Ascend Fundraising Solutions: Company Market Research Report

Company Overview

• Name: Ascend Fundraising Solutions

• Mission: In our relentless pursuit of helping charities raise the most funds possible, it is our mission to build the world’s best software-based fundraising solutions.

• Founded: No information is available.

• Founders: No information is available.

• Key People:

• Gerti Dervishi, CEO

• Daniel Lewis, Executive Chair

• Dan Libro, Chief Product Officer (CPO)

• Scott Walker, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

• Ken Cook, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)

• Shonari Knibbs, Global Chief Technology Officer

• Tony Warwick, Managing Director

• Jason Little, VP of Business Development

• Shivani Anand, General Counsel & Corporate Development

• Rita Fieder, President of Client Services

• Headquarters: Toronto, Canada

• Number of Employees: No information is available.

• Revenue: Over $1 Billion raised through the Ascend platform.

• Known For: Ascend is known for its software-based fundraising solutions, including 50/50 raffles, sweepstakes, and Catch the Ace programs, as well as deep expertise in charitable gaming.

Products

• Ascend 50/50:

• Description: An online raffle program that divides 50% of the revenue from ticket sales to the winning ticket holder and 50% to the charity.

• Key Features: Online ticket purchasing, real-time updates, large-scale participation.

• Catch the Ace:

• Description: A longer multi-week lottery game where the jackpot rolls over each week until the Ace of Spades is drawn.

• Key Features: Progressive jackpots, weekly draws, engaging gameplay.

• Ascend Sweepstakes:

• Description: Customized sweepstakes designed to increase donor engagement and fundraising.

• Key Features: Flexible prize structures, compliant with local regulations, integrates marketing for increased reach.

Recent Developments

• New CEO Appointment: Gerti Dervishi has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer as of October 27, 2023.

• Platform Innovation: Ascend has launched its ChangeIt platform to enhance donor engagement in the NIL collective marketplace in partnership with Playfly Sports Properties.

• Collegiate Athletics Division: David Bertram has been introduced to lead Ascend’s new Collegiate Athletics Division, enhancing partnerships in professional sports across the USA and Canada.

Recent Partnerships/Case Studies

• Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation used Ascend’s 50/50 platform to achieve $2.4 million in sales, generating significant revenue and engaging 17,000 new prospective donors.

• Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) implemented the Catch the Ace program, raising $400,000 and achieving a 44% increase in membership growth.

• Arizona Humane Society exceeded fundraising goals with their online 50/50 campaign, achieving $116,480 in gross sales.

• Boston Red Sox and Bruins Foundations: Utilized Ascend’s services to raise over $300,000 and $500,000 respectively, leveraging sports events to enhance fundraising.

Summary

Ascend Fundraising Solutions is a key player in the charitable gaming sector, providing innovative online fundraising solutions for non-profit organizations. With a dedicated executive team and robust technology, Ascend continues to support numerous charities in raising substantial funds. The company’s solutions are designed to increase donor engagement and provide substantial returns, evidencing their mission to elevate philanthropy through cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships.