If you’re like most fundraisers, you’re working on your year-end appeal Right Now!
Before you decide that you’re done with your final draft, make sure that you set yourself up for success by checking your work against our list of “must do’s”:
You’ve presented a problem that donors can identify with and help to solve.
You’ve expressed why the need is urgent.
You’ve stressed outcomes, rather than programs or processes.
You’ve stated what will happen is the problem is ignored.
You’ve told a simple story that expresses a clear need.
You’ve asked for a specific amount 2-3x in the letter.
You’ve explained how your supporters can make a gift.
If you can’t put a checkmark after each of the above bullets, now is the time to do so.
What follows are tips that you should be able to say “Yes I have” to:
Have you emphasized how the problem or need affects one person instead of using statistics to do so?
Have you edited out unnecessary words?
Have you used contractions to help your writing sound more like a friendly letter?
Have you deleted jargon that adds nothing to your donor understanding the need?
Have you used short words rather than big ones (when appropriate) and done away with any flowery language?
Have you made sure that your sentences aren’t too long (same with paragraphs)?
If you haven’t been able to answer “yes” to these bullet points go back and revise them.
If you’re confident that you’ve done a good job, kick back and relax. The money should start coming in right after the new year. And if you’d like a professional evaluation of your appeal letter, contact me today.
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