Inbox Insider: E-mail for nonprofits

Can you resist an e-mail with an image of a puppy?  Does a sad little kitten get you to open up your wallet to help? Direct marketing is one of the best ways for nonprofit organizations to raise money for their cause, and e-mail marketing specifically can be an excellent tool for getting the word out about a good cause.

Care2Action.org uses e-mail as a tool to encourage action around human and animal rights. The nonprofit sends out a weekly newsletter with information on existing issues and how to get involved. You can generally sign a petition or donate money for a specific cause through the e-mail.

The nonprofit also makes great use of viral marketing through e-mail. I first encountered Care2Action.org, a friend forwarded a petition that would help change laws about euthanizing animals in shelters. Since I have signed up, there is always an option in the e-mail to forward to a friend. The is also an option once you have taken action to send I out to friends.

Doctors Without Borders are also using e-mail to get the word out.  Both brands, which also do a lot of direct mail, are using e-mail, are sending e-mail to help educate constituents about issues and to help raise money. Direct marketing is one of the best ways for nonprofit organizations to raise money for their cause, and e-mail marketing specifically can be an excellent tool for getting the word out about a good cause. Direct marketing is one of the best ways for nonprofit organizations to raise money for their cause, and e-mail marketing specifically can be an excellent tool for getting the word out about a good cause.