High Foundation

Founded in 1980, High Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the High family, owners of High companies which have been a major force in shaping America’s infrastructure through bridge building for decades.

A longtime partner of High companies, Fig Industries has worked collaboratively with the Foundation for a number of years, supporting both external and internal communications and helping to roll out messaging surrounding the transfer in ownership of High companies to High Foundation.

In 2022, S. Dale High, Chairman Emeritus of High companies, emboldened High Foundation through an extraordinary act of business leadership and philanthropic innovation by transferring ownership of High companies from the High family to High Foundation. Fig Industries began work in 2020 to develop language and tools to communicate the scope of this organizational shift and its impact. “Higher Purpose” became the narrative used to anchor the messaging and communicate the expanded mission. Our team supported High Foundation’s leadership team in preparation for this groundbreaking transition announcement, creating a communications roadmap with both internal and external stakeholders in mind. The cornerstone of the strategy was a Higher Purpose video announcement from S. Dale High, which we directed, followed by a roll out of communication touch points to the 2,000+ High companies coworkers, press releases, and a social media campaign.

With the ownership transition complete, High Foundation expanded their ability to fulfill their mission by utilizing the profits from High companies to invest in the communities where High operates. Our team worked closely with Foundation staff to craft updated brand statements to more accurately depict the impact of their work as they fulfilled their longstanding commitment to being a “Bridge to Opportunity.” This included an expanded mission statement, the introduction of a purpose statement, and language around their newly established core values.

These powerful statements are now woven into the narrative of their marketing and communication collateral, including several signature materials Fig Industries has helped to create, including the Annual Impact Report, communication pieces to support the annual grant cycle, and the creation of important video messages. By utilizing bridge imagery, large fields of color, and a modern monoline illustration style, each piece is cohesive and impactful. The design choices are story-driven and people-focused, which reinforces the heart of the brand. An ongoing social media strategy that highlights the good work of partners and grant recipients brings the story of impact and community investment to life. We are honored to support the work of High Foundation whose innovative leadership and impactful work is the ultimate example of Business for Good, benefitting generations to come.