By Jeff Muller, Crossroads Insights LLC At a time when the percent of U.S. households giving to charity continues to decrease dramatically—less than half give now as compared with two-thirds just twenty years ago—the need to deploy data wisely in service to building durable donor relationships has never been greater. For the mid-level practitioner, data […]

by Sarah Harris, Account Director, The Harrington Agency It’s time to move away from the same old funnel and curated linear journeys. Instead, create an environment where prospects and donors are exposed to surround sound treatment at every step of their journey. Brand Awareness and fundraising campaigns should not be mutually exclusive campaigns. Both should […]

The DMFA is deeply saddened by the surge of anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab violence rising in New York and across the country. We support and stand in solidarity with our members being impacted. We condemn all acts of bigotry, violence, and hatred. People of all faiths, ethnicities, races, and backgrounds are welcome at DMFA events, […]

By Jeff Muller, Crossroads Insights LLC Behavioral science makes clear that, by nature, humans seek connection and belonging. This primal need sits at the core of how we should be thinking about engaging both current and prospective donors—and raises the question about how best to frame our relationships with them. This is especially important for […]

  At the Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association (DMFA), we work to ensure everyone has equal access to career growth and learning opportunities, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, disability, nationality, economic background, or personal identity. Through our programming, we drive meaningful discussions, advocate systemic change, and amplify diverse fundraising professionals’ voices. As an addition to […]

By Jeff Muller, Crossroads Insights LLC Bridging between low-dollar annual and major giving—and being a key feeder for planned giving—mid-level programs play an essential role in the philanthropic ecosystem. Yet occupying this nexus of the various individual giving programs creates unique relational opportunities and challenges for mid-level teams, a theme recently explored in conversation with […]

–Michele C. Collins, Donor Development Officer,  Marine Corps Association Foundation I had the privilege of attending the Bridge to Integrated Marketing and Fundraising Conference 2023 thanks to a scholarship from the Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association. The conference was a dynamic event focused on fundraising and integrated marketing with topics such as mid-level giving, stewardship, digital marketing, […]

By Dennis Lonergan, Eidolon Communications Relationships. So many expectations, annoyances, and demands. So much backstabbing, scapegoating, and excuse-making. Or is it just me? I’ll admit relationships aren’t my forte. They are unavoidable. Decades of retreat have done little to stop them. So, I’ve been forced to come to terms. Herewith, a few hard-learned lessons. Act […]

by Rayna Clarke, Account Manager, Lautman Maska Neill & Company When family and friends ask Julia Warnock how she likes her job as an Account Executive at Lautman Maska Neill & Company, she always tells them: “It feels good to do good!” Julia counts herself lucky that she grew up around people who encouraged her […]

by Kerri Kerr, Avalon Consulting Avalon was founded in 1997 as a place for women to have a seat at the table in a male-dominated direct marketing industry. We remain committed to equity and inclusion, yet we assert that a substantive DEI commitment is not static. We are committed to taking a harder look at […]