Raising funds for your cause can be an overwhelming and daunting process – especially when it comes to writing a fundraising appeal that stands out from the crowd. Fortunately, there are several considerations you can take into account in order to craft messages that capture attention and encourages people to donate. From developing a compelling story about your organization’s mission to identifying potential donors and crafting personalized appeals, this blog post by Gary Pryor will explore all of the aspects necessary for creating successful campaigns. No matter what type of fundraiser you’re organizing or how much money you hope to raise, following these tips could have a significant impact on reaching your goals – so let’s get started!
Gary Pryor Lists Considerations For Writing a Successful Fundraising Appeal
When writing a successful fundraising appeal, it is important to consider the tone of voice used, says Gary Pryor. The language should be informative but also descriptive so that potential donors can relate and connect with the message being communicated. The tone should not be overly aggressive or demanding, as this will turn off many potential donors.
It’s also essential for an appeal letter to be concise and clear about what the donation is going towards, why it’s needed, and how much support is required. This means providing enough information on what the organization does by briefly discussing its purpose, mission statement, and goals. It’s also important to include data numbers and statistics related to their cause (e.g., the number of people impacted) in order to show success and encourage more donations.
In addition to providing clear and concise information about the organization, it’s important for a successful fundraising appeal to also provide a personal touch in order to emotionally engage donors. This could be done by including stories of individuals or families affected by the cause or even testimonies from volunteers or staff members who have seen the impact their work has had on those they’ve served. Including an inspiring quote related to why people should donate can also be very effective. For example, “No one has ever become poor by giving” (Anne Frank).
Finally, it’s important, as per Gary Pryor, to conclude with an explicit call-to-action that includes details on how someone can give — whether that be through donating online, sending a check, or volunteering their time. Doing this will make it easier for potential donors to act on the call to action and give back to the cause in a meaningful way.
For example, ‘UNICEF’ is an international charity organization that works toward protecting children’s rights around the world. In their fundraising appeal, UNICEF clearly outlines why funding is needed (in order to combat hunger and provide emergency relief), how donations are making a difference (through providing life-saving supplies such as medicine, food, and clean drinking water), and what impact people can have by donating (helping UNICEF reach over 20 million children in more than 190 countries). They also include real-life examples of people whose lives were changed because of UNICEF’s work, as well as data numbers and statistics to back up their cause. They also make sure to end with a clear call to action that includes details on how their donors can give.
Gary Pryor’s Concluding Thoughts
According to Gary Pryor, by considering all the elements listed above, organizations can create effective fundraising appeals that will encourage potential donors to support their cause. By taking the time to craft an appeal letter that is informed, descriptive, concise, and personalized, nonprofits are more likely to receive the financial support needed in order to continue with their important work.