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April 17, 2025



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Jane Page-Steiner, Owner & Publisher – jane@gcnonprofitnews.com

Kelli Tarantino, Editor - kelli@gcnonprofitnews.com

*REMINDER: Please submit your news by 2pm on Tuesday and jobs by 10am on Wednesday for Thursday's issue of GC Nonprofit News. Jobs submitted after 10am on Wednesday will appear in the following week's eNews.



Personalization Strategies in Direct Mail for 2025

by Summer Gould

In an era where digital marketing dominates, direct mail remains a powerful tool for nonprofits looking to engage donors in a meaningful way. However, the key to making direct mail campaigns effective in 2025 lies in advanced personalization techniques. Today’s donors expect communications that are tailored to their interests, behaviors and past interactions. Here are six ways nonprofits can take their direct mail personalization to the next level.

1. Data-Driven Personalization

Modern direct mail campaigns should leverage donor data to create highly targeted and relevant content. Instead of generic appeals, nonprofits should use data such as donation history, event attendance and engagement with previous mailings to craft personalized messages. Constituent relationship management (CRM) software and AI-powered analytics can help organizations segment donors and deliver unique experiences.

Consider these implementation tips:

• Use predictive analytics to identify which donors are most likely to give based on past contributions.
• Tailor donation asks based on previous giving levels.
• Recognize past involvement with messages that acknowledge specific contributions.

2. Variable Data Printing (VDP)

Variable data printing (VDP) allows nonprofits to customize text, images and offers based on recipient data. This means that instead of sending out one-size-fits-all mailers, each donor receives a piece that speaks directly to them.

Consider these implementation tips:

• Include the recipient’s name within the body of the letter and on the envelope.
• Feature images and stories that match the donor’s interest areas (e.g., education, animal welfare, healthcare).
• Use QR codes that direct donors to personalized landing pages.

3. Personalized Storytelling

Stories make appeals more compelling, but generic narratives won’t suffice. Instead, nonprofits should personalize stories based on the recipient’s previous giving patterns and interests. For instance, if a donor has previously contributed to a scholarship program, the mailer should feature a student success story rather than a broad organizational overview.

Consider these implementation tips:

• Match donor interests with impact stories.
• Include handwritten notes or signatures from staff or beneficiaries to add authenticity.
• Use AI-driven content tools to generate individualized appeal letters.

4. Interactive and Augmented Reality (AR) Elements

Adding interactive components to direct mail can make a big impact. QR codes, Near Field Communication (NFC) chips, and augmented reality (AR) can bring printed materials to life, allowing donors to watch personalized thank-you videos, explore 360-degree virtual tours of nonprofit projects or make instant donations through their mobile devices.

Consider these implementation tips:

• Use a QR code to direct donors to a unique, personalized thank-you video.
• Implement AR to showcase impact reports in an engaging format.
• Enable mobile-friendly donation options for seamless giving.

5. Handwritten and Human Touch Elements

In an increasingly automated world, the human touch still matters. Nonprofits can make direct mail feel more personal by incorporating handwritten elements such as notes, signatures or even sticky-note-style messages.

Consider these implementation tips:

• Use printed handwritten fonts for a warm, authentic feel.
• Include personalized thank-you messages for repeat donors.
• Send small gifts, such as stickers or bookmarks, to make donors feel valued.

6. Triggered Direct Mail Campaigns

Trigger-based mailing automates direct mail based on donor behaviors, making outreach more relevant. For example, if a donor makes an online contribution, a thank-you postcard could automatically be mailed a few days later. Similarly, lapsed donors could receive a personalized appeal reminding them of their past impact.

Consider these implementation tips:

• Integrate direct mail with digital marketing efforts for seamless donor journeys.
• Set up automated mailings based on key donor milestones (e.g., first-time donation, major gift, annual giving anniversary).
• Use retargeting strategies by following up with email and social media messaging.

Personalized direct mail isn’t just a nice touch — it’s an essential strategy for nonprofits looking to stand out in 2025. By leveraging data, storytelling and technology, organizations can create meaningful donor connections that lead to increased engagement and giving. Nonprofits that embrace these personalization strategies will be well-positioned to make a lasting impact in the years ahead.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Price Hill Will has selected Greg Robinson as the organization's new Executive Director. 

Cincinnati Country Day School is thrilled to announce that Jon Zeljo has been selected as the next Head of Upper School, effective July 1, 2025.

PNC Charitable Trusts made a $65,000 investment in Central Clinic Behavioral Health’s Adult Services programs with an emphasis on its LGBTQ+ Clinic and its Culturally Responsive Services (CRS). The Jack J. Smith Jr. Charitable Trust, managed by PNC Bank as part of its Charitable Trusts, awarded CCBH a $20,000 grant to serve the Latino community with greater capacity and to collaborate with other organizations to strategize systems changes that meet participants’ mental health needs.

Mill Creek Alliance is deeply grateful for a generous $25,000 grant that has been awarded by the P&G Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. This grant will support Mill Creek Alliance's Outdoor Environmental Education programming in the coming academic year.

Master Provisions is honored to receive a $60,000 grant from the Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trust, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee. This generous funding will provide for equipment needs and support our efforts to reduce food waste and fight food insecurity in the Greater Cincinnati region.

Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), in partnership with the City of Cincinnati, has awarded $836,000 in Boots on the Ground Fund grants to 38 local nonprofits. These funds, $650,000 of which were provided by the city, strengthen the capacity of small, community-based organizations with a programming focus on housing, food and healthcare access, gun violence prevention, workforce and youth development, mental health, and substance use services.

Santa Maria Community Services is pleased to announce their receipt of six generous grants supporting their programs and services during the first quarter of 2025. Fifth Third Bank’s Stillson Foundation ($30,000, Every Child Succeeds), Josephine S. Russell Charitable Trust ($40,000 Workforce Development), Pay It Forward/Ingage Partners ($1,000 Every Child Succeeds), Ruth J. and Robert A. Conway Foundation ($20,000 general support), SC Ministry Foundation and Scripps Howard Fund ($30,000 Promoting Our Preschoolers). 

Thanks to the Youth Leaders for Global Impact Grant from the World Affairs Council, the Earth Day Fair can aim to raise awareness about critical issues like climate change, clean water, and sustainability. The event will feature a panel discussion on climate change solutions, interactive stations, door prizes, and local vendors. This immersive experience offers something for everyone, providing valuable insights on the importance of sustainability.

OneCity for Recovery is grateful to the Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trust, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee, for awarding a $15,000 grant to support our HopeLine Care Navigation to Treatment program in Hamilton County. This funding will help connect more individuals with substance use disorder to immediate, compassionate treatment and ongoing recovery support—at no cost to them. We are thankful for this investment in hope and healing for our community.

An anonymous donor has made a $5 million gift to the University of Cincinnati to support its regional colleges, UC Blue Ash College and UC Clermont College. This generous donation will provide paid internships and co-ops, expanded career services offerings and more scholarship support for students at both colleges. Since 2018, this anonymous donor has given UC $7.26 million.

LifeSciKY has announced that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., will become the founding sponsor of the Covington-based nonprofit lab incubator, an investment that will play a key role in supporting LifeSciKY's mission and enhancing the resources available to Lab Residents.



Two of Greater Cincinnati’s most dynamic, student-led initiatives are coming together to empower the next generation of teen leaders. Tutor Teens, a free, teen-led virtual tutoring program founded by Cincinnati siblings Erin and Aidan Finn, is becoming part of Square1, a Northern Kentucky nonprofit that helps high school students develop entrepreneurial and operational skills.



Women100 Cincy's mission is to empower, connect, and support Greater Cincinnati charitable organizations through a range of avenues, including donations, grants, and services. We are honored to open our first grant application process: Community Connections Grants. Email info@women100cincy.com Attn: Community Connections Grant to apply. Our grant committee will email you an application form. The W100 Advisory Board will be in contact with you regarding your status. Our goal is to empower, inspire, and support local nonprofits in their current and future initiatives. 



bi3 is accepting proposals for projects and initiatives to improve maternal mental health, with an intentional focus on improvements for Black and Hispanic women. Aligned nonprofit and fiscally sponsored organizations working in Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren Counties in Ohio OR addressing policy at a state level are invited to learn more and apply. Grants awarded under this opportunity may be paid over one to three years and are expected to range from $150,000 - $500,000, with an anticipated 3-5 grants to be awarded. Deadline to submit a Letter of Intent is May 8, 2025.  

Green Umbrella is accepting applications for their Climate Action Fellowship program for governments in Greater Cincinnati communities. The fellowship pairs undergraduate and graduate students, and individuals who want to pivot careers into the sustainability space, with Green Umbrella government members to develop practical plans and solutions for a changing climate.

As part of his commitment to ensuring all Ohio children have the opportunity to build strong foundations for success, Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Director Kara B. Wente announced the availability of $5 million in grant funding to support training for teachers at early care and education programs on how to harness the Science of Reading to enrich their young students’ literacy skills from an early age. To learn more about DCY and its priorities, visit here. 

Aviatra Accelerators announces the launch of its Capital-Ready Women (CRW) program, the only fundability assessment and guided program in the U.S. that is not government-affiliated or associated with a financial institution. This program is specifically designed to help women in non-tech industries prepare to successfully access capital through loans or investments. Look here for more information about Aviatra's Capital-Ready Women program or to apply.



OneSource Center presents Mastering the Art of Grant Writing: Strategies for Success at Any Level. Whether you’re new to grant writing or a seasoned professional looking to refine your approach, this interactive workshop is designed to elevate your skills and maximize your success in securing funding. Grant writing is both an art and a science—requiring strategic alignment, compelling storytelling, and strong funder relationships. This session will provide valuable insights tailored to individuals at all experience levels. Thursday, May 15, 9:00am - 11:30am, in-person. Learn more here.



DoitforJack and the Jack Quehl Foundation, on a mission to educate our community about the threat of fentanyl, has several upcoming volunteer opportunities. Learn more and sign up here.

How nonprofits can create ethical ai policies More than half of nonprofits are using AI in some capacity, according to a recent report by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Yet less than 10 percent of nonprofits have any kind of policy governing the use of AI.

A 5-point checklist to survive dei messaging Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has been rebranded into a dirty word, stirring up visceral emotions and polarizing opinions at nearly every turn. It’s a branding coup, executed with razor-sharp precision. Now, nonprofits are scrambling to figure out what to do with their marketing materials and website copy proudly touting their commitment to and belief in diversity.

Our sponsor and partner marketplace serves to further connect our readers with our advertisers who are focused on serving nonprofits. To learn more about a sponsor's nonprofit services, click on their ad. Contact Kelli Tarantino, editor, at kelli@gcnonprofitnews.com to discover how your business or organization can become a sponsor/advertiser of the Greater Cincinnati Nonprofit News.

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