Organizations like Disabled American Veterans (DAV) are taking a holistic approach to communication and fundraising. During a recent interview, DAV shared how they’ve leveraged platforms like Prompt.io to drive their mission, connect with supporters, and raise significant funds.
We had the opportunity to speak with Lavardo Pennerman, Digital Marketing Manager at DAV. Lavardo shared valuable insights into DAV's strategies for connecting with their audience, leveraging texting for fundraising, and building long-term relationships. From innovative campaigns to personalized communication, DAV's approach demonstrates how nonprofits can evolve in the digital age to amplify their impact. Here's what we learned from our conversation.
Q: What do you use digital and texting campaigns for?
LAVARDO: We use our digital platforms to communicate not only for the purpose of raising funds but also for inspiring and gathering volunteers who can help us go and fulfill some of these services that we are offering.
Q: How have you used Prompt.io for fundraising?
LAVARDO: In 2024, we did seven text messages that were different from what we've done before, and they were attached to specific fundraising campaigns. With those seven, we raised over $10,000 just by adding one piece to a campaign that we already had.
We sent out a text message during Make a Will Month...And we kindly asked, can you please consider leaving DAV in your will? And that alone raised, I can't remember the exact number, so I don't want to misquote it, but it was significantly over expected.
Q: What challenges did you have before you started texting?
LAVARDO: My biggest challenge is connecting our communications and upper funnel to our lower funnel. Awareness isn't solely for communications... it has to still start from the upper funnel.
Q: Can you give any insight to your fundraising strategies?
LAVARDO: My test is a no-ask test... I’m going to give them specific messages, keep them engaged, and then when we hit our campaigns, we ask. By not asking for a single donation for three months, maybe they feel like this organization isn’t just about getting in my pockets.
Q: You have a holistic approach to campaigns. What is the value of using multiple ways to reach your audience?
LAVARDO: The old adage of 'speak to them how they want to be spoken to, meet them where they are'... if you consistently just go email, email, email, you’re not understanding. You have to diversify. The more platforms you speak to them from, the more you give them the chance to self-select.
Q: What set Prompt.io apart from other partners?
LAVARDO: Biggest kudos is your willingness and eagerness to help solve the problem that I think at the heart of every client, every donor is that personal touch where you feel like someone not something cares. Which is also why we love Prompt, because there are other competitors who try to knock on our doors and say, ‘Hey, you should use this product.’ And we ask if they have two-way human personal communication? They just don’t have that.
DAV’s innovative use of digital platforms, particularly with the help of Prompt.io, highlights how nonprofits can deepen their impact through thoughtful engagement and strategic fundraising. By focusing on relationship-building, diversifying communication channels, and testing new approaches, DAV is not only raising significant funds but also fostering long-term connections with their supporters.
At Prompt.io, we offer a powerful texting platform designed to help you connect with supporters, drive engagement, and achieve your campaign goals. Reach out to our texting experts to explore our platform today and see how our texting solutions can transform your campaigns and send your message with precision and impact.
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