Effective openings to fundraising messages

Here are some good was to start your fundraising letters. Tell a story. If you've got a dynamite story that really makes the case for your offer, just start right in with the story, using a killer opening like you'd see in a mystery story: Lolita knew something was terribly wrong the minute she saw Mr. Humbert. Trumpet the offer. If your fundraising offer is something irresistible -- a great deal, or something that gives the donor a lot of impact -- that's a great way to start: Every dollar you give today will be tripled to help hungry children. It's not only a great opening, it's a great way to spend nearly your entire message. Talk about the donor. Since the topic of effective fundraising is the donor, this is a great way to start. Tell the donor something about herself that you know and admire. Like I know you care about our great broad-leafed urban trees. (You know this because she's given generously to protect them.) (This post was first published on June 3, 2010)

from Future Fundraising Now http://ift.tt/1RNTt3U