Friday, December 4, 2009

Get warm & fuzzy with the Pink Glove Dance

What a great way to start a Friday... Our Kathy Duggan-Josephs forwarded me an email this morning. One of those where she got it from a friend who got it from a friend, which probably has a poem and a picture of a puppy in it. But instead, I found this message and an awesome fundraising and awareness video for breast cancer:

Go Pink!

Our daughter-in-law, Emily Somers, created, directed and choreographed this in Portland last week for her Medline glove division as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. This was all her idea to help promote their new pink gloves. I don't know how she got so many employees, doctors and patients to participate, but it started to really catch on and they all had a lot of fun doing it.

When the video gets 1 million hits, Medline will be making a huge contribution to the hospital, as well as offering free mammograms for the community. Please check it out. It's an easy and great way to donate to a wonderful cause, and who hasn't been touched by breast cancer?

Ann Somers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Go pink!

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit, video

Thursday, November 19, 2009

2010 Fundraising Results - Creeping optimism

The blog, The Agitator, sent out a survey to non-profits a few weeks ago to gauge what fundraisers plans are for 2010. Today, they shared their results:

The broad question was asked: "Looking ahead, do you expect to raise more money in 2010 than in 2009?51% expect to raise more money in 2010; 40% about the same; 9% less

20% of the respondents feel bullish about 2010 and plan to ramp up their fundraising appeals; 56% think the yield will be modest.
Those who thought they would raise more money were then asked how they expect their fundraising efforts to improve...62% expect to have better prospecting results while 63% thoguth their major gifts program would improve.
235 fundraisers participate in the survey and if half feel they are going to raise more money than in 2009; then I'm all for creeping optimism.

Labels: nonprofit

Friday, November 6, 2009

RMI gets pink!

RMI held our first annual Pink on Purpose fundraiser for breast cancer research today, thanks to Martin Stein’s suggestion. We think the day was a big success, everybody had a good time and for a good cause.

We started off the day with a Pink Pancake breakfast and kept it going with a raffle for pink gifts, which raised AICR over $265. Everyone competed for the Pinkest Person in the office today too, with Lisa Davis sealing the win with her hand-dyed pink sneakers.

If you want to check out some photos of our day, check them out on Flickr. Also, if you'd like to donate to AICR's breast cancer research, you can do that here.

Labels: client, fundraising, nonprofit

Friday, October 23, 2009

Amazon Payments extended to non-profits

Lost among the news that Amazon.com's third-quarter earnings trounced analysts’ estimates and sent the stock soaring, was this announcement that Amazon.com has expanded its Amazon Payments solution to nonprofits. A few months ago my colleague Becky blogged about the need for non-profits to offer alternate payment options for prospective donors. She noted the eBay Giving Works program administered by the licensed nonprofit organization, MissionFish. And suggested that more non-profits should offer PayPal or similar payment options. This move by Amazon.com is a step in that right direction, allowing their customers to donate to certain causes without leaving the security and familiarity of the Amazon umbrella.

Labels: amazon, donation, nonprofit

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Pink On Purpose

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) has started Pink on Purpose to draw attention to the fact that 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. With these alarming numbers they want everyone to know that early detection is the best way for prevention.

Participation is simple. Just pick a date, any date that works for you, and then sign up on their website. You will receive a package full of supplies including decorations and more information on how to donate if you want. Each person who wants to be involved donates $5.00 and on your designated date you wear pink, the symbol for breast cancer awareness. It's easy and it goes to a worthy cause.

Labels: client, fundraising, nonprofit

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Online fundraising roadmap: 101 for the interactive novice

Read a piece today from the DM News, speaking about Dos and Don’ts of Online Fundraising.

For a person raised in the direct mail world, online fundraising can sound intimidating to say the least - but if you look at the suggestions, strategies and tactics noted, you’ll find them sounding very familiar. Use personalization wherever possible, as it improves results; track every piece of outgoing email so you can determine the source; test copy in the subject line.

All of these strategies are very much like tactics nonprofit mailers have always done. Personalize your mail piece, make sure you code the mail piece so you can read list and package results, and test, test, test. The two channels are much more alike then different.

The 4 experts quoted in the article go on to give some simple, but very useful tips. Learn from every person’s actions and non actions; don’t skip over small details; never stop building prospect and email files.

In my eyes one of the true powers of the online media is how it can be utilized to bring your organizations message and mission to people through others. Ask your constituents to be stewards for your cause. Interact with people in ways that are important to them individually. Inspire people!

Labels: fundraising, Internet, nonprofit

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Check please! Pairing nonprofits with restaurant chains

Salvation Army around the holidays, The Jimmy Fund at grocery stores, donations at online checkouts - asking for money at a time when consumers are already purchasing for themselves (or others) is obviously a successful fundraising tactic.

I had an idea while getting ready for work this morning that I think would be a knock out. A partnership between a nonprofit organization (Food For The Poor would be perfect!) and a restaurant chain (Chili's, Outback, Olive Garden etc) to strategically place a $1 appeal directly on the bill ala the mock-up below...

The restaurant would benefit from appearing philanthropic, and the nonprofit... need I say more?

If someone's already done this, was it successful? Please speak up!

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

How to gain more online donations

Like anyone, I like to consider myself a generous, caring, compassionate person. But as a wife and mother with a career, I rarely find myself with the time, let alone patience, to dig for my credit card and enter in all my billing information to make an online donation.

It's happened time and again where I receive an email promotion for a cause I love, click through to make a donation, and abandon the site because I couldn't spare another 5 minutes to fill out the forms...

A simple solution: PayPal - the popular payment option used on eBay.com. (And no, this is not a plug :))

Why not give your online audience two options to make a donation - 1) standard credit card entry and 2) PayPal. To the general public, PayPal is free, secure, and only requires a one time registration process to fill in your credit/bank information where it is permanently stored thereafter. So as a user, when you want to make an online donation (or consumer purchase), all you have to do is enter your dollar amount, email address, and confirm. Donation made.

I found this article "Fundraising with PayPal", by Deane Brengle, which talks about the same concept in more detail including any fees involved to the nonprofit.

Here are a couple examples of organizations using PayPal:

Washington Physicians Health Program l Donation Site
Soldiers' Angels l Donation Site l PayPal Case Study
Bob Woodroff Foundation l Donation Site

You can also register your nonprofit to receive donations through eBay via MissionFish.org. (Thanks to Alan Yu for that tid-bit!).

Tip: Once you're set up with PayPal, take it a step further and promote the new donation feature, and how quick and easy it is to use, in your outgoing email promotions.

Labels: fundraising, Internet, nonprofit

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Menu-labeling gains support on Capitol Hill…Thanks CSPI!

If you are watching your health and your waistline, you will be happy to know that menu-labeling should be coming to a chain restaurant near you. The MEAL Act will require restaurants with 20 locations or more to post calorie labeling on menus and menu boards. June 10th, in a breakthrough move, the National Restaurant Association joined with Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and health groups to help forge a compromise bill with Capital Hill to get this important piece of legislation moved forward. Similar legislation is already on the books in New York City & California, where people are happy to know just what is hiding in that restaurant food they are consuming. Soon everyone in the country will be able to sit down in their favorite chain restaurant and make a sensible decision.

Thanks to the persistence and fine work of our friends at CSPI, we will be able to pass on that 2800 calorie appetizer, if we so choose!

Labels: legislation, nonprofit

Monday, June 1, 2009

Campaign that was right on Target!

I saw an article in the NY Times written about a recent campaign that Target conducted on Facebook. It was called Bullseye Gives. Bullseye Gives, which kicked-off on May 10th and concluded on May 25th, invited Facebook users to help Target decide how to divvy up $3 million among ten national charities.

The big winners were St. Jude Children’s Hospital & the American Red Cross. Of the over 290,000 total votes cast these two charities garnered some 52% of them. That translates into somewhere in the neighborhood of $1.6 million dollars between the two of them. Some other winners were the Salvation Army, Operation Gratitude, and Feeding America. The charities, which are all worthy, will certainly put these dollars to good use.

The contest was also a big winner for Target. They had over 97,000 new people join their Facebook page, and daily views of their page increased by over 4,800 percent during the contest. I would think that through the use of proper marketing techniques that Target will see that contribution and more come back to them.

Win/ Win for all involved!

Labels: contest, Facebook, nonprofit

Twitter Challenge

Last week Doug Ulman, CEO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, was given a challenge by an anonymous donor; reach 25,000 Twitter followers by May 29th and receive $25,000. Mr. Ulman tweeted the challenge to his 10,000 followers. LAF then “retweeted” the message to their 20,000 followers. The news spread like wildlife and within three days 15,000 new followers were added and the goal was met. The Twittersphere came through for the organization.

It’s really amazing to witness both the power of Twitter and the act of people pulling together for a good cause.

Labels: nonprofit, Twitter

Friday, May 1, 2009

No Recession Here: GMCR thrives in a downed economy while promoting social responsibility

Nestled in the mountains of northern Vermont (and accessed by highways complete with moose and bear crossing signs) sits a very progressive and successful company: Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. On a recent road trip I took to visit our pioneering client, I immediately noticed that everyone in town knows them (no problem getting directions – in fact I got an earful), and everyone had something really positive to say about them. It could be that they employ over 800 people (one of Vermont’s largest employers); but more likely it’s because it’s such an amazing company.

Posting significant growth year after year and anticipating continued growth in the years to come, GMCR has positioned themselves for long term success. How have they done this? Innovation, quality products, branding, & serious corporate integrity. The icing on the cake is that this is a company that prides itself on corporate social responsibility. They give at least 5% of their pre-tax profits to social and environmental projects. They also support their local and global community by offsetting 100% of their direct greenhouse gas emissions and investing in Fair Trade Certified™ coffee (a concept they helped set in place).

And the hits just keep on coming… Recently, on Earth Day, they held a challenge to find potential solutions for climate change. Over 100 nonprofit organizations from around the world submitted proposals and four were each given a $200,000 grant. And when you check out their website, you will notice the many partnerships they form (some rotating) with leading nonprofit organizations to enhance their mission of protecting the environment. Awesome!

So, if you want to check out a really great company, or get some really fabulous coffee…here’s the place to go…www.greenmountaincoffee.com. And, if you want some really great names for your next campaign, need I say more?

Labels: client, environment, green, nonprofit

Friday, April 24, 2009

Arbor Day

I think the acclaimed author and noted ecologist Anne Labastille summed it up well:

"I feel this communion, this strange attunement, most readily with large white pines, a little less with sugar maples, beeches, or oaks. Clearly white pines and I are on the same wave-length. What I give back to the trees I cannot imagine. I hope they receive something, because trees are among my closest friends."

On this day, we celebrate trees, the Arbor Day Foundation, and remember our friend Laura Smith who loved trees and nature and whose spirit inspires us every day.

Links:

http://www.arborday.org/arborday/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_LaBastille

Labels: green, nonprofit

Friday, April 10, 2009

Coincidence? I think not.

I watched a program called Children of the Mountain on ABC’s 20/20 at the beginning of March. I was so overwhelmed by how little these people live with everyday that I felt compelled to do something. So, I sent an email out to the office saying that if you are doing a little spring cleaning in your closets consider donating them to a clothing drive RMI is sponsoring for our client Christian Appalachian Project. I figured we could get a box or two of clothes to send to their offices.

Well… the response has been tremendous. The RMI staff, and a few friends Martin notified of our drive, collected over 20 giant boxes of adult and children’s clothing. That is over 2 pallets worth of goods to be transported.

While we considered our options for shipping such a sizable donation to CAP, Tally came across a story on MSNBC about a mom in Old Greenwich, Amy Guerrieri, who was inspired by the same program and created a partnership with CAP to distribute supplies.

What are the chances? Amy and her husband Rob’s company, Rockin Water happened to be planning a May delivery and was gracious enough to take our donation in their next shipment.

A big thanks goes out to the RMI Staff, and Martin’s friends: Pam Lucchesi, Karen Mullen, Lori Ylagan and Kristen Briody for their contributions to our clothing drive.

Check out Amy and Rob’s company website to find out more about their amazing product, and what they’re doing to help people in Appalachia.

Labels: client, nonprofit

Friday, April 3, 2009

Is it summer yet?

You would think it must be based on the number of people who went running into Lake Mahopac last weekend. Unfortunately, the water was a tad colder then one would hope, but the cause was far greater then just a refreshing dip. About 250 divers, jumpers, walkers, took to the frigid waters in a showing of solidarity in their fight against Cystic Fibrosis.

Yes, March 28th, was the date for this years Freezin for a Reason. The 8th year of the local event, to raise money for research for Cystic Fibrosis, was held in Mahopac. I participated for the second year, and although my outfit was toned down a bit this year, from last, my enthusiasm certainly was not.

The event is coordinated & planned by the Stack family and some phenomenally dedicated volunteers, who work tirelessly to raise money that will find a cure for this horrible disease. The actual jump only lasts for about a minute, but the effects can be felt by many for a lifetime.

CFF is a long time client of RMI’s, and a wonderful organization who makes sure that 90 cents of every dollar that is raised goes directly to research. New developments are being made every day. It is rewarding to know that in some little way we are helping to provide more birthdays for children in our and other communities.

I am happy to report that monies in excess of $75,000 were raised this year. The jump was followed by a reception at the Mahopac Golf Course.

Labels: employees, fundraising, nonprofit

Thursday, April 2, 2009

YouTube overlay raises $10,000 for nonprofit in one day

This is great news for nonprofits. YouTube has released a new "Call to Action overlay", available to all fundraisers who are registered on the site as a nonprofit. (If your organization hasn't already, you can apply for free here).

The overlay is a way for nonprofits to add a translucent footer to their video which prompts viewers to contribute with a link to the donation site. This past Sunday, a video for charity:water was overlayed and promoted on YouTube's homepage - resulting in over $10,000 raised.

Thanks to Darryl at Brandflakes for pointing this out.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Nonprofits feel the economic pinch too

In an article published by The Non Profit Times reporting from the AFC in New Orleans, we learn that, not surprisingly, nonprofits had a terrible year in 2008. Not only compared with 2007 but since 2000/2001.

The number one culprit: the economy. And it was not just felt in one area of giving but in all channels. Major gifts, annuities, online, offline and direct mail all saw a drop off. Is anyone surprised at this?

What we are seeing is a decline in the quantities of names to be mailed. Mailers are mailing less due to greater postage costs. Yielding fewer new names for others to rent or exchange profitably. The fewer the profitable names to mail, the smaller the mailings.

Time for the broken record... role back the postage rates.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit

Thursday, March 19, 2009

First time online givers often never return

A New York Times article reports that people who go online to make a first time donation more often than not do not return to make future donations. The study examines 24 nonprofit groups and the study was done by Target Analysis Group.

Whereas the demographics of an online giver are very attractive; upscale, well educated etc. they rarely give an additional gift.

Why? Is it because they were swayed by media outlets to give to a natural disaster (IE Katrina or the Asian Tsunami) and are not really involved with the nonprofit's cause? Another possibility is that donors who give online are often dumped into that charities DM file and are solicited by there standard DM methods. Maybe they should be segregated into online and offline and solicited separately. (If you're not already doing that).

This is the $64,000.00 question. How to break into this market in a meaningful way.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Will the Administration reconsider charitable tax deductions?

Over the past few weeks the Administration has been wavering over how to fund the new stimulus package. One recommendation was to limit the percentage of deductions for charitable donations along with limits on deductions for home mortgages. An article in the Wall Street Journal sites that this could have lost donations over $4 billion dollars if done in 2006. Who knows how much it could hurt in 2011 when it is proposed to begin. Now the Administration may be reconsidering this but it is still very unclear.

As the article points out, we'd like to think that people donate out of a desire to do good but let's face it... a healthy tax deduction can go a long way to loosen the purse strings and feel just as good.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit

Monday, March 9, 2009

2008 year end fundraising results for benchmarking

The Agitator shared some cliff notes from a Mal Warwick Associates report about direct mail returns seen from their clients' mailings. The majority of clients saw a decline in mailings; with the bulk being acquisition.

Good news in this economy... most saw a slight increase in revenue per piece. End result per Peter Schoewe; "the bottom did not fall out of direct mail fundraising". I’m thankful for this news. Comments?

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit

Friday, March 6, 2009

Some new ground rules for the NP sector

Over the decades standards and protocols in the DM non-profit arena, as in all industries, have evolved and diminished to stay in line with the ever changing economic, legislative, cultural, and political trends. However, there has been no real oversight and documentation to reflect these changes. The term “industry standard” started to mean different things to different organizations.

In an effort to get everybody back on the same page a group of list brokers and managers, including Mike Kertelits and myself, whose clients are mainly in the non-profit market, got together and constructed a comprehensive initiative clarifying standards of conduct. Headed by Patrick Frame of List Services/FL, the group brainstormed since last summer and finally completed this initiative a few weeks ago. A job well done.

Here’s the link: http://www.npliststandards.com/. If it pertains to you, I would strongly advise you read it through to get up to speed.

Labels: list rental, nonprofit

Thursday, February 12, 2009

It's a sad day

On Tuesday The Nonprofit Times reported that Barton-Cotton, a long time leading direct mail agency, filed for Chapter 11 protection. It is estimated that approximately 110 people will be released.

Barton-Cotton had worked with many of the largest non profit mailers in the industry and at one time was considered the agency to work with. It's always sad when one of our industry's major players falls.

I wish those employees who have lost heir jobs well and hope they land on their feet soon.

Labels: nonprofit

Monday, February 2, 2009

Multicultural enhancements for nonprofits

When searching for ways to beef up your bottom line in list rental revenue, consider multicultural Target Enhancement: enhancing your list to provide ethnic and religious segments such as Catholic, Hispanic, Spanish Speaking and African-American. Strictly speaking from the non-profit angle, these niche markets files have enabled us to attract many new mailers, expanding our coverage in the marketplace. What’s the attraction? Being that ethnic and religious mailers are not direct competitors, the normal restrictions that apply to mainstream nonprofit mailers don't apply to them. They are allowed to access some great selections such as One Month Recency and 'High Dollar Donors', making it easier to test the files.

When it comes to Catholic enhancements, most Catholic mailers will jump at the chance to test Catholic overlayed lists. And, believe it or not, will test Hispanic enhanced names as well. In fact, there's such a strong affinity between Hispanics and Catholics that the bulk of usage on Hispanic enhancements typically comes from Catholic mailers.

However, the hottest and strongest growing selection has been Spanish Speaking. Finally! For 20 years the conventional thinking was that the Spanish speaking market was the next big thing. Through trial and error, early DM pioneers discovered that the Spanish speaking market was much different then their English speaking counterparts. Spanish promotions were taken at their word; soft offers would receive 10% upfront response and crash & burn in the back-end – meaning, if potential customers received a "3 free issues, no obligation to act" piece, they took the 3 issues and were never heard from again. Yet, perseverance has paid off. Being the fastest growing ethnic group in the country, more data has become available over the years and as a result, the quality of databases used in enhancements has improved immensely. As the quality improved, so did the response - this being especially true for Spanish speaking and African-American overlays. Mailers who could never make enhanced files work before are doing so now.

To get your list enhanced, ideal candidates should be able to provide at least 750,000 names within a 36 month time-frame. The greater the input, the more revenue can organization can earn. Ask your list manager about costs incurred – or (warning: plug), at RMI, it’s a service offered free of charge. How/why you may ask? Enhancements are so successful that we make our money on the back-end. You reap the rewards.

Labels: list rental, multicultural, nonprofit

Friday, October 10, 2008

Search for a cause

The September issue of Home Magazine had a little article on a website called goodsearch.com. It’s a Yahoo-based search engine that donates about a penny to the charity of your choice every time you perform a web search. Over 60,000 national and local nonprofit charities and schools are listed on the site, and you can even choose a different charity every time you search. Several of our clients are registered on the site: Christian Appalachian Project, Arbor Day Foundation, American Institute for Cancer Research, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation all participate.

Just think of how many times you web search each day – the pennies can add up quick for these organizations.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Alliance for Pediatric Quality recognizes CFF

What an honor it is to work with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. CFF was just selected by the Alliance for Pediatric Quality “as a program of excellence because of its impact on improving the quality and length of life for children with cystic fibrosis”.

You may not hear about CFF as much as I do but they are constantly in the news for breakthroughs in research, clinical trials of new drugs, and developing new treatments and programs for treating cystic fibrosis. The organization has also been highlighted for their unique business model of funding development and testing of new drugs, and for their amazing efficiency and fiscal responsibility.

CFF is truly an inspiring organization and RMI is honored to help them in their fight against cystic fibrosis!

Labels: client, nonprofit

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Remembering a philanthropist

Lately we have seen movie stars making headlines because of their seemingly beneficent acts in children's causes. But face it, don't you always have a little feeling in the back of your mind that there's something jaded about their motives? I do.

But not in the case of the late Paul Newman, who passed away this weekend. He was a different breed. He didn't need the notoriety. Little fanfare was made years ago when he started the "Whole in the Wall Camps" for children with cancer, which was funded out of the profits from his Newman's Own brand of popcorn. This concept was so successful that it went on to create over 20 camps and dozens of grocery products. To the point where the line is blurred between the product and its branding and the reason it was created. We buy the salad dressing because it's good, not necessarily because 100% of the profit goes to charity.

There are no big photo ops, no headlines no Hollywood drama surrounding him or his charity.

Wouldn't every non profit love to have this kind of angel.

Don Imus is doing something similar but let's face it, he's no Paul Newman.

Labels: nonprofit

PKD awareness week

PKD (Poly Cystic Kidney Disease) afflicts over 600,000 Americans and well over 12 million people world wide. It's a disease my family and I know about only too well. But for those who suffer from this disease we got some very welcome new earlier in the month. The Senate passed a sense of awareness "PKD Awareness Week Bill". September 14-20, 2008 are the dates. This is a big move for PKD because it took years to get this accomplished. It's a step to get law makers to understand and fund more money for research to cure this disease.

In addition, after 13 years Congress passed the GINA bill (Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act ) which gives privacy to individuals who have genetic diseases and can not be discriminated by insurance companies or employers due to their health issues.

Labels: legislation, nonprofit

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Fundraising and Social Media

Our good friend Darryl from Brandflakes posted this on his blog. It seemed so relevant to what we do, we felt it important to link the whole article to you, our readers. There's a lot of real meat here for those fundraisers who either are already involved with social media, or struggling to integrate it into their marketing channels.

It's a long article but a really quick read and I think worth a look.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit, social media

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Fasting and fundraising

I didn't eat much of a lunch yesterday so come 6PM I was so hungry that my stomach started to hurt, which got me thinking... about how much it sucked to be that hungry, how spoiled I am to be so accustomed to a full belly that I couldn't stop thinking about food after just 9 hours without it... how terrible it is that malnourished children across the world feel like I did at that moment every day of their lives, and how I've never related and sympathized for them more.

I then started to think about the Feed the Children, and other similar nonprofit commercials and how much more responsive viewers would be if they were hungry while they aired. Maybe these organizations could start a campaign encouraging Catholic churches to fund raise among their members during Lent as they are fasting. Or air a telethon the first day of Lent and follow up with a mailing.

Maybe they could enlist grocery stores to set up donation centers with visuals showing what your cart looks like chock full of groceries for your family compared to the small bowl of rice a impoverished child will have to last a couple of days. During the fundraiser, grocery stores could do a mailing of a coupon to redeem, but instead of say - saving $1.00 on your next purchase, you can choose to feed a child with a $1.00 donation. Maybe as an incentive the donors could have the opportunity of using their coupon as an entry into a sweepstakes.

Just a thought.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Stand Up To Cancer

Yes it was an unprecedented event last week when three of the major TV outlets simultaneously televised a fund raiser for cancer research. But what affect does it have on other cancer research fundraisers? Money usually sent to personal favorite charities must feel the pinch. When you've got Hollywood's elite, hawking the public to call celebs and donate what can you do?

OK the object is noble...cure cancer. But how are independent fundraisers able to compete with this type of event?

I worry about this.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit

Saturday, September 6, 2008

PETA shock tactics: maybe a little misguided

It goes without saying that the mission behind PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is a good and just cause. Much of its promotional material, including its website, is educational and very effective in tugging at your heartstrings. However when it comes to shock value, I think they've missed their mark...

There was a story on CNN today about a woman who recently responded to an ad in Dog Fancy Magazine that read:

"Just bought a brand-new purebred puppy? Welcome him or her into your home with a free gift bag! Call us today at 1-866-834-6061 to claim your bag and hear about our products."

When the package arrived in the mail she was disgusted to find a black body bag representing the shelter dog she killed when she decided to purchase one, rather than saving one. In PETA's defense, I called the number myself and it clearly stated that if you wanted to receive the free body bag representing the dog you just killed to leave your name and address after the tone. I guess she didn't hear that part...

PETA's blog talks about the promo and pushes a video about the concept.

Campaign B: This past February, PETA caged a pregnant naked woman in the UK's Covent Garden with signs saying "Unhappy Mothers' Day for Pigs. Go vegetarian."

Sure, both of these are very creative, out of the box campaigns - but they're so shocking and crude that they're portraying themselves as a radical organization of extremists making it harder for people to relate.

Did witnesses conform to vegetarians after seeing the caged pregnant woman? Probably not. Will the disturbed woman purchase her next animal from a shelter 15 years down the road? Maybe. But for now she's just offended and completely turned off.

Labels: nonprofit

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

The social networking bug

In the ever changing/evolving landscape of nonprofit direct marketing, the latest “hot” topic is how organizations can leverage social media sites to connect with potential donors/ activists, in the hopes that their mission will resonate with them and thus get them involved.

According to a recent Michael Pucian article in The Philanthropy Journal, “unlike e-commerce, which has been the huge Internet focus over the past 10 years, social networking is about connecting and getting involved, and not about buying and selling. Thanks to social media this is the perfect time for nonprofits to step up and ensure their mission is one that people are talking about.”

It may be the perfect time for nonprofits to step up, but the concept is a difficult pill to swallow for most traditional nonprofit organizations. It has always previously been about connecting with a person, telling them a story, that in turn, compels the person to make a donation. When did it not become about “selling”?

Ugghhh, and you thought direct mail acquisition mailings were a difficult sell to your board. Now you want to sell them the idea that you need one full time person on your staff who will be responsible for writing blogs, etc. that may or may not bring in supporters to your cause.

I happen to agree with Mr. Pucian’s take on the subject, but make sure you have all your ducks in a row before getting in front of the board. Have a concrete plan in place.

Mr. Pucian goes on to speak about the time investment that organizations must make in order to make this a viable operation. In his eyes the strategic commitment that it takes will cost you one full time person. As Mr. Pucian states find a person with the following qualities to spearhead this endeavor:

- Knows and enjoys social media
- Is tech savvy (but doesn't have to be a geek)
- Knows your organization and is committed to its mission
- Has a personable, outgoing writing style

One of my concerns with all of the hype surrounding social media is the audience you are reaching out to, and their long term involvement and commitment to the organizations. These folks are likely younger and/ or without families and perhaps not ready to become donors just yet.

I look at my personal use of Facebook and MySpace. Although I have an account on each site, I do not currently, nor, do I think will ever have the time available to spend utilizing all of their capabilities. Think about how you are going to keep people engaged and involved long enough so they can become donors and supporters! Have a plan!!

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit, social media

Monday, August 11, 2008

Freecycle.org

In our town we have to pay for garbage pick up. It's not included in our taxes. So twice a year our town has "bulk pick up day". It's a special day that everyone gets really excited about 'cause you can finally get rid of all the stuff you've been saving since the last pick up. Its treated with the same anticipation as a holiday. The broken chair you realize you're not going to fix, the role of fencing wire that's been in the garage since you moved in, all will be put out by your street curb for the town trucks to haul away for you. But before they do a cavalcade of pick up trucks and panel trucks systematically, and with army like precision, take all the interesting things leaving only the really useless, unrepairable stuff. It's a semi annual occurrence, like something out of National Geographic. Instead of our local land fill getting piles of junk, it gets recycled.

This brings me to Freecycle.org (thanks Becky). This is a grass roots nonprofit organization started with the idea that the best way to keep our landfills clean is to create a network where people who have stuff to dump can get in touch (via the web) with some one who's been looking for that exact thing. There a chapters all over the US and it's free. It's like a giant electronic swap meet.

Labels: green, nonprofit

Monday, May 19, 2008

VerticalResponse for nonprofits

Becky and Debbie passed this tidbit on to me. A company called VerticalResponse is giving away 10,000 emails/month for FREE to any qualified 501(c) 3.

If you don't have an email piece they will give you the tools to create one. And if you choose to mail over the 10,000 credit? No worries, you'll still get a 15% discount on the excess. I've looked over their website and there's no catch.

If you are a new just sign up, fax back the application and you're ready to go. If you're already a user and not getting the credit, just email nonprofits@verticalresponse.com and request to be part of the program.

Labels: email, nonprofit

Friday, May 16, 2008

Online photo-sharing opportunity for nonprofits

It seems that Flickr, an online photo sharing company (who we happen to have an account with), has teamed up with TechSoup to offer nonprofit organizations the opportunity to share their stories through the use of digital images. This all according to an article in the recent issue of Fundraising Success.

Get this, the first 10,000 memberships are free for qualified non profits (normal cost is $25/ year). Organizations will be able to upload unlimited number of images to their site.

Flickr feels that nonprofits have unique stories to share with the world, and that digital photos are one way in which they can do so. I happen to agree with them. In my recent plunge into frigid Lake Mahopac for Cystic Fibrosis, the pictures that were taken showed jubilation, not hypothermia.

Apparently, there is no deadline to take part in this giveaway, but the 10,000 memberships are available on a first come first serve basis. Get ‘em while they’re hot!

Labels: nonprofit, viral marketing, Web

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Help cool the earth

National Wildlife Federation has created a pretty neat online campaign called The Good Neighbor Pledge which coincides with Earth Day and National Wildlife Week. A visitor to the site responds to a series of energy saving tips and for each of the tips they can check off they get points for. With 20 or more points and a donation of $15.00 you are a member of the Good Neighbor Program. You then receive a Good Neighbor Kit with more information on how to cool the earth and as a premium you get a nifty water bottle.

Very cool way to generate more awareness and some dollars for the cause.

Labels: environment, fundraising, green, nonprofit

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Freezin’ for a Reason

If it seems that Mike Kertelits and RMI go to extreme measures to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - you're spot on. Not only are they a top client of ours but, as noted in an earlier blog entry, Mike had been participating in a polar plunge into the frigid Lake Mahopac to raise funds for research to fight CF.

A couple Saturdays ago, Mike and 122 other jumpers took the dip of a lifetime in the lake waters that were beyond cold. And for their efforts, they were able to raise over $90,000 for the cause. Impressive.

The “swim” was followed by a fundraising dinner at the Mahopac Country Club. Some 280 people attended the dinner and were entertained by video of the earlier plunge and an informational video provided by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (And as you can see from the video, there was a great deal of talk about Mike's interesting choice in wardrobe.)

The local fundraising efforts were spearheaded by the Stack family of Mahopac. Their daughter Jacqueline is 7, and has CF. "She and her family are all the inspiration a person needs to withstand a little cold water in hopes to finding a cure for this terrible disease," said Mike.

Other pictures can be viewed on our Flickr site and further info about the event can be found on freezinforcysticfibrosis.com.

Labels: employees, fundraising, nonprofit

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Mobile marketing for nonprofits

The DMA Nonprofit Federation recently announced in an email message that three nonprofits will test a pilot plan with Mobile Cause to test the viability of mobile fundraising. The three participants in the first phase of the pilot plan are Food for the Hungry, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City. There will be a teleconference on April 23rd for all members of the Federation to learn more about the plan.

Labels: DMA Nonprofit Federation, fundraising, mobile marketing, nonprofit

Monday, March 31, 2008

NWF pushes green marketing

A nice round number is $40 million. That's the amount National Wildlife Federation has committed to "green marketing".

Jamie Matyas, NWF COO and EVP of Marketing, announced in a DM News article yesterday that the organization has hired the services of two "green marketing" agencies who are partnering to develop a variety of campaigns, all directed towards their core constituents. To name a few, advertising initiatives will revolve around Ranger Rick and Your Big Backyard kids' magazines, the Great American Backyard Campout, and a college campus program that teaches alumni and faculty how to reduce their carbon footprint.

This goes to show just how dedicated NWF is to our environment. A tactical effort not only to encourage our generation's "green" decisions, but our children's - instilling values that they will carry on with them into adulthood.

Labels: fundraising, green, nonprofit

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Good Insight From Les Gordon

Today's online issue of The Non Profit Times lead off with an interesting article from Les Gordon. He outlines what, in his opinion, are the 7 misunderstandings that non profit mailers must not over look. Unfortunately, he never mentions that for direct mail acquisition a common misconception is thinking that lists are not the most important part of the mailing.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

First time we've ever urged an employee to jump

On April 5th, Mike Kertelits will be joining a crew of others in jumping into Lake Mahopac for "Freezin for a Reason"; a yearly fundraiser to benefit our client, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. So far Mike has raised $200 for the cause, $150 of which came from RMI employee contributions. Last year there were nearly 80 jumpers who helped raise $78,000 towards research in finding a cure.

For those of you who want to participate, but may not be so eager to submerge yourself into 35 degree water, Mike is taking sponsorship donations up until the day of the event. "Land Lovers" are also welcome to attend at a $50 fee to enjoy food, music and an open bar.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Our volunteers return

Rich and Debbie returned from WorkFest today satisfied and proud, yet sore and tired to say the least. Debbie said, and I quote, "I think next time we'll have to send some of our younger employees down." I'd say the college kids won, but Debbie made it very clear that they made a great match for the day - had it been a week like the rest of them, that might have been a different story. (I won't mess with a woman that handy with a shovel.)

Debbie spent her day building a deck, while Rich was apparently the day's hero in aiding with the completion of a home's roof before a storm rolled through. Larry, a construction crew volunteer, said that if it wasn't for Rich lifting those heavy wooden frames (shown above) onto the roof all day, they never would have finished in time.

Way to go Debbie and Rich; you've made us proud! Videos of WorkFest, along with other efforts put forth by the Christian Appalachian Project can be viewed here.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit, volunteering

Friday, March 14, 2008

Rich & Debbie off to Operation New Hope

They may look well and strong now, but Rich (manager) and Debbie (broker) who team together for our client Christian Appalachian Project are about to get their butts kicked by a bunch of college kids.

For the past 10 years, CAP has organized Operation New Hope (aka WorkFest), an annual project taking place in March where thousands of volunteers pitch in to make major repairs to desperate homes in Appalachia. Aside from helpers like us, the main team is made up of good-hearted college kids who have forfeited a week of vacation fun to aid those less privileged. Now, Rich and Debbie are on a quest to keep up with them...

They fly out on Sunday. Come Tuesday, the work will begin. Footage and vital stats posted Wednesday. Stay tuned.

Good luck Rich & Debbie!

Labels: employees, fundraising, nonprofit, volunteering

Thursday, February 7, 2008

AHA and Jiffy Lube

The American Heart Association and Jiffy Lube have partnered for a new national awareness campaign. According to an article from PROMO magazine, half of Jiffy Lube customers are women which make the "red dress" idea appealing to both groups. Customers who make a $3.00 donation to AHA receive a coupon book for $100 worth of products from Jiffy Lube. One Jiffy Lube station in Des Moines IA is so behind the idea they even donned red dresses.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit, partnership

Monday, January 28, 2008

Max L. Hart award recipient, Kelly Browning

In an earlier blog entry, Rich Leary from RMI very eloquently outlined the accomplishments of Kelly Browning of the American Institute for Cancer Research, and the reasons why he is such a deserving recipient of the Max L. Hart Achievement Award.

As not only a long time client of RMI's, but as a friend, I know first hand how important the nonprofit community is to Kelly. If you know nothing more about him know this; if you are a nonprofit mailer and are in need of advise he will always be available to give you wise council. He is not sparing of his time. In his view, the nonprofit sector is only helped by the strengthening of its entire parts. To me it's this quality that makes him such a valuable member of not only the nonprofit market place but for the entire Direct Marketing industry as a whole.

Congratulations not only to Kelly and AICR but to the DMA Nonprofit Federation for such a good choice.

Labels: award, DMA Nonprofit, fundraising, nonprofit

Second Nonprofit Mailer Symposium a hit

On Jaunuary 23, 2008 RMI hosted it's second annual Nonprofit Mailer Symposium in Washington DC. Held at the Occidental Restaurant, it was a precursor to the DMA Nonprofit Federation's Washington event. This mailers-only round table is a venue for nonprofit mailers to be able to interact with peers to exchange ideas and report on developments which effect every nonprofit mailer today. "It's like a one on one lunch meeting where you can ask questions and get really straight answers, except that there are about 30 others at the table too."

Discussed were strategies for online and off line marketing tips and best and worst case studies for packages and both house file and acquisition.

For more information on next year's event just contact us here at RMI.

(The lovely lady smiling next to me in the photo above is Cecilia Saad of the Center for Science in the Public Interest.)

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit, Nonprofit Mailer Symposium

Friday, January 25, 2008

Kelly Browning gets his due

Today at the Non-Profit Conference in DC, Kelly B. Browning, Executive VP and COO of American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), will be awarded the prestigious Max L. Hart Achievement Award by the DMA's Nonprofit Federation. This award is named for Max Hart, who as a longtime Director of Fundraising for Disabled American Veterans, was a steadfast advocate, supporter and champion of professionalism for the nonprofit fundraising community. This award recognizes an individual who:

--serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others by exemplifying the highest levels of excellence in his/her work, and is a respected authority in his/her area of expertise;
--is innovative and possesses strong leadership skills;
--exhibits a willingness to assist in the professional development of others through the sharing of knowledge;
--is a model of integrity in professional dealings; and
--has an outstanding record of achievement.

Kelly is all that and more. Being RMI's first client ever, he has been a stalwart supporter and a wealth of information for over 20 years. His accolades are numerous. In addition to being in charge of AICR's entire US Operation and a member of the World Cancer Research Fund global network, Kelly is Vice Chairman of the Direct Marketing Association's Board of Directors. He also serves as a member of the Executive Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Finance Committee, the DMEI Committee, the Do Not Mail Task Force, and the Consumer Segments Task Force. He chairs the DMA Board Standing Committee on Government Affairs and is Chair of the DMA Political Action Committee (direct•voice) Advisory Board. Kelly is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Association for Postal Commerce and a member of the Board of Directors of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health Foundation.

I'll never again complain that I'm too busy. On behalf of RMI, we applaud his accomplishments and the Nonprofit Federation for rewarding a truly inspirational direct marketing professional. Kelly is a credit to the industry.

Congratulations!

Labels: award, DMA Nonprofit Federation, nonprofit

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Nonprofits look into “mobile” marketing

DM News online recently posted an article speaking about how member organizations of the DMA Nonprofit Federation were looking into the use of “mobile” marketing as a tool to raise funds for their causes. A test pilot program that will involve a dozen or more nonprofits will be put together next month.

The prevailing thought is that this vehicle may be a way to reach the always sought after and evasive “younger” donors. The hope is that they get involved at a young age and give to the organization for years to come. Apparently there has been some success in Europe with text messaging and raising funds.

It will be curious to see how the test goes. Will the success in Europe translate to the States? Will the recipients of such text messages become annoyed and just delete them without reading (i.e. “junk” messages)? Will the messages get lost amongst the hundreds of other text messages that the youth of America are sending one another on a monthly basis? Will we be seeing the DNT (Do Not Text) legislation start to flow out of our capitals? Will this tool work as well for nonprofits as it would for other types of direct marketers?

We shall find out. One thing is for sure; the Test, Test, Test motto is not just for direct mail anymore.

Labels: fundraising, mobile marketing, nonprofit

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

DMA reports increased ROI for nonprofits

In making my daily trek through Direct Newsline today, an article that spoke about nonprofits and their forecasted spending on DM over the next several years caught my attention.

The great news, in my eyes, was the positive ROI that nonprofits reported receiving in 2007 ($14.47 for every $1 spent). One would think that figure would be printed on the front page of every DM periodical.

The unexplainable is where that return is being spent. Apparently it is not on hiring more staff, because according to the article, employment in the nonprofit sector that is driven by direct marketing is expected to decrease by 1.4% by 2012.

I presume that the increased returns are being spent on programs for the non profits’ constituents. As a broker, I could dream that some of those increased funds would be spent on doing more acquisition, hint…hint.

Labels: nonprofit, ROI

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Easter Seals tackles internet challenge

Easter Seals, among other nonprofit organizations, is participating in America’s Giving Challenge; an online challenge for charities to see how many unique donors they can attract using new and inventive online tools. The challenge, co-sponsored by Parade Magazine and The Case Foundation, will award $50,000 to the top eight charities with the most unique donors. The idea is for the charities' supporters to attach a charity badge (or fundraising widget) to their e-mail, blog, website or MySpace page. The challenge does not focus on how much money is raised but by how many unique donors they can attract from December 13th, 2007 until January 31st, 2008. What a great way for charitable organizations to utilize the internet for fundraising.

Check out Easter Seals' fundraising page to see how you can help, or simply make a donation here.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit, viral marketing

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Wear denim and contribute to CLAS

On Friday, January 11th the Congress of Lung Association Staff (CLAS) is holding their nationwide fundraiser, "Denim Day". CLAS represents the staff voice for the American Lung Association and the American Thoracic Society Board of Directors and committees. Donate $5 and wear denim to work. Check out our fundraising page for details on how to join in.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit

Friday, November 30, 2007

More trouble for the American Red Cross

Just six months after being installed as the new CEO of The American Red Cross, Mark W. Everson has resigned under a veil of scandal. Just what the ARC needed. As one of the most recognizable non profits in the world this might cast a long shadow. The beleaguered ARC has had 8 CEO's in the past 12 years. When disaster strikes any where in the world, the ARC has always been there to give aid. Let's hope they can bounce back from this episode and reclaim their positive image.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit

RMI's on the green bandwagon

Back in April of '06, we began issuing the majority of our reports and invoices online, easily saving over 30 thousand sheets of paper a year. Today we're taking our green initiatives a step further and have begun recycling all disposable paper products through Shred-it, a document destruction company. It's secure, convenient and amazingly affordable. Together Shred-it and their clients have saved more than 9 million trees each year! I encourage everyone to take a look at their brochure.

Here's another tree friendly idea: for the holidays (or any occasion for that matter) check out the Arbor Day Foundation's Give-A-Tree card program. For every greeting card purchased, a tree is planted in a national forest.

Labels: green, nonprofit, recycling

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

News from National Arbor Day Foundation

With an eye towards the future the National Arbor Day Foundation is now Arbor Day Foundation. The Foundation's mission of inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees continues to grow, now broadening to global outreach for global causes. Visit their web site for more information.

Labels: fundraising, green, international, nonprofit

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Make-A-Wish launches viral game

Fundraising online has been a hot topic for nonprofits these days. Make-A-Wish recently kicked off Lamb Chop Drop, an entertaining and absolutely adorable game. An interactive program like this can easily blow your budget, but Make-A-Wish has it covered with a "Corporate Sponsors" page showcasing all of its donors and leaving room for nine more.

Darryl from Brandflakes notes that the "Donate your final score" option at the end is a very nice touch. And if nothing else, the game has at least generated awareness.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit, viral marketing

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

More from YouTube

It seems that more and more non profits are finding the value of viral marketing. VFW has launched a DRTV campaign now available on YouTube. National Wildlife Federation has launched a few video spots as well. Non profits have long been looking for a way to tap into the younger market. This appears to be the best way yet. If not for actual donations, at least to build awareness of the organization's mission. Tremendous value there. Building for the future.

Labels: DRTV, fundraising, nonprofit, viral marketing, YouTube

Thursday, October 4, 2007

YouTube for non-profits

You gotta love YouTube. They just announced a program where non-profits can set up their own channels and produce their own programs for fundraising. If your organization is a 501 (c) (3) it appears to be free. All you need is a wonderful agency to produce your Internet videos for you - which RMI has by the way. Just give us a call.

Labels: fundraising, nonprofit, video, viral marketing

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

A wealth of great ideas

The Hudson Valley DMA held it's Meet the Master program today. It's special guest was Kelly Browning, Executive Vice President and COO of The American Institute for Cancer Research. He spoke on many various topics of great interest. Initiatives the DMA is involved with as they pertain to advancing benefits for members and legislation. How the Internet can impact non profits. How to make sure your offer slices through mailbox "clutter". An hour's worth of ideas seemed like five minutes.

I always like to leave these sessions feeling like I took at least one thing away that I can either use or share with others. This was just one of the many that were noted: If the Hudson Valley DMA, or any other local or regional chapter, organized a special meeting and invited their Congressperson or Senators to the event this would be the best forum to, one on one, give legislators a better understanding of our industry and how many constituents we represent in their own home state. There are enough local DMA members in the HVDMA where sponsorships would be a viable avenue to look at for this type of an event. I thought it was worth a second thought.

Labels: fundraising, HVDMA, legislation, nonprofit