Put an End to Ineffective Fundraising Letters!

Do you want to write an inspirational, thoughtful and action-driven fundraising letter for your FundScrip campaign but aren’t certain where to start?

It’s obvious that FundScrip Group Administrators want their fundraising letter to open with a thought-provoking punch which captures a potential supporter’s attention. They want their cause to be memorable and they want to lead everyone who reads their letter directly to FundScrip’s Sign Up page.

Before typing even one word, everyone in-charge of fundraising programs must read what Jeff Brooks (Fundraising Future Now) believes are the three most ineffective approaches taken when composing a fundraising letter. They may surprise you!

Here they are:

Asking them a question. Very dangerous. So many fundraising messages start out asking a question that’s like this: Have you ever ridden a unicycle in the rain? The answer to that type of question is ummmm…. An effective question is one to which the reader’s answer is Yes — but even more important, it’s yes in a provocative, interesting way.

Warming them up. Public speakers do this: Talk about the weather or the season, or recent news. They’re trying to make a connection, maybe get a laugh, before they start in on the topic at hand. Don’t do that in writing. Just start in with the topic at hand.

Using numbers and facts. You are likely to be tempted to start your message with a big fat fact. Don’t. Facts don’t win the day; they usually cost you significant response.

You can read more of this post at the Fundraising Future Now blog.

Good to know: When you are a FundScrip Group Administrator, you have access to the Administrator Treasure Chest where you can download some sample letters to get you started.  If you need more advice, contact your Fundraising Coach.

TIP:  Remember to include the Group Invitation Code in the letter

Also remember that regular communication with your supporters is a terrific way to revitalize your current fundraising effort and it ensures a successful FundScrip Campaign!