By Alan Sharpe, CFRE
Nothing is more important in direct mail fundraising than who you mail to. A terrific letter mailed to the wrong list of people will flop. I have a client who mailed a donor acquisition package to people who had not supported his organization but had supported another. The response to his appeal was zero.
The reason is simple. He mailed to a terrible list. His organization helps offenders leave prison and integrate back into society. But he mailed his donor acquisition letter to a list of people who support a non- profit organization that tries to throw offenders in prison and keep them there.
With over 75,000 lists currently on the market, choosing one is no simple task. To find a good list you need a good list broker. Since my agency is asked all the time to where to find good list brokers, we have drawn up a list of some of the best list brokers and list managers in North America that specialize to one degree or another in non-profit fundraising lists.
Atlantic List Company, Inc.
Specializes in non-profits.
Arlington, VA
https://www.atlanticlist.com
Cornerstone
Donor database managers and list brokers. Canada’s largest.
Toronto, ON
https://www.cstonecanada.com
Dunhill International List Company, Inc.
Largest compiler of specialized mailing, telemarketing and email lists.
Boca Raton, FL
https://www.dunhills.com
Mal Dunn Associates, Inc.
Represents mostly businesses, but works with non-profits as well.
Brewster, NY
https://www.maldunn.com
Mary Elizabeth Granger & Associates, Inc.
List broker and manager.
Baltimore, MD
https://www.maryegranger.com
Millard Group
Works with major fundraising and membership mailers.
Peterborough NH
https://www.millard.com
Names in the News
List broker and manager for national charitable, environmental, animal protection and cultural organizations.
Oakland, CA
https://www.namesinthenews.com
RMI Direct Marketing Inc.
List broker and manager.
Danbury, CT
https://www.rmidirect.com
Specialized Fundraising Services, Inc.
List broker and manager exclusively to non-profits.
Spartanburg, SC
https://www.specializedfundraising.com
True North List Marketing
Represents mostly businesses, but works with non-profits as well.
Monroe, CT
https://www.truenorthlist.com
21st Century Marketing
List broker and manager. One of the largest in North America.
Farmingdale, NY
https://www.21stcm.com
You might be interested in…
 Handbook Number 19Mailing Lists: Where and How to Discover the Best Ones for Your Next Direct Mail Appeal. Acquire new donors and members by mailing to people most likely to respond to your appeals. |
 Handbook Number 11Attract New Donors and Members with a Magnetic Direct Mail Donor Acquisition Package. Discover over 75 tips, insider secrets and proven tactics by analyzing a superb donor acquisition package from a national charity. |
 Mail Superiority.Learn the proven, step-by-step process for raising funds and friends cost effectively, year after year. |
