Direct Mail

Direct mail can now deliver sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. That’s all five of the human senses. And guess what? So far, mail is the only marketing medium that can do all that. Likely, for the next few years anyway, direct mail will remain — and vastly improve upon — this full sensory capability.

Choice is good for fundraising. Even when the choice isn't very meaningful. Choice allows the donor to engage, even if she can't give. Or, in this case of this piece, to express her disapproval for a dodgy action while she gives. Choice does its magic even when it's meaningless. It can be better yet when the choice is meaningful.

FundRaising Success published its first issue in November 2003, which makes this our 10-year anniversary year. To celebrate, we'll be taking a look back at past issues throughout the year. This November 2007 article, "What Does Your Board Need to Know About Direct Mail?" by Willis Turner, helps you explain the importance of your program, in language you don’t have to be a mail nerd to understand.

Go big or go small, either way … but in fundraising, and perhaps as it should be also in life, it's not only "the thought that counts," but also what you do with your idea and how creatively you follow through.

A look at the 2012 Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association Midlevel Renewal Package of the Year: the ASPCA Memo Mailing.

More and more, it seems fundraisers and nonprofit consultants are touting the idea that "it's never too early" to start planning for the year-end holiday giving season. And recently, it seems like holiday fundraising campaigns are starting earlier and earlier.

With the 2012 presidential election quickly approaching, it's always interesting to look back and see some of the techniques political fundraisers utilize for their respective campaigns. So to kick off our November Mission of the Month — Political Fundraising — here are a few stories from FundRaising Success Gold Awards judge Paul Bobnak, research director of FS sister brand DirectMarketingIQ.

A look at the Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association 2012 Renewal Package of the Year winner: amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research December 2011 Appeal.

A look at the 2012 DMFA Acquisition Package of the Year, Covenant House's 'Paint Can' package.

Announcing the 2012 Fundraising Campaign of the Year: Leader Dogs for the Blind's Graduation Poster.