--- title: Optimize your acquisition program for the road ahead description: Here are the key tactics your organization should implement to supercharge your acquisition for the road ahead. image: https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hubfs/210111-RKD-Optimize-your-acquisition-program-for-the-road-ahead-Doodle-v2.jpg --- [![](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/210111-RKD-Groupthinkers-Rebranded-Logo-Blog-png.png?width=157&name=210111-RKD-Groupthinkers-Rebranded-Logo-Blog-png.png)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com) - [Solutions](https://rkdgroup.com/services/) - [Mid-Level Giving](https://rkdgroup.com/services/mid-level-giving/) - [Monthly Giving](https://rkdgroup.com/services/monthly-giving/) - [Lapsed Giving](https://rkdgroup.com/services/lapsed-giving/) - [Personalization](https://rkdgroup.com/services/personalization/) - [Connectors](https://rkdgroup.com/services/connectors/) - [Machine Learning](https://rkdgroup.com/services/machine-learning/) - [Marketing + Fundraising](https://rkdgroup.com/services/marketing-fundraising/) - [Audience Development](https://rkdgroup.com/services/audience-development/) - [Creative Services](https://rkdgroup.com/services/creative-services/) - [Data Management](https://rkdgroup.com/services/data-management/) - [Strategic Planning](https://rkdgroup.com/services/strategic-planning/) - [Analytics](https://rkdgroup.com/services/analytics/) - [Causes](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/) - [Animal Care](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/animal-care/) - [Food Banks](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/food-banks/) - [Health + Hospitals](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/health-hospitals/) - [Humanitarian](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/humanitarian/) - [Missions](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/missions/) - [Salvation Army](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/the-salvation-army/) - [Results](https://rkdgroup.com/results/) - [Acquisition](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=acquisition) - [Digital](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=digital) - [Mid-Major Programs](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=mid-major-programs) - [Advanced Analytics](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=advanced-analytics) - [Direct Mail](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=direct-mail) - [Multichannel Strategy](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=multichannel-strategy) - [Data Management](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=data-management) - [Media](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=media) - [Website Development](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=website-development) - [Resources](https://rkdgroup.com/insights/) - [Blog](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/) - [Benchmarks](https://info.rkdgroup.com/benchmarks) - [Webinars](https://info.rkdgroup.com/webinars) - [Ebooks + Research](https://info.rkdgroup.com/ebooks-research) - [Podcast](https://info.rkdgroup.com/group-thinkers-nonprofit-marketing-podcast) - [Field Guides](https://info.rkdgroup.com/field-guides) - [About Us](https://rkdgroup.com/about/) - [Leadership](https://rkdgroup.com/about/leadership/) - [Careers](https://rkdgroup.com/about/careers/) - [Let's Chat](https://rkdgroup.com/lets-chat/) #### Subscribe to our blog ### Subscribe to Email Updates ## Featured Post   [RKD Group](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/rkd-group) ## [RKD Group Acquires Whiteboard](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/rkd-group-acquires-whiteboard) Premier Marketing Agency Bolsters Conceptual Creative Capabilities by Acquiring Award-Winning Agency PLANO, Texas, July 27, 2026 — Today, RKD Group, Nor\[...\] [Digital Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/digital-fundraising) [Direct Mail Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/direct-mail-fundraising) [Multichannel](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/multichannel) [Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/fundraising) [Nonprofit Industry](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/nonprofit-industry) [RKD](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/rkd) [Brand](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/brand) [Read More](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/rkd-group-acquires-whiteboard)   [Shane Thornal](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/shane-thornal) ## [Why nonprofits must unite SEO, social and paid media in one strategy](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/why-nonprofits-must-unite-seo-social-and-paid-media-in-one-strategy) Someone at your organization “owns” paid media. Someone else—often younger and under resourced—runs the social accounts. A third person (or maybe no one\[...\] [Digital Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/digital-fundraising) [SEO](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/seo) [Digital Media](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/digital-media) [Social Media](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/social-media) [Data & Analytics](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/data-analytics) [Read More](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/why-nonprofits-must-unite-seo-social-and-paid-media-in-one-strategy) ## Recent Posts [Direct Mail Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/direct-mail-fundraising) [Acquisition](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/acquisition) # Optimize your acquisition program for the road ahead By [Anne Lobban](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/anne-wiman) We’ve stressed the importance of staying the course despite evidence of an [economic downturn](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/how-can-nonprofits-prepare-for-fundraising-during-an-economic-downturn/) following the COVID-19 pandemic. [From past recessions](https://www.philanthropy.com/article/The-Recession-Wild-Card/247779), we know that those nonprofit organizations who[cut their acquisition efforts](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/why-cutting-acquisition-is-a-terrible-idea/) lost ground in their market area. Which is why, through of all of this, our message has stayed consistent: continue fundraising. Despite concerns, it’s not [insensitive to ask](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/is-fundraising-insensitive-during-a-time-of-crisis/) for support. However, donors will likely reduce the number of nonprofits they support during this time. And because of this, it’s important that you are optimizing your acquisition program to focus on acquiring high-value donors with the potential for long-term giving. Acquiring the right donors is proven to increase renewal rates, raise average gifts, boost long-term net and increase donor migration to mid-major donors. It’s critical that your acquisition program is optimized to withstand any challenge we may face in the road ahead. It won’t be easy. But with time, testing and targeting, your acquisition program can maximize its potential. In this blog, we’ll outline the key tactics your organization should have in place to optimize acquisition for years to come. ### LIST OPTIMIZATION List optimization is a critical step to optimize your acquisition performance and long-term net. Through forecasting, identify which lists are hitting your metrics and continually optimize your list mix to reach your short- and long-term goals. Direct-response lists are rich with consumer and donor behavior in your market, indicating those who have already shown a pattern of philanthropic giving. In addition, through selection techniques based on profiling, recent activity and gift amount, you can identify those individuals most likely to give. This discipline, combined with cooperative database participation, should translate to improved performance over time. ### COOPERATIVE DATABASES More than 85% of nonprofit organizations participate in cooperative databases regularly, and rightfully so. Co-ops can deliver some of the most valuable donors without any additional costs. ![Optimize your acquisition program-1](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Optimize%20your%20acquisition%20program-1.png?width=708&name=Optimize%20your%20acquisition%20program-1.png) Because co-ops are based on information from donors who have a strong giving history, you can focus your acquisition efforts on the best prospects possible. However, in order to see optimum results, it’s important that you constantly test new models and co-ops to determine the best fit for your organization. ### CUSTOMIZED MODELING Customized models target geographic areas of high wealth and reach individuals who might not otherwise appear on a traditional direct response list. These models can help your organization penetrate wealthy areas and acquire donors with a higher value and the potential for long-term giving. ![Optimize your acquisition program-2](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Optimize%20your%20acquisition%20program-2.jpg?width=800&name=Optimize%20your%20acquisition%20program-2.jpg) ![Optimize your acquisition program-3](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Optimize%20your%20acquisition%20program-3.jpg?width=800&name=Optimize%20your%20acquisition%20program-3.jpg)   ### ASK ARRAY OPTIMIZATION AND MULTIVARIATE TESTING With the right list mix, you can continue to drive incremental gains by testing ask arrays and packages. Use your donor data to drive this strategy. Which donors have a higher capacity to give? By identifying those donors, you can use this group to test higher, more aggressive ask arrays. It’s important to find the winning combination that brings on as many donors as possible while driving long-term net revenue. It’s hard work, but, when properly implemented, these tactics will help form lasting relationships with donors who are committed to your mission for the long haul. Most importantly, don’t take you foot off the gas. After all, what works best in acquisition during normal fundraising seasons can still be effective during a recession. ### [Anne Lobban](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/anne-wiman) Anne Lobban brings more than 15 years of experience in list management, media planning and audience targeting to RKD Group. As Vice President, List Services, Anne and her team of dedicated professionals are an integral part of RKD’s strategy team. She utilizes her list brokerage, list management and media expertise to achieve insight-driven results and help RKD clients meet donor acquisition goals. #### Leave a comment: Previous ##### [Why cutting acquisition is a terrible idea](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/why-cutting-acquisition-is-a-terrible-idea) Next Post ##### [Gift catalogs: You don’t need a goat for symbolic giving](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/blog/gift-catalogs-you-dont-need-a-goat-for-symbolic-giving) ### Search GroupThinkers ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/459002/Assets%20Apr/magnifying-glass.png) [![GP FG - Blog Rail 340x340](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GP%20FG%20-%20Blog%20Rail%20%20340x340.png?width=340&name=GP%20FG%20-%20Blog%20Rail%20%20340x340.png "GP FG - Blog Rail 340x340")](https://info.rkdgroup.com/givingpulse-field-guide-q1-2024-access) [![MidYear Benchmarks-Sidebar_SolidGold](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MidYear%20Benchmarks-Sidebar_SolidGold.png?width=340&name=MidYear%20Benchmarks-Sidebar_SolidGold.png "MidYear Benchmarks-Sidebar_SolidGold")](https://info.rkdgroup.com/donor-trust-access) - 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