The Direct Marketing Association’s Nonprofit Federation yesterday named Catholic Relief Services, Baltimore, Nonprofit Organization of the Year. The organization will be honored at the DMA’s Nonprofit Day in New York on Aug. 29. The DMA recognized CRS for its “exceptional efforts and vision.”
By integrating direct mail, the Web and teleservices, CRS has achieved revenue topping $100 million with direct mail accounting for 65 percent.
The DMA said CRS’ mission was challenged by numerous man-made and natural emergencies and effectively took the lead in facing disasters overseas along with communication quickly and accurately in the United States about its work overseas. It raised nearly $31.5 million for those effected by the Kosovo emergency, and generated $7.5 million in just four months to provide aid to those effected by the earthquake in Turkey.
“CRS has successfully applied strategic direct response marketing techniques in both donor acquisition and cultivation programs to raise the funds and support for their activities,” said Max Hart chair of The DMA Nonprofit Federation and director of direct mail fundraising for the Disabled American Veterans.
