How to Write a Fundraising Letter?

Answer 1

Idyllically, recipients of fundraising letters, impressed by the writer’s gratitude and goals, will gladly give massive, string-free donations. Realistically, many fundraisers are little more than pen-and-paper paupers begging for pocket change, and recipients casually toss their leftovers or quickly stride onwards. Read how to write a fundraising letter that belies mediocrity and instead effectively conveys a purposeful and appealing message.

Step one: Take interest in the recipient. This is indubitably the most important step. Taking interest in another person – their likes and dislikes, hobbies, history, and public profile – shows the recipient that you genuinely value not only their assistance, but also them as a people.

Step two: Know to whom you are writing. A fundraising letter should never start with “To Whom It May Concern,” or another generic salutation. The recipient should be named by the appropriate title and personal name.

Step three: Introduce the point with immediacy and clarity. Yammering about a prosaic mission statement is a sure-fire method to bore your addressee. Politely, and without exaggerated salesman-like vernacular, describe the situation.

Step four: Actually request assistance. The recipient should know exactly what is being requested. Asking for general aid may elicit sympathy, but without clear direction, an addressee is less likely to actually participate. Most importantly, engage the recipient. Make sure he receives some reward for giving funds, whether it is psychological, physical or emotional. Make her feel important.

Step five: Thank the recipient in advance. Sincere gratitude is essential. A quick, disingenuous bit of flattery is transparent and will ultimately damage your attempts. Earnestly and honestly thanking the recipient, not just for giving funds by also for taking the time to read and consider the correspondence, vastly increases your likelihood of receiving funds.

Step six: Reread and check grammar. Nothing screams “juvenile and ill-planned strategy” like a poorly written letter. Also, reading the letter out loud catches grammatical and rhetorical mistakes that tend to hide when silently perusing. Using a descriptive – but not stuffy – vocabulary implies that you consider the recipient intelligent and educated – a subtle form of respect.

Step seven: Conclude with a handwritten signature. Then wait. You’ll get a response.