A Recap of the 2024 Bridge Conference

Celebrating its 19th anniversary, the annual Bridge to Integrated Marketing and Fundraising Conference was hosted this summer in National Harbor, Maryland. NonProfit PRO was in attendance alongside nonprofit fundraisers and marketers.

With year-end fundraising swiftly approaching, we want to give you access to the latest tips for fundraising and marketing that we learned at the event. Here’s our coverage from the full Bridge Conference on Aug. 1-2 — as well as the second annual BridgeTECH, which NonProfit PRO co-presented with the Direct Marketing Association of Washington (DMAW) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Washington, D.C., Metro Area Chapter (AFP DC), prior to the conference.

“5 Ways Nonprofits Can Raise More Money Online”

Our world is increasingly going digital. To keep up with the times, it’s crucial for nonprofits to optimize their online fundraising efforts.

During the BridgeTECH program, Joshua Meyer, vice president of demand generation at Bloomerang, and Kate Kramer, president of the Harrisonburg Police Foundation, shared data-backed advice for raising more money through digital fundraising.

“How Digital Sustainer Programs Can Support Nonprofits in Difficult Times”

Over the past few years, industry reports have indicated drops in both dollars and donors. Sustainer giving, however, can help nonprofits make up ground.

In a session at the Bridge Conference, Carol Marchesano, senior director of digital marketing at North Shore Animal League America; Kim Abuelhaj, senior director of annual giving at GLAAD; and Laura Cole, vice president of account services at Sanky Communications, shared insights into how digital sustainer programs can offer a reliable source of funding for nonprofits.

“5 Keys to Building a Resilient Donor Acquisition Program”

A resilient donor acquisition strategy is essential to any fundraising program — how else would your organization build a base of loyal supporters?

During a session on the final day of the Bridge Conference, Jacob Geers, director of individual giving and marketing at USA for UNFPA; Robin Benatti, director of philanthropy and direct response at World Food Program USA; and Nancy Eiring, senior vice president of fundraising strategies at Fuse Fundraising, delved into the utility of direct mail campaigns for acquiring new donors.

To make sure you don’t miss future nonprofit events, including NonProfit PRO’s own event, NonProfit POWER, check out upcoming must-attend nonprofit events happening this year.