MEDIUM OF COMMUNICATION Direct Mail and eDM
TARGET AUDIENCE Warm and lapsed donors
TYPE OF CHARITY Education
BACKGROUND
The University of Melbourne (UoM) is a public research university. Founded in 1853, it is the second oldest university in Australia, and the oldest in Victoria. UoM wanted to push the status quo with alumni and internal stakeholders by re-vamping their end of year appeal. The campaign was two-fold: to raise money for research into preventions for stillbirth, and to engage alumni into other areas of giving.
CONCEPT
Inspired by a doctor’s reflection on the silence in the delivery room with stillbirth, we developed a clear and simple campaign message, Break the Silence. It resonated deeply, and became the core of all communications.
UoM carefully selected alumni they thought would respond to a research theme, rather than their usual scholarships ask. We included an engagement card with every pack, so alumni could lend their voice and help break the silence around stillbirth.
SPECIAL MENTION
This campaign expressed the very real need for more funds for research into the prevention of stillbirth, both emotionally and rationally. It was unique, creative and innovative, and the university’s willingness to segment donors and test new approaches and themes certainly paid off. They were rewarded with much success and more donations than they expected.