By establishing a base of individual donors who can be approached on a regular basis, Direct Mail (DM) programs provide an ongoing, dependable and predictable source of income. The resulting donor base also provides the starting point for major gifts and bequest promotion.

We provide a one-stop DM service, from creative strategy and list selection, through to design, copywriting, production and mailing. In addition, DVA can provide you with acknowledgement and thanking systems.

DM created by DVA is characterised by innovative ideas, powerful copy, effective mailing formats, proven acquisition strategies and attention to detail in delivering a holistic solution to your annual mail program. The end result is it works.

Trends and Challenges

We have seen many organisations unnecessarily accept low and average acquisition results. The focus on cutting costs has, in many cases, overtaken the importance of creative, effective solutions that gain a higher ROI or a greater acquisition of donors. We pride ourselves on creative solutions that provide a point of difference to your first time donor and your long term donors that make your organisation a cut above.

Attrition of donors is a challenge for most organisations. The 'stop-start' syndrome of organisations testing sporadically without a the conviction and commitment to see through a specified strategy all lead to wasted dollars and the failure to grow and develop databases. The reality is that donors acquired this way often do not renew their support and for many organisations a much better opportunity exists in reactivation of lapsed donors when they are approached in the right way.

Why DVA for Direct Mail?

1. With more than 40 years expertise in global DM fundraising along with a 24-year history of providing Total Development Programs to the Third Sector, DVA is dedicated to providing high quality DM services and production coordination.

2. DVA has delivered consistent acquisition results of over 2% to more than 10% in some campaigns, way over pre-established benchmarks.

3. We provide a better ROI by growing donor numbers quickly, and significantly increasing renewal incomes with higher average gifts and response rates.

4. Our programs are strategy-based and integrate with other DM fundraising activities (i.e. monthly donor programs and telephone fundraising).

5. DVA utilises suppliers from a global pool comprising copywriters, designers, media production and mail solutions.

6. Our programs carefully link DM activities with Major Gifts, Bequest Promotion and Donor Development.