Derek Glass
Posted inAppeals

Shared data driving donor growth

Derek Glass compares and contrasts data cooperatives and list swaps, two emerging sources of acquisition mailing data which are proving valuable for those in the know. We all know that the biggest challenge to successful direct mail donor acquisition is sourcing great lists. The typical response rate to a basket of the top 10 or so lists available will yield a 1% to 2% response rate, depending on how compelling your cause and creative are. Each cash donor you acquire will cost between $100 and $300. A 100,000 name mailing, with a 1.5% response rate, $30 average gift and a $1.50 cost per piece will leave you in the red…

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The regular giving cocktail – what’s your mix

When it comes to designing an effective regular giving program, there’s no all-purpose formula, says Derek Glass. Instead, nonprofits need to take an approach that reflects their uniqueness. When it comes to designing an effective regular giving program, there’s no all-purpose formula, says Derek Glass. Instead, nonprofits need to take an approach that reflects their uniqueness. One thing I’ve learned from the global financial crisis is how to make a margarita at home: 1 ½ limes, juiced (per serving) 2 shots of tequila, (100% agave if you don’t want a migraine tomorrow) 1 shot of triple sec Mix with LOTS of ice. Rub the leftover lime peel over the rim…

Posted inAppeals

Swimming in the pool has health benefits

Tougher economic times are forcing many charities to reassess their donor acquisition programs, but for a small number of Australian nonprofits, declining response rates are not an issue. Derek Glass sheds some light on the little-understood world of data pooling. Tougher economic times are forcing many charities to reassess their donor acquisition programs, but for a small number of Australian nonprofits, declining response rates are not an issue. Derek Glass sheds some light on the little-understood world of data pooling. If you’re like most charities, you’re hoping to get a 1% response rate to a donor acquisition appeal. However some organisations are seeing response rates of 3%, 4%, even as…

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Calf scheme becomes cash cow

Many jokes have been made about New Zealand’s distorted ratio of people to livestock. But as Derek Glass reports, the country’s hyper-productive farmers play a key role in the fundraising strategy of at least one charity Many jokes have been made about New Zealand’s distorted ratio of people to livestock. But as Derek Glass reports, the country’s hyper-productive farmers play a key role in the fundraising strategy of at least one charity Farmers are notoriously difficult to raise money from. Although asset-rich, they are usually located in isolated communities and many are cash poor most of the year. But one resourceful farmer, Norm Cashmore from Taranaki on New Zealand’s North…

Posted inAppeals

Could you add a zero to that cheque please?

Imagine if Rupert Murdoch, James Packer, or Frank Lowy rang up out of the blue saying they’d like to give your charity a million dollars. A fundraiser’s dream come true! Imagine if Rupert Murdoch, James Packer, or Frank Lowy rang up out of the blue saying they’d like to give your charity a million dollars. A fundraiser’s dream come true! Well five years ago that happened at an organisation I was working at. Upon investigating the database it was discovered that the donor had actually been giving the charity $20 a month for the last 10 years through their regular giving program. This charity (based in Washington DC and one…