Non-Profit News

Tomorrow I will interview Anthony Fusaro, Director of Development for the Talbot House in Lakeland, FL. As you already know, I have been working alongside Fusaro for several weeks on this nonprofit’s biggest fundraise, the “Have a Heart for the Homeless” concert.

 Already familiar with some of Fusaro’s work, I am interested to see a more in-depth take on his nonprofit work: how does he ensure the Talbot House is funded, staffed, and above all, effective?

Working at the Talbot House today, I was reminded of another public relations necessity: a target audience.

 The Talbot House, while promoting its “Have a Heart for the Homeless” concert, is attempting to define their own target audience. They have already advertised to the community through newspaper coverage and community posters, but are now targeting specific subgroups in the community. Anthony Fusaro is heading up the efforts; targeting audiences for a musical variety concert being housed at a local church.

Some examples of our targeted subgroups: today I spent some time contacting retirement communities to let them in on this upcoming event. Fusaro has also spent significant time alerting area churches. I believe even in this case, where a broad audience must be appealed to, there are still specific ways to appeal to each audience.

Fusaro and the Talbot House team are trying to appeal to each audience in their own way: bulletin inserts for churches, posters and phone calls for retirement communities. A personal touch is necessary for these subgroups, so Fusaro’s influence in the community has become increasingly important in the promotion efforts.

With my background in public relations, I hope to define and advertise to target audiences for my organization with a high level of efficiency. I am also noting the importance of a community relationship in Fusaro’s promotions and hope to offer that to my organization as well.