Local Nonprofits Have New Ally
June 8, 2009RELEV8 is unveiled, giving nonprofits access to affordable, for-profit quality marketing
TOLEDO, Ohio – June 8, 2009 – Nonprofits have long been ensnared in a communications Catch 22: No money to market themselves effectively; unable to increase revenue because they have lackluster marketing.
“Sadly, due to lack of resources and funds, nonprofits often rely on piecemeal marketing that incorporate in-house, volunteer and pro bono efforts,” said Shane O’Neill, director of creative services for RELEV8. “As a result, these efforts become fragmented and the message gets lost. It becomes their Achilles heel.”
That era has ended with the introduction of RELEV8, which ushers in campaigns that are consistent, clear and concise — and most importantly — ensure that all marketing materials further the organization’s mission.
“With RELEV8, we’re basically calling for a change in nonprofit mindset,” said Angie Ash, director of strategic development. “In order for nonprofits to make some money, they have to spend some — and professional marketing created from budgeted dollars can add money to the bottom line in revenue.”
Given current economic woes — foreclosures, unemployment, lack of consumer confidence —fundraising has become even more difficult as weary consumers cut back on spending. Every dollar spent marketing, from event promotion to publicizing public programming, must be looked at as a fundraising opportunity.
Taking a holistic approach to marketing, RELEV8 starts at the nonprofit’s budget and mission statement and develops a tailored marketing strategy that ensures that every piece of communications builds on a unified brand identity. The approach is accomplished through the insights of a senior level team who direct all marketing efforts to add to the accomplishment of the agency’s mission. With RELEV8, the for-profit world of marketing has been reorganized into a palatable, affordable and scalable model for nonprofits.
“Part of our mission is to help nonprofits learn how much of their budget they can afford to spend on marketing so that they in turn bring in more revenue,” said Michael Fruchtman, president. “That allows them to reinvest more in the community. Our mission is to help them achieve their missions.”
RELEV8 is a division of Fruchtman Marketing, founded in Toledo, Ohio, in 1981. Fruchtman Marketing and many of its employees have long been committed to the overall success of local nonprofits, by dedicating time, creativity, insight and sweat equity.
“Creating RELEV8 seemed like a natural progression into a niche we’re already familiar with,” said Ash. “Getting involved has always been part of our corporate culture, so we devised ways to make marketing that’s affordable for nonprofits.”
For more information, visit RELEV8’s website (www.relev8.org), providing an in-depth explanation of the company’s goals and practices, including its eight guiding principles.
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Formed in 1981, Fruchtman Marketing is a full-service marketing firm, representing retailers across the country as well as manufacturers and industry organizations. RELEV8 was conceived from Fruchtman Marketing’s commitment to so many nonprofits over the years. Contact them at (419) 539-2770 or visit their website at www.relev8.org.
