Zoetica is engaged in the evaluation of the Case Foundation’s second America’s Giving Challenge. The first case study features Darius Goes West, a nonprofit fighting the fatal genetic disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Perhaps the most compelling part of Darius Goes West’s story is their America’s Giving Challenge comeback, as they were losing in the Challenge.
Darius Goes West — originally started as an award winning movie – but lives on as a nonprofit online. Per the above video the nonprofit was faring well in the Challenge, but was not placing in the top ten, and would not win a prize. The organization rallied its significant supporter base using videos and its Facebook community.
But it goes beyond passion, and this is the genesis of the comeback in my mind. Darius West deployed great calls to action in its out-bound communications. People feel passion, but when they are given something to do with that emotion, well, look out. Things happen, including comebacks.
Calls to action that I liked in the Darius Goes West Campaign:
- You Tube Annotations asking for donations throughout videos (see this primer I wrote for Mashable on YouTube nonprofit best practices)
- A clear, manageable ask of $10
- A second ask of five Facebook wall postings, an ideal alternative for those who want to do more and can’t give money
- Use of Facebook Notes to show people how they can help
It’s clear that while not a “professional” marketing effort, Darius West gets basic marketing principles. Beyond the stellar, simple calls-to-action, the campaign was integrated across media channels, allowing for maximum success. Good cause + passionate fans + smart marketing = one America’s Giving Challenge comeback.
You can read the whole case study here.