Merkle (www.merkle.com), a leading technology-enabled, data-driven customer relationship marketing (CRM) firm and the nation’s largest privately held agency, announced that it has been selected by Catholic Charities USA as agency of record to support the organization’s fundraising strategy. Catholic Charities USA, leader of the national movement to end poverty in America, looks to Merkle as a strategic advisor as the organization seeks to advance its mission and build meaningful donor relationships.

Merkle’s agency-of-record engagement with Catholic Charities USA entails managing the direct marketing program, which includes strategic and creative consultation, and program management from print production through acknowledgments. Catholic Charities complemented its direct response engagement with Merkle by adding an online fundraising program that includes email creative and strategy, search, and display digital services. In addition, Merkle will help Catholic Charities USA establish a cooperative direct marketing program for all of the agency affiliates.

“Catholic Charities chose Merkle because of its dedication to cause-based charities and its industry-leading reputation for providing nonprofits with world-class marketing solutions that advance fundraising efforts and generate measurable results,” said Brian Gavin, senior vice president of advancement, Catholic Charities USA. “We are excited about our new partnership with Merkle because of its strategic guidance and collaborative nature that will be instrumental as we advance CCUSA’s mission to reduce poverty in America.”

Will Bordelon, executive vice president, vertical markets for Merkle, added, “We are honored to partner with Catholic Charities USA as their agency of record. We look forward to supporting their mission and the positive impact that they drive in our communities by maximizing the value of their donor portfolio and achieving outstanding results for both online and offline fundraising efforts.”