Director, Direct Response Fundraising
American Bible Society
Mike Schmersahl is a gifted direct response fundraising leader with a passion for connecting donors’ hearts and generosity with the urgent needs of beneficiaries. This means efficiently acquiring the right donors and cultivating rich and long-lasting relationships with the understanding that, as fundraisers, we are ultimately stewards and conduits for our donors’ desire to transform the lives of the people who need their support.
With 8+ years of direct response fundraising experience, particularly in the areas of fundraising operations, messaging, and direct mail, Mike applies a data-and-analytics-based approach to maximizing the performance of an omni-channel fundraising program, with the goal of building a robust and loyal donor base that enriches all levels of the donor pipeline. At ABS, he stewards a direct mail program with an annual budget of $7M+, approximately 200,000 donors, and annual gross revenue of $20M+, along with acquisition and retention KPIs that are 2x-3x stronger than industry benchmarks.
The direct mail program Mike leads, and its efficiency and success, are proof that mail remains one of the most cost-effective methods for acquiring, cultivating, and stewarding donors, especially when integrated effectively with a digital program. He also embraces the idea that a fundraiser’s job entails so much more than simply generating revenue. Instead, it’s the duty of the fundraiser to build enduring relationships with donors and to shrink the perceived distance between the donor and the beneficiary.
Mike brings a joyful, devoted, and disciplined perspective to effective fundraising that will benefit all who attend this session.
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Three Proven Practices for Gaining and KEEPING Loyal Donors
Thursday, August 1, 2024
11:35 AM – 12:35 PM EST