Don’t forget to write your letters and bring them to practice on Sunday. LLS will pay for postage and send out 100 letters for you!!
Here are some tips for writing a successful donation letter:
What to include (check these off as you go):
The cause. Talk about LLS, include some encouraging research statistics, note how far we’ve come, etc.
Why the cause is important to you. Your network and donors are supporting YOU in this adventure. With each donation, it is YOUR effort, passion and inspiration that are bringing them to support you. Few of the donors that contribute to you will have contributed to LLS this year without your help. Make sure you show your friends and family why you are passionate about this cause and why it’s important to you.
What you are doing. The event, distance, type of training, etc.
Your personal connection to the cause. Write about a personal honoree or your team honorees.
How to donate. Include a link to your eFundraising webpage and give instructions for donating online or via postal mail.
Give a deadline. Within two to four weeks is good. This will help prevent your potentials from ―forgetting‖ to donate.
Include matching gift information. Some companies will match employee donations dollar-for-dollar (sometimes more!). Ask your donors to check with their company.
Self-addressed-stamped-envelope. If you’re mailing your letters via post, this is a must!
Things to consider( check these off as you go):
Use individual salutations. Don’t write ―”Dear Friends”; write ―”Dear George”. Use a mail merge program to facilitate this.
Keep the text punchy. Readers have short attention spans. Keep your writing concise.
Add your own style. Be sincere, dramatic, quirky or funny! Construct your letter in a way that speaks to your personality.
Ask directly for money and suggest how much to give. If you write with the intention of raising money but don’t explicitly ask, your letter will confuse the reader.
Use anecdotes. What made you want to join TNT?
Thank previous donors. People want to join a successful campaign. Thank previous donors not only to show appreciation but also to convey a sense of growing support.
Emphasize important points to keep readers’ eyes moving down the page.
Write a note on each letter. Handwriting is a good way to customize each letter, and it provides additional emphasis.
List names. Naming your honorees makes the cause more real.
Photos. Everyone likes pictures!
Other ways to support. If they can’t donate, can they offer something for an auction or watch your kids while you train?
