High-stakes strategy that holds up under pressure.
We help nonprofits, funders, and social impact leaders raise capital, reach the right audiences, and make decisions that shape what happens next.
Trusted by mission-driven organizations and purpose-aligned partners.
Here's what the work has produced.
Hover any number to see the context behind it.
Five practices.
One accountable team.
Every project at KMSG is led by someone who has run their function somewhere else first. The Managing Director maintains direct oversight of every workstream, deliverable, and deadline.
We translate complex impact data into communications that move people. That includes narrative strategy, digital execution, media engagement, and the editorial work that makes a campaign coherent.
Recent work Led messaging and advocacy for Global Citizen campaigns reaching 10.5M people. Led communications strategy for NO MORE, the impact campaign for the Academy Award-nominated documentary The Alabama Solution.
We assess what is working across communications, fundraising, and organizational infrastructure, and what is not. The deliverables are designed to be implemented the same week, not filed away.
Recent work Communications assessments across the Tow Foundation grantee cohort. Recommendations rated 9.2 out of 10 for usefulness; 100% would recommend to peers.
Strategic and executive support at moments of real pressure: budget cuts, leadership transitions, reputational risk, board-level decisions, and field-wide strategic choices.
Recent work Led communications response for the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium after a proposed elimination of state funding. Facilitated The Fortune Society's executive leadership retreat. Supported engagements with Members of Congress and senior public officials across advocacy campaigns.
We fill capacity gaps without disrupting continuity. That includes interim communications and development leadership, fractional support, parental leave coverage, and structured hiring for key positions.
Recent work Fractional communications leadership for Designing Justice + Designing Spaces during a transitional growth period and 10th anniversary campaign. Supported organizations receiving transformational philanthropic gifts through narrative, positioning, and funder engagement strategy.
We design and facilitate the convenings, cohorts, and capacity-building relationships that help grantmakers and grantees work together with more clarity, trust, and practical follow-through.
Recent work Multi-year grantee capacity-building cohort for The Tow Foundation, supporting 30+ grantee organizations and 55 partners through structured learning sessions; interim executive leadership included oversight of $30M in annual grantmaking.
A firm with a place, a position, and a record.
KM Strategies Group is an LGBTQ-owned social impact consulting firm, certified by the NGLCC and the Equality Chamber of DC. We're anchored in Pittsburgh, the largest city in Appalachia, and shaped by Southern roots. Our portfolio spans 18 countries, including six LMICs, and our leadership team is 100% first-generation college graduates and graduates of public schools and universities.
We reinvest more than 10% of profits each year into Southern and Appalachian organizations through The Etolia Fund, our grantmaking arm. To date, we've donated more than $150,000 to nonprofit movements working to make their communities better, stronger, and more vibrant places to live. In 2025, we launched the KMSG Research Fellowship with the University of Alabama and Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College, building an equity-centered talent pipeline between Alabama and Western Pennsylvania.
Engagements that show how we operate.
Recent media, interviews, and commentary.
A rolling view of recent coverage, podcast interviews, and published commentary from KMSG and Kindred Motes.
Nonprofits Must Be Prepared for Political Upheaval. Many Aren’t.
Kindred Motes writes about political uncertainty, nonprofit readiness, and the operational risks facing social impact organizations.
How to Lead Well in Uncertain Times.
Experts share guidance on communications, well-being, and financial sustainability as nonprofit leaders face instability.
Nonprofits Are Bracing But Unprepared for the 2024 Election.
Coverage of KMSG’s findings on nonprofit preparedness, political risk, and the strain facing the sector.
Strategies for Social Impact with Kindred Motes.
Kindred discusses philanthropy, founding KMSG, and helping social impact organizations drive engagement and impact.
Kindred Motes helps companies doing well make sure they’re doing good.
A conversation on Southern roots, social impact, philanthropy, and the choices that shape accountable consulting.
The South isn’t 50 years behind. It’s 50 years ahead.
Kindred argues for a more accurate reading of Southern movement work, philanthropic underinvestment, and power.
Remembering where I come from isn’t enough. I’m choosing to fund it.
A direct argument for investing in the places and communities that shaped the work.
The Social Impact Consultancy Holding Itself to a Higher Standard.
Coverage of KMSG’s founding, standards, and approach to social impact consulting.
Nonprofits Must Be Prepared for Political Upheaval. Many Aren’t.
Kindred Motes writes about political uncertainty, nonprofit readiness, and the operational risks facing social impact organizations.
How to Lead Well in Uncertain Times.
Experts share guidance on communications, well-being, and financial sustainability as nonprofit leaders face instability.
Nonprofits Are Bracing But Unprepared for the 2024 Election.
Coverage of KMSG’s findings on nonprofit preparedness, political risk, and the strain facing the sector.
Strategies for Social Impact with Kindred Motes.
Kindred discusses philanthropy, founding KMSG, and helping social impact organizations drive engagement and impact.
Kindred Motes helps companies doing well make sure they’re doing good.
A conversation on Southern roots, social impact, philanthropy, and the choices that shape accountable consulting.
The South isn’t 50 years behind. It’s 50 years ahead.
Kindred argues for a more accurate reading of Southern movement work, philanthropic underinvestment, and power.
Remembering where I come from isn’t enough. I’m choosing to fund it.
A direct argument for investing in the places and communities that shaped the work.
The Social Impact Consultancy Holding Itself to a Higher Standard.
Coverage of KMSG’s founding, standards, and approach to social impact consulting.
Listen to Kindred in conversation.
Two long-form interviews on KMSG, social impact strategy, philanthropy, Southern roots, and building accountable work.
Kindred Motes helps companies doing well make sure they’re doing good.
Strategies for Social Impact with Kindred Motes.
KMSG is a next-generation firm that is leading innovative and necessary reforms to the social impact sector. Its early success and profitability from day one are a successful case study and counter-narrative to the misguided notion that new businesses must choose between profit and social responsibility.