NFBD receives $110,000 in grant funding for VlogU

With the whole world looking to shift into digital learning and remote work, one local nonprofit is ahead of the curve and a couple of Pittsburgh’s foundations have provided support. NFBD, a Pittsburgh based nonprofit, focuses on amplifying social impact in the digital age. NFBD’s flagship program is VlogU, a social media marketing agency run by high school students.

Already for 2020, NFBD has received $110,000 in grant funding with $80,000 coming from the Hillman Foundation, $25,000 coming from the Buhl Foundation, and $5,000 from the Grable Foundation.

VlogU isn’t a new program, though. It launched in 2018 as a Summer program. After back to back years with incredibly successful results, VlogU is using the funding to expand into a full-time creative agency.

Four students from Perry high school meet weekly through Zoom to learn digital literacy, effective online leadership, and the skills necessary to obtain or create a career in the digital economy. These skills involve video and photo editing, social media management, digital ad buying, brand analysis and creative copywriting. NFBD’s CEO, Jordon Rooney (who also runs his own creative agency, Built Different) says that “VlogU should be treated as a serious player in the agency world in Pittsburgh.

The students are working with brands to teach them how to better market to those that look like them. They offer something that years working at an agency or multiple marketing degrees could never offer, their unique life experience.” With brands seeing now more than ever that being socially relevant and aware, it's crucial to understand how to appeal to youth. VlogU Creative does just that.

Their current clients are the Buhl Foundation and the One Northside Project, The Warhol, and the Mattress Factory. VlogU is looking to take on clients who are looking to improve their marketing strategy or execution when appealing to minorities or youth.