WRITING A FUNDRAISING LETTER Ms.Debbie Francisco- Dianco

What is a Fundraising?

How to Write a Fundraising Letter

The secret is to sound personal and conversational. To do this, imagine that you are having a conversation with your donor. For example, "Your gift today means a lot to me.“ Asking for donations can be as difficult. Write your fundraising letter, so readers will want to give from genuine caring rather than from pressure or guilt.

1. G ET THE READER ' S ATTENTION. This part is optional, but it can be very effective if not overdone. Include pleasantries and address the reader as if you were talking to a friend.

2. S TATE THE CAUSE AND / OR CREDENTIALS OF YOUR CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. This part is absolutely essential and should be the longest part of your fundraising letter. Use about 150 words in this section. You should clearly identify a critical need. Explain how your organization can effectively address that need.

3. S OLICIT A CONTRIBUTION. This is another required section. This part of the fundraising letter should be concise and to the point—about 30 to 50 words. List the benefits of supporting the cause and then ask for a specific donation amount. Explain to the potential donor how much charitable contributions in this amount have helped your cause in the past, but that the need is still great.

4. O FFER AN INCENTIVE. This part can be optional, but it provides a reason for the reader to act now. The incentive you offer could be a tangible gift with a substantial perceived value, or it could be intangible. Example: "Imagine the feeling you'll get, knowing you have helped an underprivileged child learn how to read..."

Donors give in order to get something in return, primarily the good feelings that come from helping others, but sometimes it is also because of some tangible gift they will receive from you. Tangibles could be a set of cards made by children your agency serves or admission to a special performance of your ballet company The intangible benefits are lives saved or human dignity restored.

5. A DDITIONAL INSERT. This is another optional section. If you can afford another page, you can use photographs or other evidence to help validate your point and keep the reader's interest longer. Be sure to refer to the insert in your fundraising letter.

6. T HANK YOU. A statement of gratitude is polite and subtly assumes that the contribution will be made. Express gratitude for the reader's generosity and for having taken the time to consider your very important cause.

7. C ONCLUSION. Be courteous and friendly. Wish the reader well and leave a positive feeling in his/her mind regarding your needy cause.

8. S IGN THE LETTER. You want the reader to know the request is coming from a real person, not an impersonal organization.

F UNDRAISING LETTER

R AISING F UNDS FOR A C AMPAIGN S UPPORT D ONATION R EQUEST : Dear [Recipient's Name]: Later this year, the citizens of [name of community] will have an opportunity to vote to authorize much needed improvements to our [what will be improved] system. I’m sure you agree that our [what will be improved] is in need of a good bit of work. The only way the needed improvements can happen is if the proposed legislation gets a sufficient number of votes to pass. That’s why it’s more important to show your support for these improvements now than ever before. The [name] committee is working hard to spread the word throughout our community about what each voter can do to ensure that our [what will be improved] get the funding necessary to bring them up to standard. I’m writing to request your financial support for the [name] committee’s grassroots campaign efforts. Any amount of financial support you’re able to commit will play an important role in educating the citizens of [community] about this important voting opportunity. Please return your donation in the enclosed envelope, or visit [website] to make a donation online. If you’d like a bumper sticker or yard sign, please mark the appropriate spot on your donation form, and we’ll have the materials delivered to you right away. Thank you in advance for your support and commitment. Sincerely, [Name] [Name] Committee Fundraising Director

“If your charity is planning a special event, soliciting sponsors is probably near the top of your to-do list. Sponsors provide a major support of revenue for most special events, so having an effective sponsorship request letter is a must.”

S OLICITING S PONSOR S AMPLE L ETTER : Dear [Recipient's Name]: [Name of organization] is making plans for the annual [name of event]. The success of this event is credited largely to our sponsors, who lend their names and financial support to the event. The money we raise each year goes to [purpose of fundraiser], and this years goal is [number] dollars. By participating as a sponsor, your organization will benefit from extended exposure through media campaigns and promotional efforts directed toward the supporters of [name of organization]. For a small donation, you'll be able to enjoy excellent exposure to this important segment of your target audience. We have [number] levels of sponsorship packages, as detailed on the enclosed sponsorship commitment form. You can select the level of participation that best meets your needs, and be secure in the knowledge that your sponsorship fee will be used to help [name of organization] fund [program or activity] in the community. We're counting on your support, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please return your sponsorship commitment form in the enclosed envelope or fax it to [fax number]. Thank you in advance for your willingness to support the efforts of [name of organization] and make a difference in our community. Sincerely, [Your Name Here] Special Event Coordinator

T HE I NITIAL T HANK Y OU L ETTER 1. The initial thank you letter should be sent as soon as you receive a donation. The basic anatomy should follow these points: 2. Re-state your vision or mission statement 3. Thank the donor for their generous contribution. 4. Remind them how their contribution will be used— 5. make it personal if you can. 6. End by leaving the door open for future opportunities to connect.

S AMPLE D ONOR T HANK Y OU L ETTER ; Dear [Name of Volunteer]: Thank you so much for your tireless commitment to helping [name of organization] raise the funds necessary to continue to provide services to individuals affected by [issue] in our community. Thanks to your tireless efforts, the final total for the [event] fundraiser is [number] dollars. To accomplish this goal, you and the other volunteers contributed [number] of hours, which made a huge difference in the outcome of the campaign. The money raised with your assistance will help fund a variety of [name of organization]'s projects, including [example, example, and example]. Thanks to your willingness to give freely of your valuable time, the lives of many people affected by [issue] will be improved. When you see examples of [name of organization]'s work, you'll be able to know that your efforts play an important role in making these services possible. Your generosity makes a huge difference in the lives of many people. The [name of organization] couldn't be effective without the help of selfless volunteers just like you. I want to make sure you know just how much your past efforts have been appreciated, as well as how much your continued willingness to volunteer with [name of organiZation] is valued. With Appreciation, [Your Name Here] Fundraising Coordinator

EXAMPLE: Dear Donor (always write the donor's name), At Riverside Children's Hospital, it's about caring for critically ill children, one child at a time. Your incredibly generous donation of $______ will help kids all over the Riverside area get life saving medical treatment when they otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it. At Riverside, we don't turn anyone away because of their inability to pay. We, the staff at Riverside, want to say thank you on behalf of the hundreds of children you will have helped with your contribution. We have managed the unimaginable: to create a team of highly specialized doctors and medical staff that will work pro-bono. Every dollar you donate goes to help kids like Katey. Katey has neuroblastoma. But thanks to your generous donation, and the donations of others--Katey is in remission and we expect her to make a full recovery. We look forward to working with you in the future. We at Riverside thank you. More importantly, the children thank you. And that's really who it's all about. Sincerely, Ms. Arlene M. Torres Development Director