"Effective Direct Mail Fundraising"

This entry is specifically for Non Profits/ Foundations and groups who are fundraising in these tough times although this can be translated into business marketing to.

Last week Ron Williams(my dad) attended a seminar put on by the San Diego Postal Customer Council addressing the most effective ways to fund raise. The seminar provided insight into successful local Foundations/Non Profits and the keys the their success. I will hit on some of the highlights because he handed me 9 pages of material and notes. For the complete run down give me a call or email and lets set up a meeting to talk more about how to improve your fundraising.

1) Who is your target Donor? Do you know, really? The best way to learn more about who donates to you is interview a few donors and learn why.
2) Newsletters- Create a newsletter that informs the donor what you are doing, where their money is going and that you are being conservative with their money. Show them why their donation makes a difference.
4) Go after your current donors more- With today's economy you will get better results going after your current donor base. Invite them to participate in upcoming events, get more involved in your organization.
Here's a big one I have heard many people say. I don't want to ask for more money from people who have already donated. The big fundraisers solicit multiple times a year, up to 4 times!
7) Acquiring new donors- While you are soliciting from your base you will need to add future donors for years to come. This is the most difficult part of fundraising. "Expect to lose money. At this point you are looking for new donors more than the donation itself"
10) The List- Your mailing lists are the most important aspect of Fundraising. The best list will be your current donors and should be contacted up to 4 times each year. Lets not forget purchased lists, look for lists of people who are sympathetic to your cause, lists of people who are mail responsive. They could not insist enough, lists are extremely important.
12) State your case- Don't beat around the bush, ask for the donation & the money. Motivate the reader to donate and respond.

Alright I'm not even half way through the seminar and I covered some great points. Educating ourselves and you is our job, working together to increase your fundraising and building a partnership. I would love to come by and talk more about what your current fundraising plan is and add some of these tried and tested methods to increase your ROI.

Call me with any questions
Ronnie
619.474.8626