Convio Data Shows 2003 is Pivotal Year as Nonprofits Embrace Internet — Clients Raise $40 Million Online, Sign Up Five Million Constituents

Convio Clients Collectively Raised 10 Times More Online in 2003 Than 2002; Jewish National Fund Generates $1 Million-Plus Online, ASPCA Reports Record Totals

AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 5, 2004) — 2003 was a watershed year for nonprofit sector adoption of the Internet to attract new constituents, fundraise and mobilize support, according to proprietary data just released by Convio. Convio clients raised more than $40 million online in 2003 — 10 times more than 2002 — and sent more than 71 million email messages. Convio is the leading provider of software and services that help nonprofit organizations use the Internet to reach out to, attract and build strong relationships with constituents to drive support.

In 2003, organizations from all segments of the nonprofit sector used Convio Internet tools to: 

  • Increase the number of online donations, as well as the total dollar amount donated, by more than 10 times over 2002, generating 600,000-plus online donations totaling nearly $40 million;
  • Add nearly five million constituents to their databases -- four times as many as 2002;
  • Send more than 71 million email messages -- a seven-fold increase from emails sent the previous year;
  • Engage constituents by providing nearly 20,000 active Web pages with compelling and current content;
  • Drive revenue and participation by selling more than 485,000 tickets to 13,500 events;
  • Learn more about constituent's interests by conducting 3,000 surveys which generated 754,000 responses; and 
  • Mobilize advocates to send 313,000 messages to legislators and other decision makers on public policy issues. 

"In the last year, we've seen a snowball effect in nonprofits leveraging the power of the Internet," said Gene Austin, CEO of Convio. "As more nonprofits integrate online activities into their key functions and programs, particularly in the areas of membership, fundraising, marketing and advocacy, they are reaping strong, measurable results.  As word gets out, other groups are taking notice and migrating online, as well. We expect these trends to accelerate in 2004."

Highlights of results achieved by Convio clients in 2003 include the following:

  • American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) increased online revenue by 119% in 2003; the leading animal welfare organization sent almost 10 million emails to constituents and got advocates to send nearly 185,000 messages to lawmakers to express their views on policy matters.
  • Jewish National Fund (JNF) became the first Jewish nonprofit to raise $1.15 million online in just one year. JNF added more than 100,000 constituents to its database and sent more than one million email messages.
  • Dean for America mobilized significant support in a matter of months -- the presidential campaign raised $11 million over the Internet in less than 180 days with Convio. In this same short timeframe, the campaign registered more 450,000 people online to receive regular communications and sent 6.5 million emails to keep them involved and solicit contributions.

About Convio, Inc.

Convio is the leading provider of software and services that help nonprofit organizations use the Internet to build strong constituent relationships to drive support and participation. Convio has online solution centers for fundraising and membership, advocacy, special events, volunteer fundraising, Web site management, email communications and alumni relations. All centers include the Constituent360™ platform, a sophisticated, online marketing database that centralizes constituent data and integrates with offline databases. This gives nonprofits a unified view of constituent interests and motivations -- key for personalized and targeted outreach and communications. Convio also provides services and consulting to help nonprofits achieve success online.

In addition to the Brady Campaign United with the Million Mom March, Convio's clients include Easter Seals, American Diabetes Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, AVON Foundation, National Trust For Historic Preservation, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, KCET Community Television of Southern California, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Georgetown University and the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. For more information, please visit www.convio.com.

Whitney Wood Otstott
Corporate Communications Manager
Convio, Inc.
512-652-2632
wotstott@convio.com