How to Write a Fundraising Letter - Version 7 -16 - 2024 - Effective solicitation tips

Sep 15, 2026

A guide to writing a strong fundraising solicitation letter that prompts donors to open, read, and respond. It emphasizes maintaining updated donor and prospect mailing lists, using teaser copy on the envelope, and stating the organization or project clearly at the start. The letter should balance emotional storytelling with facts, thank prior donors, avoid hype, ask directly for funds with suggested giving amounts, include urgency through deadlines, and make donation actions simple via QR codes or links. It also recommends a persuasive P.S. and timely follow-up calls, texts, or emails.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

How to Write a Fundraising Letter

Prepare donor targeting and mailing materials

Grab attention and make the case quickly

Balance emotional appeal with facts

Ask clearly and reduce friction to donate

Add urgency, instructions, and a P.S.

Plan follow-up and finalize the campaign

How to Write a Fundraising Letter The key to many successful fundraising campaigns is writing a strong solicitation letter. This may sound intimidating at first, but fundraising letters contain many of the same elements as any good sales letter. First, know your donors. Beginning with an updated list of past donors is key-they will likely give again and may even increase their donations over time. Make sure to have a good, well-targeted, updated mailing list for new prospects as well. In order to get people to read your letter, they must first open the envelope. Include teaser copy on the outside of the envelope. This can be as simple as a printed line saying,“We need your help.” Early in the letter, make your case quickly. Don’t beat around the bush. Tell about your organization or project at the top of the letter and get to the point right away. What problem will this project solve? What need will it fill? Appeal to your donors’ hearts first with descriptions and anecdotes, then to their heads with facts and figures. If you are writing to previous donors, be sure to thank them first before you ask for more money. Such as,“Thankyou for being such an important influence on our fund in the past. Last year’s fundraiser was such a success, we’re inviting you to help again ...” Version 7.16.2024 Lose the hype. Don’t exaggerate or over-extend yourself. Nothing will destroy your credibility faster than sounding like a used-car salesperson when raising funds for a good cause. Don’t forget to ask for the money! Don’t just tell them about your program, ask directly for their help. Tell them how much to give so they have an idea of what is needed. Such as,“Our program needs 25 computers, at $2,000 each. If you can’t afford a whole computer, a donation of only $200 will buy a printer.” This will make them feel like they are contributing to something tangible. Appeal to readers’ sense of urgency by providing a deadline. Such as,“We need these funds by January 1 in order to carry out our spring awards event.” If you don’t get them to act right away, they probably won’t act at all. For the maximum reply, you may want to include a QR code that links toyour NMF giving page or a link directly to the giving page. Make it easy for people to donate by telling them how: “Just check the box on the reply card and mail it with your check.” or “Scan the QR code to be directed to our online giving link.” People respond to clear instructions. Remember to include a P.S. at the bottom. The bulk of your letter will go unread by most of your readers. A post script is a last-chance effort to summarize your whole letter and get your readers to act on it. Version 7.16.2024 As with any direct mail piece, it’s good to make follow-up phone calls or send a text or an email one or two weeks after you mail the letter. Ask if the letter was received and if you can answer any questions. Your follow-up will greatly increase your chances of getting a donation. Writing a successful fundraising letter isn’t too difficult. These tips are based on years of trial and error; if you follow them wisely, your campaign will be successful. Plan early, be organized, and the letter writing will take care of itself! Version 7.16.2024

FAQs

How should a fundraising letter be structured to get donors to read it?

Use teaser copy on the outside of the envelope, then state the organization or project early without beating around the bush. Provide the core problem the project solves and the need it addresses right away.

What tone guidance should be followed to maintain credibility?

Lose the hype and avoid exaggeration or over-promising. The guide warns that sounding like a used-car salesperson undermines credibility when raising funds for a good cause.

How can the letter tell donors what to give and encourage action?

Include specific suggested amounts so donors understand what is needed. Add urgency with a deadline, provide clear instructions for donating (including QR code or giving page link), and include a strong P.S. as a final call to action.

Sep 15, 2026

Upload by Ethan Miller