Questions to Ask Before Writing a Fundraising Letter

• Do you have a summary list describing the BASIC INFORMATION about your project? (where it is located, how long you will be working with them, address, web site, e-mail, way to contact? Where and when it was formed? Who owns and runs it? Charitable expenditures? Etc.)

• Have you sent out any fundraiser packages in the past?

• What did the “package” include? E.g., Outer envelope, the main letter, “lift note,” testimonial, order form, return envelope, a free premium, etc.

• What was your response rate? (What percentage of your recipients sent a donation in response to your mailing?)

• Have you used a rented MAILING LIST purchased from an outside vendor?

• Do you have the DATA CARD of the rented mailing list?

• Do you have any publications, brochures, fliers, booklets, annual reports, case studies, interviews and magazine articles, or any other promotional material or news items about your project?

• Have you used an IN-HOUSE MAILING LIST for your fundraiser mailings?

• Do you have the demographic profile of those in your in-house mailing list? (Mean age, gender break down, modal zipcode, average donation sent in, etc.)

• How would you personally describe YOUR TYPICAL DONOR, MEMBER or CUSTOMER, on the basis of your past experiences? (Income, education, age, gender, ethnicity, personal habits, marital status, jobs, entertainment or recreational preferences, philosophy and outlook on life, personal values, religion, organizational/club membership, political preference, etc.)

• Have you published any display ads for your project in a print publication?

• Do you have a list of PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS made possible due to past donations?

• Do you have a list of FUTURE PLANS about the things you will accomplish with the raised funds?

• What are the ACTIVITIES and GOALS of your project? WHAT exactly does your project accomplish?

• Who BENEFITS from your project and in what ways?

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