Nothing is more important in direct mail fundraising than who you mail to. A terrific letter mailed to the wrong list of people will flop. I have a client who mailed a donor acquisition package to people who had not supported his organization but had supported another. The response to his appeal was zero.
The reason is simple. He mailed to a terrible list. His organization helps offenders leave prison and integrate back into society. But he mailed his donor acquisition letter to a list of people who support a non- profit organization that tries to throw offenders in prison and keep them there.
With over 75,000 lists currently on the market, choosing one is no simple task. To find a good list you need a good list broker. Since my agency is asked all the time to where to find good list brokers, we have drawn up a list of some of the best list brokers and list managers in North America that specialize to one degree or another in non-profit fundraising lists.
Atlantic List Company, Inc.
Specializes in non-profits.
Arlington, VA
www.atlanticlist.com
Cornerstone
Donor database managers and list brokers. Canada’s largest.
Toronto, ON
www.cstonecanada.com
Dunhill International List Company, Inc.
Largest compiler of specialized mailing, telemarketing and email lists.
Boca Raton, FL
www.dunhills.com
Mal Dunn Associates, Inc.
Represents mostly businesses, but works with non-profits as well.
Brewster, NY
www.maldunn.com
Mary Elizabeth Granger & Associates, Inc.
List broker and manager.
Baltimore, MD
www.maryegranger.com
Millard Group
Works with major fundraising and membership mailers.
Peterborough NH
www.millard.com
Names in the News
List broker and manager for national charitable, environmental, animal protection and cultural organizations.
Oakland, CA
www.namesinthenews.com
RMI Direct Marketing Inc.
List broker and manager.
Danbury, CT
www.rmidirect.com
Specialized Fundraising Services, Inc.
List broker and manager exclusively to non-profits.
Spartanburg, SC
www.specializedfundraising.com
True North List Marketing
Represents mostly businesses, but works with non-profits as well.
Monroe, CT
www.truenorthlist.com
21st Century Marketing
List broker and manager. One of the largest in North America.
Farmingdale, NY
www.21stcm.com
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