I am always on the lookout for free resources for non-profits and churches. I recently received a tip that VerticalResponse.com provides free service offerings and discounts to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. The Vertical Response toolset allows you to create emails, online surveys, and direct mail postcards. As well it tracks who opens, clicks, shares and buys.
To be transparent, I have not personally used Vertical Response, but I do have it on good authority from a colleague that Vertical Response is worth investigating – especially if you qualify for their free service offering. If you are eligible, they will allow you to send up to 10,000 emails per month. If you go over the limit, they do offer discounts on additional delivery rates. While I believe MailChimp has them beat on the free email offering, I am intrigued at how they have integrated both survey and custom printed postcards. Both of which they do offer deep discounts as part of the non-profit program.
If you are interested in applying for their non-profit program first, sign up for a new account. Then, fill out the application form, they will check to make sure that you’re not fibbing about your 501(c)(3) status, and they will then flip the switch. If everything checks out, you will be up and running within 2 working days. Best of luck!
