--- title: Blue North Case Study - Wycliffe Bible Translators description: We worked with Wycliffe Bible Translators to revamp their current fundraising programs. We conducted a Cultivation Appeal Audit to review the program. --- [![Blue North Home](https://www.bluenorth.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/blue-north-main-logo.png?width=200&name=blue-north-main-logo.png "Blue North Home")](https://bluenorth-2116053.hs-sites.com/?hsLang=en-ca) [![Blue North](https://www.bluenorth.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/blue-north-main-logo-dark.png?width=200&name=blue-north-main-logo-dark.png "Blue North")](https://bluenorth-2116053.hs-sites.com/?hsLang=en-ca) ![hero_2.jpg](https://www.bluenorth.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/hero_2.jpg?width=1920&name=hero_2.jpg "hero_2.jpg") ![Wycliffe-Bible-Translators.png](https://www.bluenorth.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Our%20Work/Wycliffe/Wycliffe-Bible-Translators.png?width=514&name=Wycliffe-Bible-Translators.png "Wycliffe-Bible-Translators.png") Wycliffe Bible Translators ## Appealing to Donors' Hearts – Cultivation Appeal Success with Wycliffe ### The Challenge In 2013 Blue North saw a trend emerging from Wycliffe’s monthly cultivation appeals: things were trending downward. Average gift size, number of gifts and total revenue were all decreasing. Immediately, we set out to understand what was going on with the direct mail file and how we could correct-course. ### The Solution We conducted a Cultivation Appeal Audit to review all aspects of the solicitation program that our direct mail file was receiving. Our Audit reviewed all aspects of the cultivation appeals and ended with four key recommendations for the client: 1. Optimize audience file (per appeal) by removing poorest performing segments from prior year 2. Focus every appeal offer on the donor’s impact – transformation of lives! 3. Review the timing of all appeals to allow for optimal intake period (4-week minimum) 4. Honing content and creative - Copy needs to speak from the heart – directly appeal to what matters to the donor - Strong ‘story’ openings followed by an ask that gets right to the point - Test creative design to find look and feel - Tone should feel like this is a personal appeal from the President. ![final Wycliffe info -1.png](https://www.bluenorth.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/final%20Wycliffe%20info%20-1.png?width=1280&name=final%20Wycliffe%20info%20-1.png "final Wycliffe info -1.png") ### The Results Throughout 2014 we adhered to these four recommendations and tested each appeal against the “instincts” and “feelings” that crept into decision-making. The end result has been excellent! After our testing, honing, and roll-out of successful strategies, we can report that organizational revenue grew by 34% since FY13. Annual donor counts have increased by 9% and Average Gift remained stable despite an influx of new donors into the file! Concerning income-to-cost, we have grown our return year over year. Overall, Blue North’s work with Wycliffe was accomplished thanks to a strong understanding of the pain-points in their donor file and a commitment to testing. Currently, we are engaged in optimizing Wycliffe’s landing pages to improve conversion from visit to gift; and building a new donor Welcome Kit to improve a new donor’s time to second gift and increase retention. ## READY TO LEARN WHAT BLUE NORTH CAN DO FOR YOUR CAUSE? ### QUICK LINKS ### RECENT POSTS ### CONTACT US 123 Woolwich St. Guelph, ON N1H 3V1 [** (519) 767 - 3228](tel:+15197673228) ### Stay sharp with monthly fundraising advice from our industry experts. We have so much knowledge to share with you. No spam. We promise. Copyright © 2026 Blue North Strategies Inc. | Blue North Strategies and White Page Marketing are trademarks of Blue North Strategies Inc. | [Privacy Policy](https://www.bluenorth.ca/privacy-policy-blue-north?hsLang=en-ca) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=1210060&fmt=gif)