05Dec 2005 by Bob Cargill

Children’s Hospital Boston’s “26 Steps” is a Giant Leap in Family Philanthropy

Boston Marathon, Cause-Related Marketing, Direct Marketing, Fundraising, Marketing
Many nonprofit organizations are concerned about winning over the hearts of a new, younger generation of donors and instilling in them a sense of altruism and benevolence that will last a lifetime. But not all of these organizations are doing what Children's Hospital Boston is doing, going to great lengths to help parents introduce their children to the joy of giving and the satisfaction of making a difference with a brilliant, new family philanthropy program called 26 Steps. Named in memory of Katie Lynch, a lifelong Children's patient who undertook an enormous physical challenge - walking 26 feet at the 2001 Boston Marathon - to raise money for the hospital she loved, 26 Steps promises to provide tools for the next generation of philanthropists, helping young people develop habits of…
Read More
28Nov 2005 by Bob Cargill

Labels — They’re Not Just for Nonprofits Anymore

Advertising, Direct Marketing, Fundraising, Marketing
Direct mail marketers rely on a host of techniques to get people to open, read and respond to their communications, but perhaps no other as obvious – and effective – as the practice of giving away something for nothing. Indeed, whether it’s actually included in the mail piece or promised on the back end, a so-called premium – such as a free decal or t-shirt – more often than not improves response and pays for itself. This is no secret to direct response fundraisers, of course. In fact, most studies suggest that more than half of all direct mail solicitations sent by nonprofit organizations make use of premiums in some way, shape or form. A premium helps an organization command the attention of constituents who might otherwise not give it…
Read More
16Nov 2005 by Bob Cargill

Nonprofit Technology Advice from Deborah Elizabeth Finn

Direct Marketing, Fundraising
Boston-based Deborah Elizabeth Finn, nonprofit technology consultant and self-proclaimed cyber-yenta, says there are “Ten Things (Just Ten!) That Every Nonprofit Executive Needs to Know About Information Technology” -- and she tells you what they are on her blog. It’s a thoughtful, comprehensive list, one that would probably be just as invaluable to a number of commercial enterprises as well. On her blog, Technology for the Nonprofit and Philanthropic Sector, Finn takes the time to elaborate on each of her points, so after you’ve scanned the list below, make sure to read the full article. “Ten Things (Just Ten!) That Every Nonprofit Executive Needs to Know About Information Technology” by Deborah Elizabeth Finn 1. Very little technical knowledge is required in order for nonprofit CEOs to participate actively in strategic IT…
Read More
10Nov 2005 by Bob Cargill

Grey Direct’s Lawrence Kimmel Rallies Direct Marketers

Advertising, Direct Marketing, Marketing
Kudos to Lawrence M. Kimmel, chairman and CEO of Grey Direct, for speaking his mind and rallying the direct marketing troops to stand up and be counted – post haste. “I’m frustrated,” writes Kimmel in the November 7 edition of DM News. “As direct marketers, this is our moment to shine. The world of advertising is in radical transformation. The pillars of the ad business -- 30-second commercials, radio advertising, magazines, newspapers and even direct mail -- are losing their effectiveness. Viewership, readership and response rates are declining while costs continue to rise. Consumers are rejecting conventional intrusion advertising en mass and gravitating to inclusion advertising: keyword search, e-mail marketing, targeted online communications. Marketers are demanding greater accountability and better ROI.” “Yet it doesn't seem as if direct marketers are…
Read More
03Nov 2005 by Bob Cargill

Blogging Workshop in Boston for “Smart Arts Marketers”

Blogging, Direct Marketing, Fundraising
Forgive the short notice, but if you’re in Boston on November 9 and can spare the afternoon, there’s a blogging 101 workshop for "smart arts marketers" taking place at The Pilot House on Lewis Wharf. Presented by Bill Cass – Director of Internet Marketing Strategies at Backbone Media, President of the Boston chapter of the American Marketing Association and a blogger himself – this workshop promises to help you “gain insight into how blogs can benefit your organization and learn strategies to develop and manage a successful blog.” In addition to Cass, the workshop will also feature a panel discussion and Q&A with the following: *Bill Marx, Arts Critic and Editor of WBUR Online Arts *Steve Garfield, The Paul Revere of Videoblogging,” SteveGarfield.com *Jack Wright, Director of Public Relations, Bank…
Read More
31Oct 2005 by Bob Cargill

Running the Boston Marathon for Children’s Hospital Boston — and Hailey

Boston Marathon, Cause-Related Marketing, Direct Marketing, Fundraising
Less than six months from now, on April 17, 2006, I’ll be pounding the pavement once again from Hopkinton to Boston, determinedly putting one foot in front of another for more than 26 long, arduous miles. It’ll be the 8th time I’ve taken the same exhausting journey. And I’ll be tired and sore most of the way. But as I’ve said before, it doesn’t get any better than crossing the finish line of what is arguably the most prestigious road race in the world, the Boston Marathon. I’ve enjoyed running since I was just a little boy, so for me, running Boston is still the thrill of a lifetime, a childhood dream come remarkably true. I’m lucky, though. Some children’s dreams are mercilessly dashed due to dread, debilitating diseases and…
Read More
25Oct 2005 by Bob Cargill

NEDMA ’06 Issues its Call for Speakers

Direct Marketing
The New England Direct Marketing Association has just issued its Call for Speakers for NEDMA ’06: It’s a Brave New World, a conference and exposition to be held on June 14-15, 2006, at the Bentley College campus center in Waltham, Massachusetts. Interested parties are invited to submit their proposals no later than November 23 if they want to be involved in what promises to serve as an extraordinary direct marketing “think tank” for all of New England and beyond.” “Help your fellow direct marketers get connected to the future,” says Craig Blake, vice president of the association and chair of the conference, in his official Call for Speakers. “Demonstrate how you have created this brave new world by re-constructing the old ways...innovating new technology and techniques...merging direct marketing with other…
Read More
14Oct 2005 by Bob Cargill

Two DM Trade Publications Launch New Blogs

Blogging, Direct Marketing
It was inevitable that both DIRECT and DM News would eventually establish a presence in the blogosphere, but what’s the chance of two of my favorite trade publications launching their own respective blogs just days apart? As a dyed-in-the-wool direct marketer who just so happens to write a blog, I can’t help but be beside myself. Yes, as if it wasn’t exciting enough to see that DIRECT was finally blogging on Wednesday, I almost fell off my chair when less than 24 hours later DM News announced that its blog was now “open for business.” Of course, the near simultaneous debut of these two blogs is more than just a coincidence. Both promise to provide extensive, live coverage of DMA.05, The Direct Marketing Association’s Conference & Exhibition taking place this…
Read More
11Oct 2005 by Bob Cargill

This Conversation Made Possible by Convio

Direct Marketing, Fundraising
Convio, the leading provider of software and services to help nonprofit organizations use the Internet for driving support, recently announced the release of Convio Tributes, a “constituent-led fundraising solution” that lets a nonprofit effectively leverage supporters and take, as the company says, “Internet fundraising to a new level.” With Convio Tributes, a nonprofit can provide its constituents with online tools to quickly and easily create their own highly personalized Web sites for fundraising in honor or memory of a friend or relative. Supporters also can use their Web pages to help recruit new constituents and put a personal face on the nonprofit’s mission. Although many nonprofits provide such tools to people participating in events such as walks and races, Convio Tributes lets supporters raise money, generate awareness and recruit others…
Read More