Episode 042 – CFF’s Jessica Wickersham & Vanessa Deussing on Venture Philanthropy

Episode 042 – CFF’s Jessica Wickersham & Vanessa Deussing on Venture Philanthropy

SYNOPSIS
In this episode, the Marketing RV with Ranalli & Volpe pulled up to the Delaware Valley chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to discuss how this organization competes with the throngs of other worthy charities looking for support. Guests Jessica Wickersham, Executive Director, and Vanessa Deussing, Senior Development Director, provided a wealth of information about how their foundation operates, the successes it has achieved in its 65-years, and the challenges it faces. You’ll learn how this non-profit competes for money and attention in a tight arena with a significant number of similarly worthy causes.

All organizations face marketing challenges. CFF remains focused on its mission, its unique set of circumstances, and its goal—to eradicate Cystic Fibrosis. A large portion of the money raised by CFF goes directly to efforts related to research. Keeping expenses low is part of their strategic development plan along with event marketing and partnerships.

This is the first in a two-part series with CFF. The next episode delves deeper into CFF’s Venture Philanthropy model and news about a revolutionary drug that offers hope to 90% of those suffering with CF. There is much work to be done, but you can take hear in the strides that have been made.

Enjoy this episode, share it with your network, and please follow Marketing RV, Gene, and Lorraine on your favorite social platform. If you’d like to be a guest on the show or if your business would like to sponsor and host Marketing RV, contact us here.

HIGHLIGHTS
03:00 Cystic Fibrosis defined and the history of 65 Roses
04:29 65th anniversary of CFF
04:42 Good news about life expectancy
06:48 By the numbers
07:00 Gene gets stubborn
09:00 Marketing CFF through events & business development
11:48 How CF differentiates itself from other non-profits
13:02 Venture Philanthropy
13:55 The best story in medicine: the cure is on the horizon
15:10 Gene: among Philly’s Finest
16:45 CHOP & Dr. Rubenstein’s tour
18:29 Gene drops the bomb
21:03 Consequences of an invisible disease
24:08 Cultivating the grass roots
26:05 Value in ambassadorship