Rising campaigns are important contributors to school budgets, and independent schools routinely send out annual pleas for fundraising dollars. To simplify your school’s next campaign kick-off, here are some tips for effective fundraising solicitation letters:
- Be sure your communication includes the school logo, name, mailing address, telephone number, and website.
- Include a personal salutation. If you know the potential donor’s name, use it.
- Make a direct request for a financial donation. Be clear why you are requesting and need funds (Capital Campaign? New computers? Increased endowment? Scholarships?) and make sure donors know what their donation will go toward and how they can help.
- Provide justification for your funding request.
- Keep communication short, sweet, and to the point. Donors don’t want to read a novel in your fundraising letter.
- When writing your letter, remember that it’s not about your school; it’s about your donors.
- Always say thank you and show how grateful you will be for their donation. Thank the donor for donations they made in the past.
- If your letter is mailed on paper instead of electronically, include a handwritten signature. A signature adds professionalism and a personal touch.
Your letter will be more specific depending on your mission and projects, but by implementing the above suggestions, you will be well on your way to the start of your next campaign!
Ready to learn more? Watch our on-demand webinar Build a Successful Giving Campaign for tips on how you can incorporate your fundraising letter into a complete campaign strategy.