Profile: Hunger Cannot Wait

Keys to success: “We have reduced fundraising expenses for special events and engaged new corporate sponsors. We also invested in e-philanthropy and launched an online auction that netted $230,000 in the first year. We are streamlining many direct mail activities and enhancing the efficiency of our merchandising program. We are also launching a new, aggressive mail-phone program that will involve two personalized letters followed by a phone call asking for long-term donations. We expect this campaign to generate over $500,000.”

Challenges for fundraisers: “The rising costs of direct mail is a challenge that we hope to alleviate through e-philanthropy. In addition, added scrutiny from government agencies and increased focus on expense ratios bring new burdens of reporting and audit standards which can be misinterpreted by the public. The busy lives and multiple commitments of community leaders make it more difficult to engage or retain them as key major donor fundraising campaign volunteers.”