National Multiple Sclerosis Society Signs Merkle as Marketing Agency
Wednesday, 09 August 2006
Merkle, one of the nation's largest database marketing agencies, announced that it has signed a five-year, multi-million dollar contract to provide a full range of marketing services to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting research, education, and advocacy for issues relating to multiple sclerosis (MS). Merkle was awarded the contract after a thorough agency evaluation process that included five other agencies.
Under the agreement, Merkle|Domain, Merkle's full-service fundraising agency, will provide overall strategy, data analytics, creative and direct mail production services and media placement, to support the Society's direct mail campaigns and increase the number of donors, donor loyalty and amount of money raised through donations. By working with Merkle|Domain, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society expects to increase the number of renewed donors and direct donations.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is one of the ten largest voluntary health agencies in the U.S., based on fundraising revenue. Each year, the organization reaches out to millions of donors and potential donors to raise funds and awareness of multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects more than 400,000 Americans.
Work under the contract is just beginning as Merkle|Domain prepares to manage several direct mail fundraising campaigns on behalf of the Society's 58 chapters across the country. Merkle will also develop the direct marketing strategy and production services that will enable centralized past participant recruitment for one of the Society's most recognized fundraising programs, the annual MS Walk.
"We are very excited to have Merkle|Domain on board as the direct marketing agency for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society," said Pam Swenk, Vice President of Development, National Multiple Sclerosis Society. "As a major, national nonprofit, we selected Merkle|Domain for their demonstrated experience and unmatched knowledge in the fundraising industry. We are expecting double-digit growth in donations each year over the next five years as a result of the team's insight and efforts. We are looking forward to Merkle|Domain evaluating and revising our existing programs, as well as achieving new success with our direct marketing campaigns as we continue our mission to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis."
Michael Mathias, Merkle|Domain's Senior Vice President and Agency Group Leader, said, "We are honored that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has chosen Merkle|Domain as its marketing agency. We are eager to begin working closely with the organization to provide a fresh perspective that focuses on driving a strategy that generates new donors and increases the number of donations collected."