Professional Fundraisers: Be Wary of Gimmicks

Struggling to attract new donors in what one marketing consultant calls a “world of competing sorrows,” more charities are turning to parody, provocation, and stunts in advertising and awareness campaigns. Charities and creative firms are using various methods to shock audiences to attention, such as disposable-cup dispensers placed next to sources of polluted water in New York to dramatize water crises in developing countries and billboards featuring “WTF,” which normally stands for a vulgar expression but in this case stands for “Where’s the funding.” Experts differ as to whether such efforts help or hinder building connections with consumers. You need to be very careful when considering this type of approach- especially with major givers. http://philanthropy.com/blogs/philanthropytoday/nonprofits-look-to-make-mark-with-provocative-campaigns/77581?cid=pt&utm_source=pt&utm_medium=en