DMEF's Don Kuhn Fund Presents First Scholarship and Research at New York Nonprofit Conference

August 9, 2007 — The Direct Marketing Educational Foundation’s (DMEF) Don Kuhn Fund for Research and Scholarship today presented its first scholarship funds to a deserving student and its first sponsored research. Both were presented today at the DMA Nonprofit Federation’s 2007 New York Nonprofit Conference, which is being held at the historic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.

The fund was established in January 2006 in honor of the late, direct-response fundraising pioneer Don Kuhn, commemorating his contributions to the practice of charitable fundraising and his unwavering commitment to the philanthropic sector. Since Direct Media, Inc. contributed the initial $10,000, the Kuhn Fund has raised more than $80,000 — and continues to grow, according to DMEF President Terri L. Bartlett.

The DMEF today proudly presented the Don Kuhn Fund’s inaugural scholarship of $3,000 to Gabriela Urvina, who next month begins graduate studies at New York University’s (NYU) Direct and Interactive Marketing program. Urvina has demonstrated her commitment to pursue a career in nonprofit direct/interactive marketing through her work at Heifer International, which assists people in rural cultures with developing economic independence.

Urvina was nominated for the scholarship by Dr. Marj Kalter, clinical professor who heads NYU’s Master of Science in Direct and Interactive Marketing program.

In addition, the DMEF this morning presented the first research that was commissioned through the Don Kuhn Fund. Unveiled at a 10:15 a.m. session at the DMANF’s New York Nonprofit Conference, the study examines the indirect effects of mail frequency in fundraising programs. The study was conducted by Edward Malthouse, PhD, associate professor of Integrated Marketing Communications at The Medill School, Northwestern University.

Commenting on the two initial Don Kuhn Fund endeavors, the DMEF’s Bartlett said, “Research and education, which certainly go hand in hand, were a passion for Don Kuhn, and they are central to the Foundation’s mission. The generous donations that Don’s friends and colleagues — many of whom he had mentored — have made to this fund will go a long way in helping us move forward on both fronts for years to come.”

Bartlett said that future Kuhn Fund research will continue to focus on key areas of interest to direct-response fundraisers. Fund projects and the resulting information, under the auspices of the DMEF, will be distributed in a way that will support the community of nonprofit practitioners committed to effective and ethical direct/interactive marketing.

For a copy of the study, email dmef@the-dma.org.

Additional Information About the Don Kuhn Fund

The members of the DMEF’s Don Kuhn Fund Committee are:

· Don Austin, Vice President of Client Strategy, May Development Services

· Senny Boone, Vice President, Special Counsel and Executive Director, DMA Nonprofit Federation

· Kelly Browning, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, American Institute of Cancer Research

· Paula Cain

· Kory Christianson, CFRE, Executive Director of Development, St. Joseph’s Indian School

· Chris Cleghorn, Executive Vice President, Direct & Interactive Marketing, Easter Seals

· Diana Estremera, Senior Vice President, May Development Services/DMI

· Lisa Greene, CFRE, President & Chief Executive Officer, Specialized Fundraising Services, Inc.

· Larry May, Chief Executive Officer, Direct Media, Inc.

For additional information on the Don Kuhn Fund for Research and Scholarship, please contact Terri L. Bartlett at TLBartlett@the-dma.org or 212.790.1510.

Contributions should be made payable to the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation—which is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) public charity as defined by the IRS — with a “Don Kuhn Fund” notation and directed to the DMEF at 1120 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036-6700.

About Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (DMEF)

Headquartered in New York City, the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (DMEF) works to attract, educate, and place top college students by continuously improving the teaching of world-class direct/interactive marketing and, thereby, expanding and enriching the talent pool of trained, market-ready direct marketers. Established in 1966 by members of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) who wanted to give something back to the community, DMEF is today a separate, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that is supported solely by tax-deductible contributions from individuals, companies, and regional clubs and associations. Funds raised go toward a broad range of world-class educational programs.

Since its founding, thousands of students have taken advantage of DMEF’s educational programs, entering the field with the competitive edge of being “workplace-ready.” Many have gone on to become today’s direct marketing leaders, an indication of the Foundation’s success. In addition, more than 1,800 professors have participated in DMEF programs. Thanks in significant part to the Foundation’s four decades of work, today approximately 250 colleges and universities offer courses in direct/interactive marketing, 20 of which now offer specific direct marketing degrees and certificate programs. For additional information about the DMEF, its mission, and its programs, visit www.the-dmef.org.

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