DMEF Establishes Don Kuhn Memorial Fund; Proceeds to Support Education & Research in Nonprofit Fundraising

January 25, 2006 – The Direct Marketing Educational Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of an educational fund in honor of direct-response fundraising pioneer Don Kuhn and his outstanding contributions to the practice of fundraising and his commitment to the philanthropic sector.

The Don Kuhn Fund for Research & Education will support testing and research in the area of charitable giving and donor development techniques as well as grant scholarships and fellowships to students and faculty interested in study of philanthropy. The DMA Nonprofit Federation will work closely with the DMEF to create and operate these programs.

The project's committee was formed by Larry May, president of Direct Media, and Easter Seals executive Chris Cleghorn, who will serve as chair. A lead gift of $10,000 by Direct Media launched the initiative, and contributions from the committee represent over $20,000 already committed to the fund as it begins.

"Don was a guiding force in the growth of the DMA Nonprofit Federation, and we believe he would have treasured this kind of tribute – one that invests in the future of fundraising through learning from data driven information through assisting those who wish to enter the field, something he did with innumerable professionals throughout his career." said Larry May a longtime colleague.

The committee has set a Fund goal of $100,000 for the first year, with the hope and expectation that it will continue to grow each year as individuals and companies continue to support the purpose of this fund. The Fund will be administered by the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation, with a panel of nonprofit direct marketing professionals advising the selection of projects and scholars.

Research will be conducted in key areas of interest to direct response fundraisers and the reporting of findings will be under the auspices of the DMA Nonprofit Federation. The intention of linking this with the DMA Nonprofit Federation, assures that the projects undertaken and the information dissemination will support the community of nonprofit practitioners committed to effective and ethical direct and interactive marketing.

"As a committee, we see this fund as unique. First, we believe it is a fitting honor to Don who truly was a pioneer and one who dedicated literally a lifetime to fundraising" said Chris Cleghorn, who first worked with Kuhn over 25 years ago at Walter Karl. "Apart from honoring our industry's friend and our dear colleague, Don Kuhn, we believe anyone committed to this field of direct marketing for nonprofits will be interested in the work that the Fund will sponsor."

In addition to Cleghorn and May, members of the memorial fund committee include:

· Don Austin, Matrix Strategies, Inc.;

· Paula Cain, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation;

· Kory Christianson, St Josephs Indian School;

· Diana Estremera, May Development Services; and

· Lisa Greene, Specialized Fundraising Services.

Those interested in learning more about the campaign can contact Laurie Spar at the vice president & general manager, of the DMEF (lspar@the-dma.org).

Contributions should be made payable to the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (a not-for-profit 501C3 public charity as defined by the IRS), note "Don Kuhn Fund" 1120 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036.

The Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (DMEF) is an independent nonprofit organization headquartered in New York City. To bring direct and interactive marketing instruction to the college campus, and to attract new talent and help students learn about direct and interactive marketing career opportunities, the DMEF administers a broad range of programs each year for professors and students to further strengthen direct marketing education. The Foundation publishes teaching resources, career information, and the academic research journal, Journal of Interactive Marketing. Established in 1965 and closely affiliated with the Direct Marketing Association, The DMEF is supported by tax-deductible contributions.

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