Since 1979, C-SPAN has been providing unfiltered access into the inner workings of American democracy. Until recently though, the network was funded entirely by the cable industry and had never attempted to fundraise from private donors.
However, the disruption produced by cord cutting necessitated innovation and late last year C-SPAN launched a development program to generate support from the channel's loyal audience which values their unfiltered, unbiased approach politics.
C-SPAN's first ever Development Director, Molly Connors, joins Dan to share her story and go behind the scenes to discuss what it's been like to launch a fundraising program for legacy brand.
Topics covered in this fascinating chat include:
- Molly's origin story in fundraising, how her new position at C-SPAN brought her career full circle, and how helping to launch a digital program for PBS prepared her for the position
- C-SPAN's three critical donor cohorts and how Molly and her team identified them
- What is the value proposition that drives those cohorts to give and the importance of unique value propositions for different groups of donors
- TONS OF TACTICAL INSIGHTS, including C-SPAN's channel and engagement strategy and clever hacks for increasing DAF and digital giving (Hint: You'll want to add your postal address to all of your donation pages after listening to this interview)
- The value of donor stories and helpful tips on how to solicit them
- C-SPAN's surprising success on TikTok and reaching younger donors
Plus, so much more...
This interview is a great listen for fundraisers and non-profit leaders who enjoy founding stories as well any fundraising professional who is interested in tactical hacks for audience development, donor engagement, content strategy, and so much more.
Fundraisers who have been able to successfully start a program from the ground up have a rare and invaluable perspective which is why we are so grateful to Molly for sharing her time and wisdom.
We really enjoyed this conversation and, got a ton of value out of it, and believe you will too.
Thanks as always for listening to the Dynamic Non-Profits Podcast and enjoy the show!
Show Notes:
Molly Connors
Development Manager
C-SPAN
mconnors@c-span.org
LEARN MORE ABOUT C-SPAN OR SUPPORT THEIR MISSION TO PROVIDE UNFILTED ACCESS TO OUR DEMOCRACY
https://www.c-span.org/
CONNECT WITH MOLLY ON LINKED IN!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyconnors/
