Blogs
DM 101: Entry Level Advice
Last month’s DM 101 provided useful information about the fundamentals of our business for industry professionals – some who have been working in this field for years, and others, like me, who just got started. Around graduations and big changes, people will give you a sound byte of knowledge. Here’s what I’ll be referencing for…
California AB 556 – Could It Have a Ripple Affect?
AB 556 is being fast-tracked in California. In brief, the bill would require California-registered charities to “disclose” the use of a fundraising counsel in any solicitation (phone, mail, email, web site, person-to-person) being made “with the participation” of fundraising counsel. Who knows how many letters, web pages, emails, etc. would be implicated. Every bit of…
Go! No Wait, Stop! Postal Service Delays April 2015 Price Change
The USPS decided on March 27 to delay the implementation of new market-dominant and competitive rates and classification changes until all of the proposed market-dominant changes are approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission (“PRC”). This decision was primarily motivated by a desire to eliminate potential adverse impacts on postal customers that might result from a…
Communication is Key to Saving Money
Recently, I attended the DMAW’s Direct Mail 101 seminar. The major takeaway I found from the eight different sessions was that at every step of the process, proper communication could save you time and money. It’s worth spending time on the front end to set up communication practices internally and externally with your vendors and…
What Socrates Can Teach You About Direct Marketing
I think we’d all agree that Socrates was right: We must continue learning in order to meet our greatest potential. And when you first start out in fundraising, you’ll find there are a ton of places to turn for educational information. There are countless articles in industry publications, conferences and 101 sessions abound, and vendor…
Integrated Marketing Tactics for Donor Cultivation – A Case Study
By Jim Jacobs There were many key takeaways from DMAW’s February Lunch and Learn, “The Value of Cultivation: an American Farmland Trust (AFT) Case Study.” First, is that the value of effective personalized communication with your donors, as well as showing appreciation, should never be underestimated. In addition, several other successful cultivation strategies and tactics…
Who says charity regulation isn’t political?
A proposal to give the Pennsylvania General Assembly the authority to decide when hospitals and other not-for-profit organizations receive tax exemptions was approved by the Pennsylvania Senate. The proposal, which would amend the state Constitution, passed both legislative chambers in 2013. If it passes the House this year or next, it will appear on a…
1.966% – Doesn’t sound like much does it? It will add up!
If you haven’t heard about it yet…if you’re not talking about it and budgeting for it, then you will be in for a surprise come Sunday, April 26, as that is when the US Postal Service has announced its Consumer Price Index (CPI) base rate increase will go into effect. The overall increase is 1.966%,…
The Scoop You Need on the DMAW MAXI Award
Just a few things that should be on your calendar this February Groundhog Day. Valentine’s Day. President’s Day. DMAW MAXI Award Deadline. As you probably noticed, one has already passed and the next three are very quickly approaching. It’s time to be recognized for all the work you’ve put in this past year. All the…