Alumni Testimonials

What our Alum have to say about DM 101.

Tori Weir

Development Officer, Individual Giving
Bissell Centre

DM 101 was an incredible experience. The instructors were thorough, supportive, and exceptionally knowledgeable, making complex concepts easy to understand and apply.

I came away with a much stronger understanding of direct mail fundraising and a renewed excitement for the work. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to build their skills and confidence in direct mail.

Charlee Rutton

Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa

After taking DM 101 I feel confident in leading my organization's Direct Mail program and I am excited to strengthen our strategy and letters using the best practices I learned from Mel and her colleagues.

This course was an in-depth look at all aspects of Direct Mail with practical take-aways each week I can apply right away.

Advisor Testimonials

What experts in the Fundraising sector have to say about DM 101.

Cathy Mann

Founder & CEO
Fundraising Lab

DM 101 is a really well-designed, thoughtful program. Module 3 on Inclusive Direct Mail tackled topics our profession has long skirted — trauma-informed interviewing, the ethics of storytelling, the emotional weight we carry into this work — with depth and care.

IGC doesn't just teach technique; they ask us to examine our assumptions, reckon with power, and recognize the humanity of the people whose stories we're entrusted to tell.

I left having learned a new thing or two and questioned my own practice in the best possible way. that's exactly what good professional development should do. This is the kind of training fundraising has needed for a long time.

Caitlin N.

Director of Annual Giving
Ontario SCPA

When direct mail roles are posted at charitable organizations, there is often a gap between the experience and knowledge required or requested for the role and what is available from a prospective employee. Often the only way to get the type of knowledge or experience desired is hands-on, but organizations are looking for someone who can hit the ground running and don’t have the time to invest in training up greener staff.

This course will bridge that gap - bringing a perfect blend of practical and hands-on knowledge combined with the psychology behind why direct mail is what it is, does what it does and works the way it works.

That combined with the abundance of resources included should give anyone starting in or even a few years into a direct mail role everything they need to move forward with confidence, and I expect in many cases, a more disciplined approach.

As someone who has been working with direct mail for over two decades, even I learned some new information from this course. While it’s called DM 101, it is also an excellent refresher to the psychology and science of direct mail.

Neha Trivedi

Manager, Direct and Digital Marketing
SickKids Foundation

What I found most valuable about DM 101 was how practical and applicable the content was.

The course went beyond direct mail tactics and provided a broader understanding of how donor retention, testing, measurement, and integrated campaigns work together to drive fundraising success.

It reinforced the importance of taking a long-term, donor-centric approach to fundraising and provided tools that can be applied immediately.

I would recommend this course to fundraisers looking to strengthen both their strategic thinking and day-to-day fundraising practice.

Erin Nazarali

Annual Giving Manager
The Royal

DM 101 gave me the clarity and confidence I wish I’d had when I first stepped into the world of direct mail.

The practical guidance on creative choices and donor‑focused messaging will elevate the campaigns I work on, and will raise the standard of direct mail across the sector for anyone who has taken this course.

Emily

Manager, Annual Programs
Hospital Foundation

DM 101 is a great course for anyone looking to understand the nuts and bolts of a direct mail campaign. From effective storytelling, to segmentation, envelope type, and more. You will leave the course with the tools needed to succeed.