7 Strategies for Writing Fundraising Letters

Writing fundraising letters can be an effective way to request donations to a charitable cause. Letters are used for a variety of purposes and can be sent to a large number of people or a select few. The results of a writing a fundraising letter can vary greatly depending on the purpose of the letter, the way the letter is written, and the audience that receives the letter.

Here are 7 strategies to use when writing fundraising letters so they are more interesting, compelling and responsive.

1. Write to ONE person - When you start writing the fundraising letter, imagine you are writing to only one person, not a group of people. This will help you get into the best frame of mind to write the letter. It also will help your letter sound more personable.

Use singular word forms, not plural - avoid words and phrases like "some of you" when addressing the reader. Instead use the personal, singular form "you." This mirrors the way that the letter will be read by the recipient.

2. Be Specific - When writing fundraising letters the more specific you can be, the better your message will be understood and the greater the response rate. Ask your reader to make a specific response, such as a donation of money, goods or services. You can offer several specific dollar amounts include a specific date that you need the response by.

If your appeal will benefit a specific project, mission or program, say so. Describe how the donations will help with this particular project. Include a few brief details about where the donation will be used and the positive results it will bring.

3. Stay Focused - When writing a fundraising letter stay focused on the outcome you would like to see. Make one request and communicate this message clearly. Avoid discussing topics that are not directly related to your appeal or that do not support the message of your letter.

4. Descriptive Phrases - Use the most descriptive adjectives and adverbs in your letter to clarify your message. However, when writing fundraising letters be especially careful not to over embellish or exaggerate.

5. Keep it Simple - It's important to include information about your organization and why you're writing. However, a fundraising letter is not the place to include lengthy official mission statements or a long description of your future plans.

When writing fundraising letters don't go overboard with extremely detailed numbers and jargon that the reader may not be familiar with. Remember to focus on information that is relevant and compelling to the potential reader.

6. Personalization - If you are writing a fundraising letter to a specific donor, include specific information related to them. If it's a repeat donor, discuss ways that his or her previous contributions have made a difference in your organization.

7. Narratives & Success Stories - One of the most successful ways that you can get your message across is to describe a story of a specific person or situation that your organization has helped.

If your group has made some major achievements and successes these can also be of use. When writing a fundraising letter remember to include stories that will engage the reader, not just show off accomplishments.

About the Author: Sandra Sims has been fundraising for various charities for over 10 years. Visit her website, StepByStepFundraising.com for more information about writing fundraising letters.

---

Nine Keys to Make your Sales Copy Convincing

Would you pay $12,500 to discover the keys to great... Read More

Whats So Special About You? Defining Your USP

Your prospect is in the market for a widget, just... Read More

Model Dell: The Art of the Affiliate Coupon

Along with having an innovative supply chain, there's another reason... Read More

Sell More Products and Services with Testimonials

Testimonials are all-important to sell anything. You may already have... Read More

5 Ways to Encourage Impulse Purchases

I just bought six square pieces of spongy fabric for... Read More

Selling Against Goliath

Selling Against Goliath?How to Take on the Big Guys and... Read More

What Successful Sellers Know - Others Dont ... The Subtle Art of Closing

Ask any salesperson, "At what point in the selling process... Read More

An Introductino to Insurance Lead Generation

It is vital that insurance salespeople have a steady stream... Read More

Talking To A Prospect As If To A Friend

While working with a new coaching client, I asked to... Read More

People Buy People So Sell On Relationships

(Objection handling tips excerpted from Objections! Objections! Objections!)People buy people.... Read More

Five Things More Important to Buyers than WHAT Youre Selling - I

Article I of a two-part series.No matter what customers say... Read More

Leave a Better Voice Mail Message

Yesterday I received a call from a financial planner named... Read More

Are You Scaring Your Customers Away?

"Hello, is (pause) puh-TREE-shuh home?"So started my weekend lesson in... Read More

Reviving Dead Clients

Most consultants I've talked to don't spend any time trying... Read More

Getting Referrals

ReferralsA substantial part of your business can come from referrals.... Read More

Lance Has What It Takes

Lance has what it takes and then some.Did you know... Read More

Your Proposal Was Rejected... But Why?

When a request for proposal (RFP) comes in, you get... Read More

The Force That Drives Buying Decisions

What do people buy? They don't buy your wonderful presentation.... Read More

3-Levels Of Successful Selling

Any selling approach that lacks a proven strategy, a practiced... Read More

Gic Number For Writing Sales Letters

When I write sales letters for my clients, one rule... Read More

Successfully Selling Your Professional Services

As a professional service provider you face special challenges promoting... Read More

Im A Second-Story Man

Can you say who you are and what you do... Read More

Do You Want to Know the 8 Tips to Selling More Products?

So often sales men and woman are the very people... Read More

3 Tips For Getting Through The Voicemail Screen

How many times have you heard that you gotta get... Read More

Long Sales Letters vs. Short Sales Letters

Everywhere I turn, I'm being asked to weigh in on... Read More

Schedule Telemarketing Time For More Success

Telephone canvassing, or cold calling, is the practice of sitting... Read More

Ten FAST Ways to Sell Your Products

Always give a reason for the sale for credibility. 1.... Read More

Top 10 Ways to Maximize Your Approachability

After reading and researching thousands of books, articles and other... Read More

Plan For Your Next Trade Show Appearance To Be A Success

Most people who consider trade show planning think of it... Read More

Sell YOU With Your Small Talk (Yes You Can)

Want to build a relationship -- sell yourself for a... Read More

No Regrets

Here's a chilling thought. If you were to die tomorrow,... Read More

Selling -abilities : Part 2

In the last article... Read More

Exporting to Europe: Not the Challenges You Think

If you plan to do sell your product or service... Read More