Sanky Blog

On April12, 2010 in Baltimore, the Association of Fundraising Professionals will mark 50 years of working to advance the fundraising profession. Harry Lynch and Paul Habig of Sanky Communications, Inc are proud to join the celebration… and honor the spirit of AFP’s founders by examining best practices, discussing new ideas and trends and sharing experiences to improve ourselves and our organizations.

During their presentation at the 47th International Conference on Fundraising, Harry and Paul will address the timely question, Is your fundraising email is just like direct mail but with an “E”?

This session, which takes place on Tuesday, April 13 at the Baltimore Convention Center, will talk about the remarkable similarities between email and traditional direct mail … and the profound differences. Attendees will also learn how some of their finely honed direct mail skills DO apply … but that their assumptions about what works and what doesn’t just might sink their online campaigns.

Paul and Harry will share tips and best practices covering email fundraising and answer your questions such as:

1. How do I build my email list?
2. How often do I email … and ask for money?
3. How do I measure success?
4. Is anyone really making money with email?

Harry Lynch is the CEO of Sanky Communications and SankyNet, and is legendary in the Direct Marketing industry. In 1998, Harry directed the launch of SCI’s award-winning Internet marketing division, SankyNet, and continues to be actively involved in the creative and strategy for the agency’s 15 online clients. Harry has served as President of the DMFA, Vice-President of the Greater New York Chapter of the AFP, and Vice-Chair of the ADFRCO. Today, he is Vice-Chair for External Relations on the Board of International AFP.

His co-speaker, Paul Habig, the Executive Vice President of SankyNet, has developed multi-faceted online strategies for more than 50 non-profit organizations including Covenant House, PetSmart Charities, Freedom from Hunger, Cancer Care, Northeast Animal Shelter, Visiting Nurse Service of New York and the Smithsonian Institution. In addition to being a frequent speaker at DMFA and AFP workshops and conferences, Paul also serves on the board of the DMFA.

Together, Harry and Paul bring nearly 40 years of experience to the podium at this historic AFP event. From the birth of online fundraising, to the ever-changing medium that has evolved over the last ten years, both speakers will share their knowledge of today’s best email practices.

Join them on Tuesday, April 13 from 1:30pm to 2:45pm at the Baltimore Convention Center. To register, please visit the AFP’s 47th International Conference on Fundraising website.

For more than five years, SankyDirect has implemented a highly successful direct mail program for The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine (CCSJD). But as non-profits have learned over the years, integrating direct mail and online communications yields the best fundraising results. That’s why SankyNet has joined Sanky Direct in this exciting account!

The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine is the mother church of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Because of its historic importance and far-reaching influence, CCSJD needs a communication strategy that will provide information about the church’s events and community services while also encouraging donations to support their work.

To accomplish this, SankyNet will produce a variety of online communication vehicles. First, we will write, design, and deliver a regular e-newsletter for CCSJD. This e-newsletter will cultivate a relationship with the Cathedral’s donor base by keeping them informed about events at the CCSJD, stories of people helped through their outreach, and updates by the Dean of the Cathedral.

We also look forward to sending a series of fundraising appeals directed at both past donors and potential future donors. These appeals will be sent during the most strategic times of the church’s calendar year and will promote a variety of donation opportunities.

SankyNet will also develop a microsite that will be separate from the main CCSJD website, which will support the online fundraising program while CCSJD develops a full new website. The Cathedral will be able to offer their constituency, vis-à-vis this microsite, better organized fundraising web pages, with more compelling copy, and the addition of warm and engaging color photographs.

SankyDirect and SankyNet are looking forward to developing a robust fundraising program for the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine that integrates the strengths of both direct mail fundraising and online fundraising. We are excited to lend our expertise to this challenging project!