Given the number of questions we field about compiled lists, here are answers to some of the FAQ on the subject:

What is a “compiled list” and how does it differ from a traditional acquisition list?

Compiled lists are lists that have been cooperatively assembled from a variety of sources and contain non-unique names. The most prominent companies offering compiled lists include Wiland, Epsilon (Abacus), and DonorBase. Usually, these lists are prospective donors with a profile consisting of several transactions from a variety of non-profit and for-profit organizations, like catalogs, publishers, and retail stores, often with 20 or more collected transactions for each name, for a fuller picture of donors giving/buying habits. A traditional donor acquisition list contains names from one organization, and some of the people on that list may have only made one contribution ever – not a clear picture of that donor’s giving capacity or preference.

Some recent data analysis proved what we at Avalon have always suspected: engaged donors are stronger, more valuable donors. We analyzed National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) data and uncovered some striking results – yes, member/activists have the best life-time value among donors/members and activists. (We define an activist as someone who has taken at least one action – other than making a contribution – to benefit the organization.)

Here’s what we’ve seen and heard online lately:

• DonorDrive’s Kevin Wolfe lists the 12 key findings from a recent webinar about how nonprofits can involve Millenials. Sure, they don’t have much money, but they are passionate about the causes they care about, and they are terrific fundraisers. Check out the full article.

As part of the International AIDS Conference held in Washington, DC in July, Avalon team members Allison Porter, Margaret Romig, and Gay Jones volunteered with the Task Force at the AIDS Memorial Quilt Display.

 

Sadly, the Quilt now contains more than 48,000 panels, each memorializing a person who died of AIDS. Because it’s so large, the entire Quilt can’t be displayed in one place. So we volunteered at the display site on the National Mall, which entailed helping to unfold panels, monitoring the Quilt throughout the day, answering questions, and refolding it. You can read more about the Quilt at http://quilt2012.org/

 

We’re well into the third decade of the AIDS crisis, and the extraordinary Quilt still holds tremendous power to change hearts and minds, and move people to act. Allison, Margaret, and Gay were deeply moved by the experience, and share their thoughts:

This month’s case studies focus on ramping up a client’s appeals performance, and how Avalon helped another recruit more sustainers with less investment.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s appeals program was flat. Avalon dug into the core of their message, reviewed past appeals along with their performance results. Based on our analysis, Avalon recommended shifting from a single-issue approach to an institutional message that stressed the depth and breadth of the Task Force’s work. It was important for the Task Force to clearly distinguish itself from its competitors. To that end, Avalon created a new annual giving program called the Pride Fund.

The Direct Marketing Association of Washington’s Social Media Day was a terrific opportunity to see what’s on the cutting edge of social media – and think about how new tools and applications might translate to the nonprofit world.

The election year is in full swing, with The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force launching its comprehensive Queer the Vote campaign – seeking to turn out the sizable LGBT voting population in November. As described on the Task Force’s website: “Queering the vote means educating LGBT people and our allies on the issues and challenges we and our families face because of a lack of employment protections, marriage inequality, and more. And, with so many treacherous voter suppression tactics being used by the opposition, we must do everything we can to promote voter registration nationwide. The Queer the Vote campaign … runs throughout the summer and into the fall elections.”For more information on Queer the Vote and ways to get involved, go to: http://www.queerthevote.org/.