Sapient Redesigns Canfar’s Brand Online To Raise Aids Awareness
TORONTO, May 2, 2007 -- Sapient Canada announced today that it is helping CANFAR, the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research, raise public awareness of HIV/AIDS and increase its fundraising capacity through improving the foundation’s online brand. CANFAR is the only national organization in Canada dedicated to privately funding all aspects of HIV/AIDS research. Sapient’s marketing strategy and redesign of www.CANFAR.com now makes it easier for people to get important information about CANFAR’s efforts and advances in the field of HIV/AIDS research as well as submit donations online.
Within Canada, CANFAR funds new, start-up research projects that would not otherwise be able to secure funding from larger national or international organizations. Previously, CANFAR had struggled to build awareness of its mission, unique programs and research projects beyond the greater Toronto area. By providing news and information on a national scope, the new site helps CANFAR differentiate from other community-based AIDS agencies.
“We are excited about the role that the new CANFAR.com will play in our mission to end AIDS through research. Sapient’s marketing and design services have helped us transform our website into a strategic resource that accurately reflects our vision while helping us connect with a much larger audience,” says CANFAR Executive Director and COO Elissa Beckett.
Sapient worked with CANFAR to design an easy-to-use site that would serve multiple audiences, including corporate and individual donors, the research community, general public, media, and the youth population. Unlike many typical charities in Canada, CANFAR’s current and potential donor base is skewed toward a much younger demographic that is accustomed to online transactions. Sapient addressed the preferences of this demographic by adding secure “one-click-to-donation” functionality on every page of the website.
Additionally, technology enhancements have made it possible for CANFAR to connect with its audiences on a more personal level, further increasing the foundation’s ability to build its donor network. Since the launch of the new site, CANFAR now connects with 30-40 new people each week, who are interested in learning more about CANFAR, HIV/AIDS, research, volunteering, special events and making donations to end AIDS through research.
“Sapient is very proud to be helping CANFAR achieve its mission. It is immensely rewarding to partner with an organization that is passionate about exploring the potential of technology to bring people together and make an impact,” said Brad Simms, general manager of Sapient Canada.
Recently, a case study of the new CANFAR site was selected by the Computerworld Honors Program, which awards individuals and organizations that use information technology to benefit society. CANFAR will be honored at a special ceremony taking place in Washington DC on June 4, 2007, and the CANFAR case study will also be added to Computerworld archives.
About Sapient
Sapient helps clients innovate their businesses in the areas of marketing, business operations, and technology. Leveraging a unique approach, breakthrough thinking, and disciplined execution, Sapient leads its industry in delivering the right business results on time and on budget. Sapient works with clients that are driven to make a difference, including BP, Essent Energie, Harrah’s Entertainment, Hilton International, Janus, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Sony Electronics, the U.S. Marine Corps, and Verizon.
Founded in 1990, Sapient is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and operates across North America, Europe, and India. More information about Sapient can be found at www.sapient.com.
About CANFAR
CANFAR, The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research, is Canada’s national non-profit organization raising private funds to provide research grants in all areas of HIV/AIDS investigation. CANFAR works with a committed group of donors and researchers to distribute approximately $1.1 million a year to Canadian researchers. While the organization’s core staff of eight is based in Toronto, CANFAR funds research in every province of Canada. Visit www.CANFAR.com for more information.
Sapient is a registered service mark of Sapient Corporation.