July 17, 2007 — In a world where there is tremendous competition for donor attention, choosing the fundraising strategies that work best is a significant challenge for most nonprofit organizations. The Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation (DMANF) will help organizations learn how to meet this challenge at its 2007 New York Nonprofit Conference, which will be held August 8-9 at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York City. Pre-Conference programming will be offered on August 7.
This theme of year’s conference, “Big League Strategies for Fundraising,” focuses on how nonprofits can use innovative strategies and creative techniques to help maximize fundraising efforts.
“From the largest national groups to the smallest local charities, finding the most effective and cost-efficient way to reach out to potential donors is something we all struggle with,” says DMANF Executive Director Senny Boone. “Our goal for this year’s conference is to help nonprofits of all sizes create a winning mix of tactics that will drive successful fundraising efforts.”
The two-day event features keynote presentations and workshop sessions with experts discussing the latest trends and tactics in integrated marketing, online fundraising, donor retention, planned giving, and creative development.
Featured speakers will focus on the importance of understanding the personal motivations that drive individual giving. On Wednesday morning, Arthur Brooks, PhD, director of the Nonprofit Studies Program at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, will open the conference with a keynote discussion on “Why Giving Matters” and how charitable involvement promotes the strength and vitality of individuals, communities, and our nation.
At the general session on Thursday morning, conference attendees will learn how focus groups can help an organization understand its donors’ lives, priorities, and reasons for giving — and make communications with them more relevant and effective. Allan Rivlin, a partner with Peter Hart Research and a lecturer in marketing research at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, will present the findings of focus group research commissioned especially for this year’s conference.
The conference also includes a number of special events for attendees, including:
· A luncheon honoring DMANF’s 2007 Nonprofit Organization of the Year.
· Nonprofit Professional Exchanges that provide opportunities for group discussions on topics, including alternatives to direct mail and the special challenges faced by smaller organizations.
· A pre-conference workshop on Tuesday, August 7 that will explore key topics in online marketing and e-philanthropy for nonprofits.
· A networking reception on Wednesday August 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. where nonprofit professionals can meet and exchange ideas.
Online registration is available for the conference though August 1st, and offers attendees $50 off the price of onsite registration. For more information, click here.
About the DMANF
The Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation (DMANF) leads the way in professional education, networking, and nonprofit advancement. Since 1982, the DMANF and its predecessor organizations have been aggressive and effective advocates for nonprofits in postal, regulatory, legislative, and accountability issues. It is the premier agent for improving public awareness and receptivity to direct marketing-driven philanthropy. According to the Giving USA Foundation, individuals used direct response channels to contribute approximately $222.89 billion (more than three-fourths of all giving) to nonprofit organizations in 2006. With more than 400 members, the DMANF is one of the largest member segments of the Direct Marketing Association.
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