Write a Fundraising Letter That Gets Results

You've decided on the fundraising event, the location, theme, and everything else. Now you need to find donors to help your cause. Whether you are raising money for your local school, animal welfare, or any other purpose, you can use these tips to help make your event a successful one.

One thing I have always noticed in my years helping with fundraising, is that people are afraid to ask. That could be the biggest mistake you can make. Get creative! Let's say you are looking for items for an auction, you see an ad for a business that you think would have a popular auction item but you don't know if they would be willing to donate so you don't send a letter. If you don't ask you will never know. The worst that could happen is that they say no. Even if they will not donate, you have gotten word out to their business that you are holding an event and you just might get someone to come through your letter.

When writing your letter, it is always a good idea to write as though you are writing to one specific person. Avoid words and phrases such as " your company" or "anyone at your business". Instead use words such as "you" to make the person reading the letter feel as though you wrote it just for them.

Be specific about what you are asking for. If you are requesting a monetary donation, say so. Looking for that auction item? Ask for it specifically. Make sure the potential donor is informed of the date, time, and location of the event as well as the fundraisers purpose.

Keep your letter simple and to the point. The most successful letters are no longer than one page in length and tell the recipient everything they need to know about the event in a few short words. The most important details you need to include in your letter are:

• The purpose of the event. What will the money raised be used for?
• The date, time, and location.
• What you are asking for, money, auction items, etc.
• Your contact info. If they have any questions they should have a phone number to reach you at. They might also need to arrange for pick up or delivery of a donated item.
• Be sure to let them know that donations are tax deductible and they will receive a letter of donation for their tax purposes.

I usually ask for a business card or some other form of advertising for the donors business so that I can be sure they will get the advertising they deserve for donating to an event. In the past I have even used posters placed around the event location listing the donors.

To be sure you continue receiving contributions from these businesses, make sure you acknowledge them in your local papers and any publications your group might produce. if you produce your own publications, make sure that your donors receive a copy. Writing a good fundraising letter can be very rewarding. Follow these tips and you could have a very successful event! Good luck in your fundraising endeavors!