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Tennessee Wildlife Federation

Tennessee Wildlife Federation (TWF) is one of the state’s oldest and most respected conservation nonprofits, dedicated to protecting Tennessee’s lands, waters, and wildlife. The organization’s annual fund provides critical unrestricted support, powering education programs, conservation initiatives, and community engagement statewide.

NOTABLE OUTCOMES

$134,677

TOTAL IMPACT

Set a new organizational record, including $28,114 from gifts ≥ $1,000.

235%

DIRECT MAIL ROI

Targeted campaigns delivered exceptional returns on every dollar invested.

40%

DONOR RETENTION

Donor engagement remained strong despite sector-wide challenges.

15%

DONOR UPGRADES

Loyal supporters increased their giving, boosting overall annual fund revenue.

OPPORTUNITY

As with many nonprofits, TWF’s annual giving program faced shifting donor trends. Fewer donors were giving overall, but those who remained were contributing at higher levels. TWF turned to Shaff Fundraising Group (SFG) to enhance its strategy, strengthen donor engagement, and unlock new opportunities for pipeline growth.

SOLUTION

SFG partnered with TWF to design and execute a data-driven approach that elevated both performance and sustainability. Key steps included:

Refining annual fund definitions and reporting for greater clarity and long-term consistency.
Building targeted donor engagement strategies through direct mail, micro-campaigns, and personalized email appeals.
Focusing on donor retention and upgrades to maximize the impact of loyal supporters.
Linking annual fund efforts to larger campaigns and major gifts, demonstrating the broader impact of consistent donor outreach.

RESULT

Through this partnership, TWF transformed its annual fund performance and achieved its highest five-year impact:

$134,677 in total impact, setting a new record, including using a major gift as a challenge gift to attract new donors.
235% ROI on direct mail campaigns.
15% of loyal donors increased their giving, strengthening long-term donor value.
40% donor retention rate, reflecting strong engagement despite sector-wide challenges.
$28,114 raised from gifts ≥ $1,000, a $5,000 increase over the previous year.

By aligning strategy with donor insights, SFG helped TWF not only meet the moment but also achieve record-breaking results. This success story illustrates how nonprofits can adapt to changing donor behavior while building stronger, more sustainable fundraising programs. At SFG, we help nonprofits like TWF unlock their fundraising potential. Ready to strengthen your annual giving program?

Contact us to learn more.

CLIENT PERSPECTIVE

SFG’s data-driven approach transformed our annual fund. Not only did we finish the year stronger than ever, but we also achieved record impact, strengthened donor relationships, and positioned the program for long-term success. Their partnership has been invaluable for both our fundraising strategy and our mission.