How HeartLight Center Uses Print and Direct Mail to Achieve Its Mission:

HeartLight Center, a Denver-based non-profit dedicated to providing accessible grief support and education, leverages print and direct mail strategically to fulfill its mission. Starting with just one monthly group for grieving people, offering community and support during some of the most difficult times in their lives, HeartLight Center programs have now grown to offering in-person support groups and workshops in the greater Metro-Denver area, as well as Colorado’s Western Slope, and in New Mexico, as well as offering a robust calendar of virtual programs that can be attended by anyone, anywhere. In addition we provide training, support and resources to professional and volunteer caregivers serving bereaved individuals everywhere. Here's a breakdown of how HeartLight utilizes these traditional methods and the positive impact they bring:

Current Uses:

Quarterly "HeartLight Highlight" Newsletter: This printed newsletter serves as a cornerstone of HeartLight's outreach efforts.

Content: It covers a wide range of grief-related topics, including sensitive issues like loss of a child, suicide, overdose, and the neurobiology of grief. We include educational and scientific articles, touching heart to heart letters, and solutions/support groups offered by HeartLight.

Target Audience: By delivering this information directly through mail, HeartLight reaches individuals who might not actively seek it online or through social media. This ensures crucial support reaches those who may be struggling in silence and give them something physical to read, feel, and do. While in grief it can be very hard to reach out for help, by sending a magazine mailer, the reader can feel more seen, herd, and validated.

Event Invitations: Print invitations are used for critical fundraising events. Every year we hold a Golf Tournament (Hook,Slice, HeartLight) as well as a Silent Auction Fundraiser (It's All About Love). We mail physical Save the Dates as well as invitations for both events.

Personal Touch: Physical invitations add a personal touch, increasing the perceived value and importance of the event. This can lead to higher attendance and, consequently, greater fundraising success.

Benefits of Print and Direct Mail for our non-profit:

Breaching the Digital Divide: Print materials bridge the gap for those who may not have reliable internet access or prefer physical resources. Our target demographic is anyone who has experienced a loss, which is broad- but we specifially reach alot of older people, who still rely HEAVILY on print and direct mail to recive information. Over 30% of our contact base doesn't even have email addresses, so we send a ton of things via mail, even if its just a flyer or a newsletter.

Tangible Touchpoint: A physical newsletter creates a lasting impression compared to a fleeting email. People are more likely to hold onto it and refer back to the information when needed.

Emotional Connection: Direct mail can feel more personal than digital communication, fostering a stronger connection with the recipient and the cause.

Targeted Reach: By segmenting mailing lists, HeartLight can send targeted mailers with content most relevant to specific demographics or past interactions.