By Jody Long
If you’re planning on raising money this coming year for your non-profit event, consider writing a letter to local businesses to help your cause. Fundraising letters can sometimes be viewed as impersonal, and similar to “mass emails”; but if they are written correctly they’ll be able to greatly help your fundraising efforts.
The purpose of the letter is to ask for donations, or in some cases, products & services if you’re holding a raffle or auction at your fundraising event. Some businesses require a written letter in order for them to provide you with any type of donation, so don’t disregard a written letter even if it seems old-fashioned. You may be surprised at the feedback you receive if it is well-written.
As you create your letter, also consider the following questions. What area businesses are appropriate to reach out to? Be sure to reach out to businesses within your industry. Do you have a specific contact to address the letter to? If a letter is addressed to a specific person, it has a better chance of being read.
Divide your letter into three parts, and use the following guidelines.
Section 1: Introduction
· First things first, state who you are and why you are contacting them
· Insert a fact, such as “did you know breast cancer affects 300,000 new patients each year?” to get their attention and let them know why there is a need for this fundraiser
· Indicate you are a legitimate operation by providing something such your company name and website
· Include what your fundraiser/non-profit is all about, and why it’s important
Section 2: Why
· This section is where you’ll get to the point… indicate where the money will be donated
· State exactly how much of the donated funds will be used for the actual cause
· Answer the question of “Why is it important for the business/person you’re contacting to get involved?”
Section 3: Thank You
· Thank them for their time
· Make it easy for them to donate, consider including a self-addressed stamped envelope
· Think about setting up a website for donations, such as www.GoFundMe.com, or providing information to allow donors to donate to your PayPal account
· Include all of your contact information, including your direct phone number, and let them know to contact you with any questions about the event, cause, fundraiser, etc.
· Provide your company website so they can look for more information on this cause