Non-Profit Case Study

The ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore

THE GOAL

The ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore is one of the leading federations in North America with an annual campaign that raises nearly $30 million. Weinberg Harris & Associates has developed a media relations program designed to support The ASSOCIATED’s philanthropic efforts in Baltimore to provide humanitarian and social services to the Jewish community and overseas. By providing public relations counsel for The ASSOCIATED and the thirty agencies and programs in the federation, the agency proactively seeks media coverage for the vast number of events and corporate initiatives undertaken by the organization.

THE APPROACH

Weinberg Harris & Associates works closely with The ASSOCIATED to develop media relations strategies that best fit the nonprofit's short and long-term communication objectives. Consultation with individual agencies is provided and specific public relations campaigns are developed in coordination with the marketing plans created. Public relations is often one component of The ASSOCIATED’s well-designed, executed and evaluated marketing programs.
Aggressive media relations tactics are executed to:

  • Skillfully obtain local, regional, national and international coverage of significant news and announcements
  • Secure pre-event coverage to positively impact attendance at events
  • Facilitate and coordinate media coverage of events and community activities
  • Secure feature story opportunities

THE RESULTS

In 2001, a total of 6,913,141 gross impressions in media coverage totalling more than $60,000 in advertising dollars were obtained on behalf of The ASSOCIATED. Media coverage for The ASSOCIATED has spanned local, regional and national broadcast and print media outlets.

 

Living Classrooms Foundation

THE GOAL

Living Classrooms Foundation (LCF) is non-profit organization that provides experiential education and job training programs for youth especially those in need of extra guidance. To sustain the programs and facilities, LCF needed to engage in public relations outreach to build awareness and communicate the success of their programs to local constituencies and donors.

THE APPROACH

  • Human Interest Approach - Story ideas for the media were developed around specific education programs, participating educational institutions and individual students personal success.
  • Frequent and timely communication of story ideas and events from LCF.

THE RESULTS

  • LCF is widely recognized in the Baltimore community and expanding its programming and reach to the Washington DC community.
  • The annual fundraiser Maritime Magic has become a traditional celebration at LCF’s Inner Harbor campus every September. In 2002, the event attendance and fundraising reached an all time high.
  • LCF garners regular coverage by print and broadcast media.