Engaging Younger Donors with Melissa Watkins of Pacific Autism Center for Education

Nonprofit organizations are constantly seeking ways to engage younger generations in their causes. Melissa Watkins from the Pacific Autism Center for Education joins this episode to unpack strategies to attract and retain Gen Z and millennial donors through innovative digital marketing and communication techniques. This episode is essential for nonprofit leaders and marketing professionals looking to secure the future of their organizations by tapping into the digital fluency and civic-mindedness of younger donors.

About the guest

Melissa Watkins has over ten years of experience in marketing and over five years of experience in nonprofit development and leadership. She currently heads the marketing and development department at the Pacific Autism Center for Education, a nonprofit organization based in Santa Clara, CA, that provides a range of vital services for autistic children and adults. As a dual marketing and development leader, Melissa brings her expertise to drive impactful initiatives at PACE. Melissa holds a degree in Sociology from the University of California, Davis and is currently working toward her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification. She enjoys serving on the Board of Directors for two Bay Area-based nonprofits, running half marathons, and chasing after her 18-month-old twin daughters.

Resources

• Benevity: https://benevity.com/
• Association of Fundraising Professionals: https://afpglobal.org/
• Fidelity Charitable: https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/
• Blackbaud: https://www.blackbaud.ca/
• Unleashing the Power of Gratitude Using Handwritten Thank You Notes with David Wachs of Handwrytten: https://brooks.digital/health-nonprofit-digital-marketing/unleashing-the-power-of-gratitude/

Contact Melissa

• Website: https://www.pacificautism.org/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watkinsmelissa/