I respond annually to the personal solicitation of a member of the Board
of Directors when she calls. I have been an annual donor for 15 years.
No one has asked for a specific gift or an upgrade.
| What letters should contain |
Text of letter |
Opening paragraph(s)
- Why are you writing me?
- What do you have to say that is of interest to me?
- What do you want me to do?
|
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gafke:
Each year, Friends of Music, a music scholarship donor organization,
provides contributions to support gifted music students at the
University of Missouri-Columbia. Last year over $47,000 was received
from generous contributors--both individuals and corporations--to
provide scholarships for talented music students. Friends of Music
scholarships supplement the regular University music scholarship
budget and help us to attract a large number of highly talented
student musicians to Mizzou.
|
Body
- Show the commitment to case by letter signer
- Explain the case and urgency of making the gift
- Ask for the gift
- Provide information on impact of the gift
- Provide benefits to donor for making the gift
|
We appeal to you for help in continuing the development of the MU
music program. Your generous gift to the Friends of Music Scholarship
Fund provides scholarship support for talented and needy students
in music. Within the next week or two, a member of the Friends of
Music Board of Directors or an MU music student will be contacting
you about your contribution for this year. Any questions you may
have about the Friends of Music Scholarship Program can be answered
at that time.
You may contribute to the scholarship program by completing the
enclosed pledge card and returning it by February 27 in the self-addressed
envelope. Your name will appear in various printed programs, including
those of the Concert Series, if you submit your contribution before
June 30.
|
Closing paragraph(s)
- Restate your case and ask again
- Tell me why you wrote me
- Tell me how I can make the gift
|
Please allow me to thank you in advance for your generous
scholarship gift. You are most cordially invited to attend recitals
and concerts given by music faculty and students on campus and in
the community.
|
Letter Signer
- Should be a person who can appropriately, effectively ask
for the gift
- One person should sign the letter
|
Sincerely,
Two volunteers and the chairman of the music department sign the
letter.
|
Postscript
- Assume the gift will be made
- Add value to the decision
- Give donor another reason to make the gift
- Keep message consistent with main theme
|
This letter contained no postscript. |
I welcome your comments, questions or suggestions. Roger Gafke, professor
of journalism, University of Missouri-Columbia, E-mail: