RKD Group is expanding its creative capabilities through the acquisition of award-winning branding and digital agency Whiteboard, a move that underscores the growing importance of consumer-grade creative in nonprofit and mission-driven marketing.
The Plano, Texas-based fundraising and marketing firm announced Tuesday that it has acquired Whiteboard, the Chattanooga-based agency known for its strategy-led branding, digital experiences and storytelling work for organizations including TED Conferences, Smile Train and Flame Broiler.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquisition brings together two agencies with complementary strengths. Founded in 1970, RKD Group specializes in fundraising, donor intelligence, analytics and omnichannel marketing for more than 250 organizations across healthcare, education, humanitarian relief, faith-based causes and animal welfare. In 2025, the company says it helped clients generate more than $4.3 billion in revenue.
Whiteboard, founded in 2010, has built its reputation around brand strategy, digital design and creative storytelling, helping organizations create emotionally resonant campaigns and customer experiences.
“Our clients are competing for attention in an increasingly crowded landscape,” RKD Group CEO Kevin Jones said in announcing the acquisition. “Whiteboard brings exceptional creative acumen and strategic thinking that will strengthen the philanthropic expertise we already provide.”
As part of the transaction, Whiteboard Co-Founder Eric Brown becomes Chief Marketing Officer of RKD Group, reporting directly to Jones. Co-Founder Taylor Jones will continue leading Whiteboard as president, with the agency maintaining its brand identity while operating under the RKD umbrella.
Brown said the partnership allows Whiteboard to combine its creative approach with RKD’s data and fundraising expertise. “More importantly, this partnership creates more room for ideas and innovation,” Brown said. “It allows for a meeting of like minds motivated to bring consumer-grade creativity to a space too often dominated by the same set of marketing tactics.”
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The combined organization will now offer clients a broader mix of branding, fundraising, analytics, creative strategy and digital engagement services. Collectively, the companies serve organizations including Susan G. Komen, The Salvation Army, The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, TED Conferences and Smile Train.
The acquisition reflects a broader shift across nonprofit marketing, where organizations increasingly expect agencies to deliver not only fundraising expertise but also brand-building and creative work that can compete with commercial advertising for consumer attention.
Rather than folding Whiteboard into RKD’s existing operations, the agency will continue operating under its own name while collaborating across fundraising strategy, creative development and digital engagement.
The partnership officially debuts this week at the Bridge Conference in Washington, D.C., and is effective immediately.
