GUIDELINES
- Letters for fundraising needs to be very sensitive. It must be reasonable and very convincing. However, it should not sound cunning. Let the reader give because of his or her genuine feeling not because of pressure or self-reproach. Clearly tell the reader how his or her benefaction can help the cause, it is better than criticizing him or her when she don't give. Avoid intimidating statements that may cause the reader to feel harassed or demoralized. Make the reader realize the advantages of joining or helping the cause in every way possible to the letter. Always be enthusiastic.
- Catch the reader's attention from the very start.
- It is important to give a background about your organization and describe the objectives of your activities. Catch the reader's attention from the very start.
- Make a clear statement about the urgent need and how they can help contribute to it. Be distinct.
- Describe the past achievements of your organization. It can aid in connecting with the reader, especially personal success stories and present statistics.
- Tell the person the advantages he or she will get if he contributed, for example, self-satisfaction, the welfare of his or her family, event invitation, elite group membership, tax deduction, a gift, and others.
- if needed, build the trust of your reader about your organization and convince him or her well that his or her contribution is in good hands.
- Put a postage-paid envelope so that it will be easy for the contributor to donate, or propose other means of making contributions.
SAMPLE LETTER
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Letter Date]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
Statistics shows that children who are left unattended after school each day have lower grades, lower self-esteem, and more difficulties in their adult years. Success for Life is a program designed to help off-set the cost of after school daycare while providing fun, age appropriate activities, and even free tutoring.
When Sam's mother found out about the program, she said her relief was enormous. "I couldn't believe someone was going to help me keep Sam safe. It's tough enough being a working mom without having to worry that between 3 and 5:30, Sam might be lonely, scared or even in trouble."
Sam says he was not fond of the idea in the beginning. He liked being at home alone but admitted he didn't do his best on his homework. With Mom gone, it was easy to watch television or play on the computer instead. When Sam's mom took him to Success for Life, he was afraid he would be the only kid his age there.
"I looked around, though, and saw two of the guys I hang out with at school. They waved me over, and I saw that they were doing their homework but in a very cool way. They had it up on a computer screen and every time they got a problem right, they got a point. Those points got them prizes at the end of every month. No one was giving me rewards at home for doing my work!"
Sam and his mother both agree a month into Success for Life that the program has changed everything. Sam's mother says she can concentrate on her work instead of worrying the afternoons. Sam says he gets more time with his friends. Both agree that the best part is Sam's grades. He has brought every class up, at least, one whole letter grade!
Success for Life is an awesome opportunity for a working single mom or both parents working. Programs like this take money, though, and although the parents pay a small tuition, most of the cost are put forward by private contributions.
Help Success for Life keeps their doors, and young minds, open. Please send in your donation of $50, $25 or $15. It's a tax-deductible donation, and it will be worth every penny to families like Sam's.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Sample fundraising letter for after school program.
Further things to consider when writing fundraising letters to donors
Fundraising Letters
Fundraising letters are letters written to seek financial support for a cause, charity, or other enterprises. Such letters are often geared towards non-profit organizations and churches that are looking for contributions. Fundraising letters should be sent early enough in advance of the event so that the recipient can have enough time to respond to your request. If you know someone who knows the donor personally, include their names or have them sign the letters as making a personal contact may sometimes secure a donation.
Although sending out fundraising letters may seem old-fashioned, if crafted correctly, these letters can be extremely effective. Grab the recipient's attention from the start. Use the recipient's name so that he/she can know that the letter was intended for him/her, and not just some supporter. If he/she has made another donation in the past, thank him/her for it before asking again. Mention what the donation is intended for. Where appropriate, mention some of the past achievements of your organization. Explain the urgent need for the donation and how the recipient can help contribute to it. Tell the recipient how important he/she is to the cause. End by thanking the recipient in advance for his/her support.
Letters to Donors
Letters to donors are letters written to people who have donated something, especially money, voluntarily to a fund or charity. Usually, these are fundraising letters to invite donors to fundraisers or thank-you letters to express gratitude and appreciation for donations. Whatever the reason for your letter, writing to donors maintains a great relationship and can help you secure future funding. This simple gesture shows them that you can be trusted and that you are doing something that is of benefit to the community. It also shows the donors that your cause is worthy of their money and time.
When writing letters to donors, it is important to know the exact message you want to convey. Most letters to donors can be tricky to write, especially those asking for donations. You don't want to write something that the recipient will give a cursory glance and carry to the trash! Grab the recipient's attention from the start. For fundraising letters, clearly state how the donation will be used. If you are writing to thank the recipient for a donation, let him/her know how the donation helped. Be brief and straightforward. End the letter on a positive tone.
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