FUNDRAISING, SOCIAL MEDIA & PUBLIC SERVICE
Matt Penix's social media campaigns raise millions in charitable contributions
MATTHEW PENIX HAS FURNISHED his journalistic and social media skills to crowdfund millions of dollars for charitable organizations such as the Catholic Foundation for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He was responsible for public and media relations campaigns for the Archdiocese encompassing eight civil parishes (counties) with a total population of 1.2 million — roughly 500,000 Catholics — across 4,208 square miles, including more than 100 church parishes and schools that educate more than 9,000 students annually.
Proven track record
As Social Media Director, new followers surged up to 4,000 percent monthly, never less than 300 percent. Penix was responsible for all social media strategies for the Archdiocese, including development of unique and curated content — #iGiveCatholic — and he authored, developed and implemented a 2015-2016 strategic marketing plan that raised millions of dollars. He also wrote, edited, and published a monthly newsletter, and co-launched the nation’s first online-only Catholic-focused “giving day”, which garnered national press and secured $1.3 million to benefit 112 schools, parishes, and not-for-profits, tripling its financial goal. Penix also produced a copyrighted logo, promotional videos, talking points, and press releases, each coordinated with the overall social media strategy that he created. He secured live guests spots on TV, and attracted news coverage of the campaign in both print and radio on virtually all news outlets in greater New Orleans.
Members of the national press called #iGiveCatholic:
National recognition
“Groundbreaking … A major success … Towers over even other success stories … The most successful Catholic crowdfunding event to date.”Penix honed his social media skills working leading the social media content effort for Search Influence, which appeared at least twice on Inc. Magazine’s list of fastest 5,000 growing U.S. firms. Penix leveraged SEO metrics to write press releases, online page content, and social media posts for Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and LinkedIn to generate page views, ad revenue, and new business with optimal Internet traffic. Clients included Land Rover, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, M.K. Ambe, MD (plastic surgeon & cast member, “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” and Little Caesar’s Pizza, #3 pizza chain, Audubon Institute (Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of Americas, Insectarium), Youth Rebuilding New Orleans (nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding homes after Hurricane Katrina for local teachers), Ron Forman, former New Orleans mayoral candidate and the President/CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.