If you need to write a fundraising letter, this article will give you some tips and examples, so that you write one for yourself. Have a look…
In recent years, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number of fundraising activities. An increasingly large number of people are coming forward to join non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and similar charity agencies to help the less fortunate. Fundraising ideas for non-profit organizations that include fundraising events may differ in their concepts and approach. However, fundraising letters, be it at an individual level or at a corporate/business level, are an important tool for raising funds.
Tips
Your letter writing skills will be tested when you’ve got to write a letter requesting for financial support. While asking for donations, you must not appear overtly desperate, nor sound impolite. Blend your words in such a way that it reflects professionalism.
- You’re championing a humane cause, and you’re emotionally involved in it. But don’t amplify your feelings and thoughts in the letter by describing how you feel about the whole cause. Begin your letter with a formal salutation, and keep the tone strictly professional.
- Don’t elaborate your letter unnecessarily, and keep the content simple.
- The letter must reflect that your demands and reasons behind it are obvious and easy to understand. Don’t give vague reasons just to support a cause.
- Being thankful for the time of the reader is a mark of humility and acceptance. Don’t miss doing that in your letter when you conclude.
Format
| Your name: Designation: Name of the organization/Charity/trust: Complete Address: Date: Salutations/Greetings 1st Paragraph: Introduce yourself/your organization and the cause for writing the letter. 2nd Paragraph: Give a brief information about yourself, your association with the organization and how you’re working towards a common objective with other NGOs for raising funds. You can split this paragraph in two or at most three paragraphs of two – three lines each. 3rd Paragraph: In the final paragraph, thank the reader for his/her valuable time and briefly summarize your objective of writing the letter. Don’t forget to give your contact details so that your donor can contact you when he/she feels. Documents Attached: You can attach your organization’s brochure and pamphlet stating more information about the event with the letter. |
Sample
| Maria Johannes Cancer Care ABC Street Red County 4646-464-748 January 5th, 2010 Dear Mrs. Jennifer, There is a 25 mile ‘Walk for Cancer’ event being held in our city as a way of fundraising. This will be held on August 16th, 2010. This event requires a huge participation of walkers, along with commitment, to complete this event, and also raise a minimum of $25 in donations for participation. This year, I’m walking! Earlier, I’ve participated in such pursuits and have tried my best to raise good amount of funds. I’ve been an active member of ‘Cancer Care’ since the last 8 months and I’ve seen this NGO doing phenomenal work for cancer patients. I’ve made this commitment and need your help to meet my goal of contributing $25, so that I can participate. Jennifer, by giving to the ‘Walk for Cancer’, you’ll be supporting Cancer Care, and helping them provide an intensive care unit for cancer patients in our city. There are many organizations out there fundraising for worthy causes, but I hope that you will donate to Cancer Care and help them build the much-needed facility. I hope that I can count on you to help support Cancer Care and will follow-up with you in a few days. Sincerely, |
