2005 Nonprofit Organization of the Year
CARE Selected as 2005 Nonprofit Organization of the Year

New York, NY, August 17, 2005 – The Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation (DMANF) is pleased to announce that it has selected the international relief organization CARE as its 2005 Nonprofit Organization of the Year.

The award, which recognizes a nonprofit organization for its exceptional efforts and vision, was presented today during the DMANF’s New York Nonprofit Conference. In choosing recipients of the annual award, the DMANF looks for an organization that is not only making a difference through successful programs, but also carries a reputation for high ethical standards within the nonprofit community and demonstrates excellence in using direct marketing techniques to help generate support.

“CARE represents one of the best examples of how today’s charitable organizations are using direct marketing,” said DMANF Executive Director Senny Boone. “Its innovative and well planned fundraising efforts support programs that are achieving real results in the fight against global poverty. As an organization, CARE stands out as a model for other groups that can learn from its success."

The Atlanta-based international humanitarian agency began with “care packages” sent to Europe and Asia to provide World War II survivors with food and supplies. Over the past 60 years, it has grown into one of the world’s most effective poverty-fighting organizations, with services in 70 countries benefiting more than 45 million people. CARE’s efforts currently focus on areas including access to health care, AIDS prevention, education, agriculture, and economic development, including micro-credit for women to open small businesses. To generate support for its efforts, CARE has developed an impressive multichannel marketing program that uses direct mail, outbound telemarketing, newspaper and magazine print ads, and the Internet to contact potential donors. Over the past year, their efforts have resulted in a record 191,000 new donors who contributed more than $56 million to CARE programs. CARE also excels at keeping current donors involved with a loyalty rate of 75 percent for multi-year donors.

“At CARE, we envision a world where poverty has been overcome and people live in dignity and security, and we know that progress toward that shared vision begins with effective fundraising,” said president Peter D. Bell. “We are proud of our efforts and of this recognition from the broader nonprofit community.”

This is the 18th year that the DMA Nonprofit Federation (and its precursor, the DMA Nonprofit Council) have recognized a nonprofit organization for its outstanding work. Previous award winners have included Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Easter Seals, Special Olympics and Catholic Relief Services.

###

About The DMA Nonprofit Federation:

Since 1982, The DMA Nonprofit Federation (DMANF) and its predecessor organizations have been aggressive and effective advocates for nonprofits in postal, regulatory, legislative, and accountability issues. It leads the way in professional education, networking, and industry advancement in nonprofit direct response fundraising. The DMA Nonprofit Federation is the premier agent for improving public awareness and receptivity to direct marketing-driven philanthropy, and is the ‘top brand’ among all associations and advocacy groups working on behalf of nonprofits in this area. With 400 members, The DMANF is one of the largest member segments of The Direct Marketing Association and is the leading association for nonprofit organizations that use direct marketing media such as mail, telephone, and the Internet to communicate with donors, members, and the public. The DMANF's full-time staff is located in Washington, DC.

DMA Nonprofit Federation
1615 L Street, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036
202.861.2447
nonprofitfederation@the-dma.org