Writing an email to solicit donations effectively requires a good understanding of the company you work in and the purpose of the fundraiser, but also a style that communicates the enthusiasm of your organization. The use of e-mails for fundraising is becoming more and more frequent, because they are a cheaper means than the telephone or traditional mail and, above all, more immediate. Use these tips to write an email asking for donations.
Steps
Method 1 of 1: Write the email
Step 1. Research your organization and donors
In your e-mail, speak in detail about the organization, its objectives and the results it has achieved. Check the trends of past donations, including the amounts and goals for which they were donated.
Step 2. Thank the potential donor at the beginning of the email
The thank you message can refer to past donations or the interest shown in your organization and its purposes.
Step 3. State the purpose of the letter in the first paragraph
Let your interlocutor know that the organization is raising funds for a specific goal.
Step 4. Plead your organization's cause in the second paragraph
- State your organization's goals and mission. Draw a brief history of the company, including the milestones and how it developed.
- Describe the results and achievements over the years. Also include statistics for each goal achieved.
- Remind the interlocutor of the contributions he has made to your organization. To mention that in the past he saw in her a body capable of promoting causes worthy of being supported could push him to donate again.
Step 5. Address the details of your request in the third paragraph
- Define the purpose of your fundraiser. It should be an objective to be financed, which makes potential donors understand the importance of their contribution.
- Explain that achieving the goal will lead to something valuable for the organization. For example, an association that deals with children could raise funds to build or renovate a playground. Explain the concrete effects that will come from achieving the goal.
- Explain to your interlocutor how to move to make the donation. Direct him to a secure website, through which he can contribute; give him an address to send a check or a phone number to donate by credit card.
Step 6. Thank your interlocutor for the time and consideration he has given you
Making a good impression is key to getting him to contribute to your cause. While he may not be able to donate for this specific purpose, he may do so in the future, so it's very important to let him know that you appreciate the time he has given you.
Advice
- Check the email and letters sent for past fundraisers. Use similar language and style if they have proven effective. Many organizations use old letters as models for new ones.
- Include the association's logo in the email so that it is immediately recognizable. Many people associate organizations and companies with their logos.
- Attach a form to donate to the email. If the recipient decides to make a contribution, he can fill in the form to provide all the necessary information. The form must also include the email address, website and telephone number of your organization.
- Make sure the email is sent on behalf of the organization as a certified sender before sending it. If you use an online fundraising platform like Fundraise.com, it will happen automatically.
