When you need help, it’s good to have a Great Big Friend. Since 2019, we’ve helped GBF raise more and more money for their community.
Services
Strategy
Branding
Design
Copywriting
Fundraising
GBF Community Services (GBF) assists individuals and households in meeting their basic needs. We collaborate closely with GBF to develop and execute targeted campaigns across multiple channels, amplifying their message, enhancing engagement with the Grimsby community, and expanding the reach and impact of their critical programs.
To celebrate their 60th anniversary, GBF set an ambitious (and sudden) goal: raise $60,000 in just 60 days, leading up to their anniversary party in September. Good thing we love a challenge.
Any fundraiser will know that the summer is the “quiet season,” with July and August being the slowest months in terms of incoming donations. We knew that we would have to try something new in order to help GBF reach their funding goal.
Instead of casting a wide net, we wrote a four-page, heartfelt appeal for GBF’s major donors. One was so moved by what they read that they offered to match all incoming donations. Suddenly, a $60,000 goal became $120,000!
By doubling down on our strategy, we helped GBF exceed their goal. By a lot: more than $220,000 was raised over the course of 60 days to meet people’s urgent needs.
While an incredible success, this appeal push is “more of the same” when it comes to our work with GBF. Since starting the Great Big Friend program, which includes a Christmas mail appeal and a 2-page ad in the local paper, we’ve helped GBF grow and grow!
GBF’s revenue from direct mail campaigns has grown by 55%. Even better, overall donations are up 72% over that same period, accounting for more than $1.3 million in added revenue.
Through our work, we’ve helped GBF grow both in the short and long term, not only mobilizing donors to reach sudden, 60 day appeals, but to create more sustainable, year-over-year donations. As GBF serves as their neighbours’ Great Big Friends, it’s good for them to know that they have an equally great friend in us.
