Fundraising letters sent through the mail are one of the most popular ways to request donations. You are simply writing a letter to potential supporters asking them to join you in supporting a worthy charity. The only costs are for paper and postage, so nearly all of the donation goes directly to the cause.
| Sounds simple right? |
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| But when you actually sit down to start writing a fundraising letter you may realize that it’s not as easy as it may have seemed. | ||||||||||
| How do you start the letter? How can you persuade the reader to donate without being too pushy? What will make someone take notice of your cause and want to give? Who should the letter be mailed to? | ||||||||||
| These and many other questions may come to mind as you start writing a fundraising letter for your cause. But keep in mind your goal is not really to write a letter. It is to communicate the essence of your mission and vision in an insightful and compelling way. | ||||||||||
Just as important as getting this message across is to speak to the interests of the reader. So you have a great cause… why should they care? Appeal to them based on what benefits they personally receive from donating, either tangible benefits or the intangible sense of satisfaction they will have when they support a cause they believe in.
I’ve collaborated with Sandy Rees, a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), to write a guidebook called 7 Essential Steps to Raising Money by Mail. Even if you have “writer’s block” or don’t feel creative at all, this new resource provides step by step instructions, ideas and phrases that will help unlock your inspiration. Most of all, you will be able to communicate persuasively with current and potential donors and increase the number of financial gifts you get in return from your direct mail campaigns.
We’ve created this 10 free 10 day e-mail course as an introduction to the guide. In this course, you’ll learn the 7 steps to creating a winning fundraising letter campaign plus get a sneak peek at the sample phrases and letters included in the guide. Simply sign up using the form above.
May 9th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Sandra,
I have purchased some of your books before. Since then my wife has been diagnosed with PICK’S Disease. There is a lot of information online if you want to read more about it. PICK’S effects the frontal lobe of the brain, so it effects everything, motor ability, speech, walking and more if that wasn’t enough.
I am not asking that you give me anything. But I am looking for a couple of fundraising letters. One for donations fos an auction and one for just general donations.
Do you have any ideas that may help me? I am sorry I just can’t afford to buy anything else at this time.
Thank you in advance,
Horace
May 10th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Hello Horace - It’s nice to hear from you. There’s a fundraising letter example / template on this page. On Day 4 of the e-mail course (sign-up above) there is another example letter that is in the book but not published here on the website.
I would also recommend this page Sponsor Focus & Creativity. Even though it’s not an item donation letter, there’s some really good information about how to go about getting item donations and sponsors in the article links. Unless you ask the right people and go about it the best way, a letter will not by itself secure donations.
Are you planning a fundraiser for a PICK’s foundation or for your wife in particular? If it is for her then you may find this article helpful: Raising Money for Individuals with Health Conditions