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Campaign for Trauma Research Foundation

A global movement to Spark Discovery

What we did
  • Campaign Case for Support
  • Campaign Messaging
  • Campaign Naming
  • Campaign Visual Identity
  • Discovery
Campaign Size
$250,000,000

When the Trauma Research Foundation set out to launch its first comprehensive fundraising campaign, they were seeking more than financial support. They wanted to ignite a movement to advance the science and practice of trauma healing so that effective care reaches every community in need.

Our partnership began with a clear challenge: the Trauma Research Foundation needed a campaign identity that would inspire donors, unite stakeholders, and reflect the spirit of its founder, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. His work The Body Keeps the Score has transformed global understanding of trauma, and the campaign needed to honor this legacy while advancing with vision and purpose.

Spark Discovery: Impact Statement

The result was Spark Discovery, a name that captures the Trauma Research Foundation’s belief that healing begins with curiosity, research, and the courage to explore new ways of working with trauma. More than a title, it serves as a rallying cry that positions the campaign as the launchpad for breakthroughs in neuroscience, innovative therapies, and culturally attuned care.

Parisleaf developed the full messaging framework for Spark Discovery, weaving together the Trauma Research Foundation’s scientific credibility, human-centered mission, and urgent call to action. The narrative is grounded in hope, possibility, and the personal transformation that trauma healing can bring.

Slide featuring the book The Body Keeps the Score with text about continuing Dr. van der Kolk’s legacy of discovery in trauma research.
Abstract black figure with a red dot on the chest surrounded by yellow starbursts on a bright blue background, in the style of Henri Matisse.
Five white paper cutout silhouettes of abstract dancing figures arranged in a circular pattern on a gray background. Pencil sketches of yellow starburst shapes labeled “Matisse collage cut” on white paper.
Women in colorful saris holding hands in a line, with a yellow abstract figure added among them.

We also created the campaign’s brand identity, a visual system that reflects both the warmth of human connection and the boldness of discovery. The identity balances accessibility and authority, inviting supporters to see themselves as active partners in advancing trauma research and care.

Campaign print materials with bold abstract figures and text, including “Amplify the Movement” and “Why Support Our Campaign.”
Round campaign lapel pin with yellow starburst on a blue suit jacket.
Black dress shoes with bright blue socks patterned with colorful abstract campaign figures.
Spark Discovery campaign brochure with bold abstract figures, photos, and messages about healing together.
Yellow and blue trade show booth with abstract figure and text “Join the Movement.”
Blue tote bag with campaign message “Every Body Belongs.”
Spark Discovery campaign website mockup on laptop and mobile with text “Every Body Has a Story.”
Blue thank-you card in envelope with red heart accent inside the word “YOU.”
Rolled-out yoga mat with colorful abstract campaign figures and shapes.
Campaign poster in subway station reading “The world dances around our pain. We believe in dancing through it.” with abstract yellow figure.

Together, these elements give the Trauma Research Foundation a unified platform to inspire philanthropy, elevate awareness, and strengthen its position as a global leader in trauma-informed research and practice. Spark Discovery is not just the name of a campaign—it’s the beginning of a movement toward a future where everyone has access to ways of healing.

Blue campaign case booklet titled “Spark Discovery” with abstract figure and yellow starbursts.
Open spread with campaign text on one page and abstract blue figure with yellow starburst on the other.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk speaking alongside campaign quote about trauma research.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk speaking alongside campaign quote about trauma research.