[tab name=’Guidelines’]
Guidelines : Fund Raising
Fund Raising
Guidelines
- Develop a connection between the person you are soliciting and the cause for which you are working. Mention a mutual interest or thank them for a previous contribution.
- Explain the purpose, intent and goals of your organization clearly and concisely.
- Thank all contributors regardless of the size or amount of their contribution.
- Give honest and sincere appreciation in your letters of thanks.
[/tab]
[tab name=’Example 1′]
Example 1: Fundraising letters sample & Direct Solicitation
Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip
Date
Addressee
Address
City, State Zip
Dear Ms. Smith:
The Armand Golf Tournament has benefited needy students in our community for the past 25 years. On average, the tournament has raised more than $75,000 per year to aid the less fortunate.
Travis Davis, school superintendent, asked that I, along with Allen Thornell from First State Bank, co-chair the event. Last year, as you might remember, Granite Communications gave the tournament $5,000. At the time, you said you’d like to do better than that this year, so we would like to ask you to consider a gift of $10,000. As we have done in previous years, your contribution would be recognized in the program and announced during the tournament itself.
I do hope we can count on your support in making the tournament a success again this year. Please make your check or money order payable to the Armand Golf Tournament and send it to the address at the top of this letter.
We look forward to seeing you at the tournament.
Sincerely,
[/tab]
[tab name=’Example 2′]
Example 2: Follow up to Phone Solicitation
Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip
Date
Addressee
Address
City, State Zip
Dear Mr. Toliver:
While we all get solicited for so many valuable causes, everyone must set his or her own priorities. Therefore, I certainly understand that circumstances don’t permit your supporting the Brock Home for Children at the present time.
However, when we talked last week I sensed that perhaps you would be willing to help us out in a few months or so. Maybe then you’d take another look at your circumstances and decide if you could lend some support to our organization. I’ll make a note on my calendar to call you in March.
Sincerely,
[/tab]
[tab name=’Example 3′]
Example 3: Donation request letter
Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip
Date
Addressee
Address
City, State Zip
Dear Mr. Cantor:
Edward Strong related to me that you been an ardent advocate and supporter of S.E. Brighton Museum of Art for many years. Please accept my thanks on behalf of the museum.
Do you still spend summers at Karel Cove? If so, perhaps we could find a time to have lunch when you arrive for the season in May.
Alternately, you might like to come to the museum for the opening of the Kapers exhibit in August. Evelyn and I would be pleased to have you for dinner. We could then attend the opening together. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[/tab]
[tab name=’Example 4′]
Example 4: Solicitation of Cash Donation
Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip
Date
Addressee
Address
City, State Zip
Dear Ms. Anderson:
The Davis School for the Blind has been presented with a rare and wonderful opportunity. An anonymous donor has offered us a 1-to-2 matching grant, based on our ability to raise donations.
You were such a strong supporter of the school in our time of crisis last year. We are turning to you now in hopes of enlisting your support. Basically, for every $20 you give, the donor will donate $10.
Thanks to your past support, we have brought the school out of the red. We have greatly broadened our donor base and are no longer dependent on a few benefactors. However, there is still much that remains to be done –the salaries of our teachers remain relatively low compared to the national average and our facilities are in need of major renovation and maintenance.
Help us make the most of this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[/tab]
[end_tabset]