We’re Finalists for 16 Reed Awards!
We’re proud to announce that we were recently named finalists for 16 Campaigns & Elections Reed Awards, including Creative Agency of the Year. The Reed Awards encompass the best within the political industry, recognizing outstanding and innovative work in political campaigns, public affairs, grassroots advocacy, and more.
Receiving 16 finalist entries this year is an honor and, in this instance, a testament to our team’s creative prowess and political acumen. We wouldn’t be where we are without every member of our team who worked grueling hours, gave their all to our clients, and helped us have our most successful year to date. The categories in which we received finalist status are below:
- Excellence in Political Campaigning > Creative Agency of the Year
- GOTV & Field > Best Lit Piece
- Direct Mail > Best Mail Piece for US House/Senate
- Direct Mail > Best Mail That Never Saw The Light of Day
- Direct Mail > Best Comparative Mail Piece
- Direct Mail > Best Villain In a Mail Piece for Republican Campaign
- Direct Mail > Toughest Direct Mail Piece
- Direct Mail > Best Mail Piece for State Legislative Campaign (Republican)
- Direct Mail > Best Mail Piece for Public Affairs/Issue Advocacy Campaign
- Direct Mail > Best Mail Piece for Public Affairs/Issue Advocacy Campaign
- Direct Mail > Most Sophisticated Targeting with Direct Mail
- Direct Mail > Best Spanish Language Direct Mail Piece
- Digital – Online Video > Best Sound Design in an Online Video Ad
- Digital – Online Video > Best Online Video for Public Affairs Campaign or Issue Advocacy – Economic Policy
- Digital – Online Video > Best Spanish Language Online Video
- Bootstrapped Campaigns > Best Direct Mail Piece for Bootstrapped Campaign
Politicoin on Fundraising in an Off-Year
Note from Ascent: The following piece is a feature from a trusted vendor partner we work with, Politicoin. If you’re interested in being a featured vendor in our newsletter, please reach out to me at amanda@ascent-strategic.com to talk further. Our industry can only get better with further collaboration and shared knowledge.
By Quinn Huckeba (Head Copy Writer, Politicoin)
The American People spoke loud and clear on November 5th, retained the House, flipped the Senate, and claimed every swing state in the battle for the Presidency. They’ve done their duty to the politician, and this year, it will be on the politician to prove to people why they need continued financial support.
The people feel empowered, and it’s likely they’ll use their pocketbooks as their metaphorical stamp of approval and disapproval, with a strong preference to withhold – “I got you there, now it’s all up to you.”
While this could be seen as a fundraising hurdle for the bootstrapped campaign in the wake of a historically contentious and expensive election cycle, keeping up the momentum is critical. While our clients are hard at work in Washington, it’s our job as political fundraising experts to figure out how to do that.
- Run A/B testing: Many house files are likely at their most significant post-election cycle, making it the perfect time to use that newfound volume to run as many tests as possible and adjust strategy based on those results. This technique will also pave the way for 2026, laying out a tried and true strategy to increase funds raised and efficiency in an on year.
- Fundraising strategists should take advantage of the general prevailing sentiment that the power lies with the people. Surveys and approval polls should become increasingly commonplace, ensuring that the donor remains engaged and genuinely feels that their voice is being heard.
- This off-year, in particular, the news cycle never rests, and neither do the opportunities to put the latest program or quote on merchandise. Clever and fresh merchandise is a great way to stay relevant, raise money, and even bring in new donors in 2025.
These tactics should keep fundraising going strong in an off year and pave the way for fundraising success in an on year.
