A donation request letter important part of a non-profit organization’s fundraising strategy. A donation request letter might include anything from a simple request to a person or company for a raffle award, to asking somebody to sponsor an event, or sports team, or a whole charity program.
In all cases, a well-thought out, well written letter is very important as it convinces the potential donors to actually donate on your fundraising program. Convincing individuals is not essentially more difficult than trying to convince an organization, but it requires creativity for one to be able to be successful on it.
Here are the 3 major parts of a donation request letter:
The Introduction – Personalize Letter
Don’t use a salutation as letter opener that directs to anyone like “Dear Supporters”. It is important to use the name of the person you are asking donation from. They will think that the letter is really directly for them and not simply for anyone who reads it, so it makes them read everything written on it. You can personalize donation request letters with the information of the donor like full name and address.
The Request – Explain the Cause
You need to make the reader think and feel that your organization really needs their help and it’s important for you to complete the fundraising.
You have to list suggested amount they can donate that are suitable for the certain donor. Also, you have to make sure to say how their donations can help.
So as to show the donor that all the donation are very important, you might want to state what’s going to happen if they choose not to donate. But you have to be careful with the choice of words and not sound as if you are whining.
The Closing – Thank the Potential Donors In Advance
Don’t forget to thank them! It gradually assumes that they’ll help to the cause and shows that you’ve faith in them to choose to contribute.
Step1Think of a Headline on Fundraising Letter
You can consider putting a headline at the top of the page which instantly explains what the letter is about. A good headline has to be on top of the main body of the letter in a somewhat bigger bold font. Keep it brief.
Step2Write Clear and Direct Message about Your Intention
Avoid using vague sentences and always be straight to the point.
Step3 Include Instructions How People Can Donate
Of course, you don’t want to make it hard for the donor to have a problem on donating. Give the donor options on how he or she can hand over the help.
Step4Sign and Distribute
Make multiple copies, sign the letter at the bottom part, and give the letters away to your potential donors.
Step5Update Your Donors
You can send a follow up letter sending your gratitude for the help the donor has provided. You can also state in your letter the effects or where their donations ended up.
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