At this year’s DMAW Bridge Conference, one message came through loud and clear: nonprofits are under pressure, and they’re looking for partners who understand the challenge of doing more with less.
We had dozens of conversations with fundraisers, marketers, and agency partners. Everyone is navigating a difficult giving environment, where budgets are tighter, goals remain high, and cost-efficiency is more important than ever. A few themes stood out:
Budgets Are Tight, and Margins Even Tighter
We heard from organizations and vendor partners alike that pricing has become so competitive that many are breaking even or even taking a loss just to stay in the game. This tells us two things:
- Everyone is looking for ways to cut waste and maximize value.
- There’s no room for inefficiencies or outdated processes.
Digital Printing Is On the Rise
More organizations are shifting toward digital printing for their direct mail. Print quantities are being reduced, and flexibility is now a must. Digital print allows for faster turnarounds, shorter runs, the ability to test and iterate more frequently, and reduces freight costs.
Personalization Matters More Than Ever
It’s not just about getting a mail piece out the door. It’s about making it meaningful. We heard strong interest in 4-color variable data printing, the kind of technology that enables personalized stories, images, and asks at scale. In a saturated mailbox, personalized mail stands out.
Nonprofits Are Struggling—but Still Fighting
The giving landscape has changed. Many organizations are still feeling the effects of donor fatigue, economic uncertainty, and rising costs. But they aren’t giving up. They’re adjusting, adapting, and looking for smart, strategic partners who can help them weather the storm.
So, How Can CP Direct Help?
We asked ourselves the same question:
How can we help our customers be more efficient, more effective, and more supported during a difficult time?
We believe the answer lies in evolution.
- We are pleased to announce that CP Direct has made a commitment to purchase an in-house envelope converter from W+D. This machine will expand our current envelope capacity by allowing us to convert rolls to high-quality multi-color envelopes for direct mail, right on our production floor.
- CP Direct is also in the final stages of selecting our first digital inkjet web press, which we will have operational in Q1 2026. We are now in a position to make that shift with our customers, and we’ll share more details in the next few weeks.
These upgrades are designed with one goal in mind: to help you do more with less, without sacrificing quality or impact.
We left Bridge inspired by the creativity, resilience, and heart of the nonprofit community. You’re finding ways to keep moving forward, and we want to walk that path with you.
If you’re ready to explore ways to make your next direct mail campaign more efficient and effective, let’s talk. Now’s the time to rethink what’s possible.
