COSA, a nonprofit for people affected by compulsive sexual behavior, was struggling on an annual budget of roughly $45,000. Roughly half came from their annual convention, and another quarter each from donations and literature/CD sales. An expensive convention year could (and sometimes did) destroy the budget for two years. 

My proposals included researching and implementing remote convention attendance, recurring online donations, and mp3 downloads. We worked to make as much of COSA available instantly, from home, as possible.

This had a significant impact not only on membership growth, but most importantly, on short- and long-term member engagement. Members with small children, financial struggles, or in remote locations, were suddenly able to participate as fully as those with fewer challenges. Members who would have had to scale back, or stop participating, due to life events, were now able to remain an active part of their community. 

COSA’s unique website visitors increased by 50% within the first year. Event attendance, previously static, began to increase annually. Four years later, they’ve discontinued CD sales entirely, in favor of mp3s.

And total donations rapidly tripled, with recurring donations making up more than half of that; total sales nearly doubled. Their total annual budget rapidly increased by 60%, and continues to grow. All without spending a penny on advertising.