rest to your team


    The Nonprofit Value Exchange: Who Is Actually Buying?

    Nonprofits sell two different products to two different buyers, and the person the work is for is neither of them


    How to Build a Nonprofit Photo Library for Under $1,000

    What it actually costs to build a self-hosted digital asset management system for a nonprofit, and the design mistakes that make one fail


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    Contact

    Let's talk.


    If your mission-driven organisation needs senior support with its brand or communications, for one project or on an ongoing basis, get in touch.



      James Mattison
      Creating Clarity in Complexity

      Based in Dubai, UAE.Working with mission-driven organisations worldwide.

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      Monthly creative insights