During the course of the past several years, the Basilica of St. Josaphat Foundation developed a database of about 4,000 names and addresses. This was not a typical parish campaign. In fact, separate lists had to be developed to ensure that any fundraising for the building renovation did not compete with the parish’s regular appeal. Prior to our involvement the only attempt at annual giving for the Foundation was to include a contribution envelope in a newsletter that was published 2 or 3 times a year. About $5,000 was raised annually from the newsletter mailing.
In 2003 the McDonald Schaefer Group was engaged to organize and manage an annual appeal. There are now a spring and an end-of-the-year highly personalized direct mail solicitation. The basic strategies of direct mail are employed, namely, list segmentation, personalization and gift upgrading. These 2 solicitations include an initial mailing with 2 carefully timed follow-up pieces. Thank you letters are ongoing and sent to all donors.
In the first year of the appeal, $137,000 from 600+ donors was realized. The following year $147,000 from 800+ donors was raised, 37 times what was raised previously! |
