Data co-ops are getting a bad rap. And to be honest, we think there are some email co-ops that have earned that reputation! That’s exactly why M+R’s Scout Quest, is, and always will be, a different kind of co-op.
Here’s the big difference: other co-ops find new names to add to your file without even opting them in. This can lead to emails heading straight to spam, a damaged reputation, and even blacklisting your org. Not to mention vexing your supporters and diminishing trust in nonprofits.
We get why orgs use these other co-ops, though. Building and nurturing a healthy email list is hard (see: our Benchmarks Study). Who wouldn’t want a shortcut? US. That’s who. And likely a lot of nonprofits who take privacy seriously — along with the supporters who trust them.
M+R’s co-op, Scout Quest, on the other hand, helps nonprofits supplement information on their existing supporters who have already opted-in to receiving emails, donated, and/or engaged with the organization in some way. Our co-op lets groups know if they have people on their file who are engaged with other organizations as donors, sustainers, email clickers, and more. It tells orgs who they should be spending time on (and who they shouldn’t). If your results are flat or flagging, it can provide an immediate boost. It separates the wheat from the chaff — and it works! 🥳Awesome, right?
Many nonprofits are already using it to engage and re-engage people who already opted in to their lists with a strong return on investment. Some highlights:
- Co-op-identified subscribers made more than 600 donations at EOY for one participant.
- Another participant has reactivated more than 50,000 subscribers.
- The average ad tier participant saw a 78% increase in return on ad spend (ROAS).
The 2024 fall cohort for Scout Quest is coming up soon! The deadline to participate is September 6 in order to receive your data back in time to put it to work for Giving Tuesday and end of year fundraising. Sign up here and/or join us and Crystal Ebert from Amnesty International USA to hear how Scout Quest can safely, securely, and ethically transform your email and ads programs.
WEBINAR: Wednesday, August 28 | 1pm ET / 10am PT
P.S. We are so proud to say that Scout Quest has been up and running for three years now with over 50 organizations participating, and we know of zero instances where it has caused any kind of deliverability issue. We take privacy very seriously here — check out our FAQ to read even more about it! Or better yet, reach out to us at scoutquest@mrss.com to chat.