How does Emma 25 work?
The Emma 25 program awards free email marketing services to deserving non-profits. Emma customers nominate the small, local charities they care about, and we'll post them here for everyone to vote on.
In addition to our standard 25 honorees, we're awarding 25 *local* accounts, 5 for each city that's home to an Emma office (Nashville, Portland, Denver and Austin). So, yes, it's really the Emma 50.
Each account comes with custom-designed brand stationery, a budget of 5,000 emails a month, and a free year of service and support - through December 2010. At the end of 2010, if the non-profit continues to find their Emma account helpful, we'll renew the complimentary service for another year, and then renew every year after that.
How are the winning accounts selected?
Emma customers have until December 31st to nominate a small non-profit in their area. Shortly after the deadline, we'll post the list of eligible non-profits right here on this site, and we'll open the polls for everyone to vote on their favorites.
Who's eligible?
Any community group you work with that:
1) has confirmed they'd use an email marketing account
2) helps people in your community
3) has fewer than 10 full-time staffers (excluding volunteers and part-timers)
4) has a non-profit 501(c)(3) designation, and
5) doesn't already work with Emma or one of our agency partners
Charities that were nominated in past years for Emma 25 but were not selected are eligible to be nominated for consideration again.
Keep two things in mind: it should be a group that helps improve the lives of others, and it should be a group you know and support. If a charity you nominate is selected, you'll play an important part in helping your non-profit get set up with their account.
How do I nominate a charity?
We've put together official nomination forms for each city that will walk you through the process. Read it, fill it out, and send it our way. We'll then send you a note confirming that we've received it. You can make your nomination today, tomorrow, or even the next day. But don't dally - the deadline for nominations is December 31st, 2009.
Remember, nominations can only be submitted by existing Emma customers.
When will voting begin?
Shortly after the nomination window closes on December 31st, 2009. Emma customers will be notified that voting is open, and we'll make it easy for your to tell your friends, family and customers to vote, too.
What if my group is selected?
If your nominee is chosen, we'll contact you with details about opening the account and getting started, including a handy sponsor checklist. Remember, this is a joint effort: we're donating the account, template and emails while you're donating a bit of your time and expertise to help put them to good use.
Are there special considerations for Emma agency partners?
If you have an Emma Agency, we've got a special arrangement in mind: we'll waive account setup and monthly email charges (up to 5,000 emails a month) for a special Good Works client account inside your agency account. Just let us know if you're interested and we'll talk through design options with you. (You can also nominate someone for the regular Emma 25 program if you'd like to.)
What if I'm a previous winner? Will my account stay open?
Absolutely. Your account will be free of charge for as long as you find it helpful. Just drop us a line to let us know that you're still using your account, and share a little with us about how you've used email to do more good work this past year. We'll make sure your account remains active.
I'm not an Emma customer. Can I still nominate myself or someone else?
Nominating is reserved for Emma customers, so if you're *not* one, we hope you'll try to *find* one who can help you with a nomination. Get the word out to your contacts - with an email, with some phone calls, however you can - to see if anybody you know uses Emma and would be willing to submit a nomination on your behalf.
And, of course, you're welcome to vote for the non-profit of your choice once the nominations are announced.
