The Patterson Foundation Leverages Finance and Communications For Arthritis Foundation Florida Fundraising Success

The Patterson Foundation chose the Arthritis Foundation Florida Chapter (AFFC) as a collaborative partner in 2010, and with TPF’s strategic financial and communications support, AFFC more than doubled funds raised during its 2010 Jingle Bell Walk/Run events in just under four weeks.

The total raised represents a 318-percent increase from 2009 and included several innovative communications and finance efforts aimed at leveraging AFFC’s existing assets and creating new opportunities for increased awareness and philanthropy.

In addition to offering a matching challenge, The Patterson Foundation supported AFFC through two new approaches: social media and strategic communications programs, both created with the assistance of TPF’s strategic communications partner.

By leveraging The Patterson Foundation’s $35,000 investment in communications, TPF’s strategic communications partner created and promoted AFFC’s new Facebook page; collaborated with media outlets to secure billboard, radio, print, and online newsletter exposure at reduced rates; obtained Web promotions for AFFC’s events and created and distributed press releases to key media outlets.

Through innovative collaboration, media and promotional efforts on behalf of AFFC, the result was a 1,930 percent “return on leveraging” and the creation of an endowment for sustainability and future communications capacity within the organization.