How to Write to Your Donors

By Susan Flansburg

If you are a fund raiser, you need to send appeals, reports and thank yous constantly.

Yeah, you nod. You know that. Hard to find time, though. And … there’s that white screen.

Let me help you. Your first words are, “Thank you." And the emphasis is on the YOU.

Donors want to know how THEIR money made a difference to the cause.

Not YOUR cause. THEIR cause.

The only reason they gave money to the cause was to make a difference to the child or puppy you promised them would benefit.

So when you write, “Thank you for your gift to the BLAHBLAHBLAH Foundation because it will support our work,” they yawn and shrug and toss it in the trash.

You failed to tell them that they - not you - made the difference.

If you want to keep your current donors - and they are your best source of support - make sure you tell them what THEY did. Not what YOU will do.

Want help with your next appeal, report or thank you? Flansburg-Sivell Communications is at YOUR service! :)

Thanks to Jerry Logan, for this sweet photo!!