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Sample Donation Thank You Letter
Thank-You Letter for Fundraising Gift
The most important letter in direct mail fundraising never asks for a
donation. Thank-you letters increase donor loyalty, strengthen relationships and
increase your chances of receiving more gifts in the future, including major
gifts and legacy gifts.
But only if you get them right.
Direct mail fundraising is about relationships, not revenue. The only way to
generate sustainable income through the mail is to thank donors promptly,
personally, particularly and positively.
Here is a sample donation thank-you letter.
Friday, January 16, 2006
Samantha Yordvick
363 Blandon Crescent
Tulsa, OK 19188
Dear Samantha:
This is just a quick note, but it comes from my heart to yours as I head out the
door for my flight to Bombay.
Thank you for your very kind gift of $100, which we received today. Your
generosity will make an immediate difference in the lives of mothers in
Calcutta. I'm going to make sure of that on this trip.
For one thing, we are going to use your gift to fund our early intervention
program. Your generosity is going to help us buy the formula and fortified milk
that our mothers give to their babies and toddlers. Good nutrition, as you know,
is so vital in fighting off the diseases and infections that are so prevalent in
Calcutta.
You can read about this exciting initiative--and your important part in it--in
the upcoming issue of our newsletter, which we will mail to you in January.
Thanks again for your kindness,
[real, actual, live signature]
Bill Bladstone
President
CalcuttaConcern
About this letter
Here are a few things to notice about this letter.
1. Not "Dear Friend." This letter is a personal thank you from the heart of the
president to this donor. Even though the president does not know Samantha
personally, he writes to her as a friend, which is to say, by name.
2. The opening sentence reveals the personality of the writer and clearly shows
that this letter was written on a particular day, by a particular person, for a
particular reason. Openings like this resonate with donors, who want to be
acknowledged by a human being and not a computer.
3. The writer acknowledges the donor's gift by date received and amount given,
specific details that make the letter personal instead of generic.
4. The writer shows in concrete, easy-to-understand ways how the donor's gift
will be put to work today, changing lives and making a difference in the world.
Donors need to know that their contribution, however small, accomplishes the
goals of the donor in supporting your organization.
About the Author
© 2006 Sharpe Copy Inc. Alan Sharpe is a professional fundraising letter
writer, instructor, coach, author and newsletter publisher who helps non-profit
organizations to raise funds, build relationships and retain loyal donors using
cost-effective, compelling, creative fundraising letters. Sign up for free
weekly tips like this at
http://www.RaiserSharpe.com
Related Pages
Powerful Postscripts - Ten ways to
boost donation letter response rates - Add powerful postscripts to your
fundraising letters.
Increasing Donor Gift Size - How
to increase the size of donor gifts from your fundraising letters - Proven
methods for getting better donation response rates.
How To Write Fundraising
Letters - Sample donor query letter and tips on writing your own donation
request.
Thank You Letters - Seven tips
on writing thank you letters, notes, or making simple donor recognition phone calls.
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