If you’ve ever been involved in fundraising, then you know just how crucial follow-up emails can be. They are incredibly effective at driving donations and securing support from potential donors who may not have pledged previously. However, crafting the perfect follow-up email can be challenging – especially when you’re doing it for the first time.
Fortunately, the good news is that getting started is easier than you might think. You don’t have to be a professional writer or a marketing whiz to craft a persuasive fundraising follow-up email that will grab your readers’ attention and inspire them to act. With a little bit of guidance and some creativity, you can come up with an email that will motivate your subscribers and help you raise more money for your cause.
In this article, we’re going to share a fundraising follow-up email sample that you can use as a starting point for your next campaign. We will also provide you with some advice on how to personalize and edit these examples to suit your unique needs. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraising pro or a newbie looking to get started, you’ll find plenty of actionable tips and strategies here that will help you take your fundraising efforts to the next level.
The Best Structure for a Follow-up Fundraising Email
Writing fundraising emails is a crucial part of every fundraiser’s job. However, the follow-up email is especially important as it could be the deciding factor for whether or not the donation is made. The key to crafting an effective follow-up email is to understand the proper structure to make it stand out among the many emails received by donors every day.
The following is a breakdown of the best structure to use when crafting your next follow-up fundraising email:
1. Start with a heartfelt greeting
The opening of your email sets the tone for the message that follows. A personalized greeting is important to make the donor feel appreciated and valued. Use their name and express your gratitude for their previous donation or engagement with your organization. A simple “Dear John” or “Hello Margaret” along with a sentence or two expressing thanks will go a long way towards building a positive relationship with your donor.
2. Remind the donor what their contribution means to your organization
To make the donor feel connected to your organization, remind them why their donation is so important to you. Share with them how their contribution has made an impact and what type of change your organization is striving to make. This will help the donor feel as if they are part of something bigger and encourage them to contribute again.
3. Share a success story
Donors want and need tangible evidence that their contribution is making a difference. Share a success story that highlights the impact your organization has made. Use specific numbers, quotes, and images to help bring the story to life and make it memorable for the donor.
4. Create a sense of urgency
Creating a sense of urgency in your follow-up email can help encourage the donor to contribute again. Share a specific goal or need that your organization is currently working towards and emphasize the importance of meeting this goal as soon as possible.
5. Provide a clear call-to-action
Make it easy for the donor to take action by providing a clear call-to-action. Whether it’s asking them to make a donation or get involved in another way, make sure the steps are clear and concise. Use a button or link to direct them to a donation page or a sign-up form for volunteering.
6. End with a sincere thank you
Don’t forget to end your follow-up email with a sincere thank you. Express your gratitude for their continued support and let them know how much their contributions mean to your organization. Ending the email on an appreciative note will help build a positive relationship with your donor and encourage them to contribute again in the future.
With the right structure, you can craft a follow-up fundraising email that will stand out and encourage donors to contribute again. Use these six steps to create a compelling message that will help build a lasting relationship between your organization and its donors.
Fundraising Follow-Up Email Samples
Thank you for Your Generous Donation
Dear [Donor Name],
Thank you for your generous donation to our organization. Your support means a lot to us, and we appreciate your willingness to help us in our mission. Your contribution is a testament to your commitment to helping those in need and to creating positive change in our community.
Thank you again for your donation. We hope you will continue to support our organization in the future.
Warmest regards,
[Your Name], [Your Title]
Reminder to Donate
Dear [Donor Name],
We would like to remind you that we are still accepting donations for our fundraising campaign. Your contribution makes a huge difference in helping us achieve our goals and further our mission. With your support, we can continue to create positive change in our community.
Please consider making a donation today. We appreciate your continued support and thank you for your generosity.
Best regards,
[Your Name], [Your Title]
Invitation to a Fundraising Event
Dear [Donor Name],
We would like to invite you to our upcoming fundraising event. This is a great opportunity to support our organization and meet other like-minded individuals who are passionate about our mission.
The event will be held on [Date] at [Location]. There will be food, drinks, entertainment, and a silent auction with amazing prizes. All proceeds will go towards supporting our programs and services, and we hope to raise a significant amount of funds to further our mission.
We hope that you can attend this event and show your support for our organization. Please let us know if you can make it, and if you have any questions about the event, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Best regards,
[Your Name], [Your Title]
Follow-Up on a Pledge
Dear [Donor Name],
We would like to follow up with you regarding your pledge to our organization. Your support is crucial in helping us achieve our goals and advancing our mission, and we are grateful for your commitment to making a difference.
We understand that circumstances may change, and we want to make sure that you are still able to fulfill your pledge. If you need more time or have any questions about your pledge, please let us know, and we would be happy to work with you.
Thank you again for your pledge and support. We appreciate your generosity, and we look forward to continuing to work with you to create positive change in our community.
Warm regards,
[Your Name], [Your Title]
Request for Monthly Donations
Dear [Donor Name],
We are writing to ask if you would consider making a monthly donation to our organization. Monthly giving is the best way to support our mission and ensure that we can continue to provide essential programs and services to those in need.
Your monthly donation will make a significant impact and help us achieve our goals. It is a simple and convenient way to support our work, and it allows us to plan for the future with confidence.
If you are interested in becoming a monthly donor, please let us know and we would be happy to provide you with more information on how to set up your donation.
Thank you so much for considering this request. We are grateful for your support and appreciate your commitment to making a difference in our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name], [Your Title]
Expressing Gratitude to Volunteers
Dear [Volunteer Name],
We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for your dedication and commitment to our organization. Your tireless efforts have helped us achieve our goals and make a positive impact in our community.
Your contributions, whether it be your time, skills, or resources, have been invaluable to us, and we are incredibly grateful for your support. It is because of volunteers like you that we are able to continue providing essential programs and services to those in need.
Thank you for all that you do. We are lucky to have you as part of our team, and we hope that you will continue to support our organization in the future.
With deepest appreciation,
[Your Name], [Your Title]
Request for Corporate Sponsorship
Dear [Corporate Representative Name],
We are writing to request sponsorship for our upcoming fundraising event. Your partnership and support are essential to our organization’s success, and we would be honored to work with you to achieve our goals.
The event will be held on [Date] at [Location]. It will feature food, drinks, entertainment, and a silent auction with amazing prizes. All proceeds will go towards supporting our programs and services, and we are hoping to raise a significant amount of funds to further our mission.
As a sponsor, your organization will receive recognition at the event and on our website and social media platforms. You will also be helping us make a significant impact in our community by supporting our programs and services.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please let us know, and we would be happy to provide you with more information about sponsorship opportunities and benefits.
Thank you for considering this request. We appreciate your support and look forward to the possibility of working together.
Sincerely,
[Your Name], [Your Title]
Fundraising Follow-up Email Tips
Fundraising follow-up emails play a crucial role in obtaining support for your cause. Writing an effective follow-up email can help you secure donations by encouraging potential donors to take action. Here are some tips for writing a compelling fundraising follow-up email:
- Personalize your message – Address your potential donor by name and tailor the email to their interests and experiences. This will show that you value their time and effort and that you have done your research. Include some personal or emotional stories about the impact of your cause on the community.
- Thank your recipients – Begin your email by thanking your recipients for their interest in your cause and for considering your request for support. It’s important to acknowledge their efforts and generosity by expressing your gratitude and appreciation.
- Be concise and clear – Your follow-up email should be easy to read and understand. Use short and simple sentences, bullet points, and headings to break down your message into smaller chunks. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to your recipients.
- Include a call-to-action – It’s crucial to provide a clear and specific call-to-action at the end of your email. Ask your donors to donate a specific amount or give them a link to donate online. Make it easy for them to support your cause by providing all the necessary information and instructions.
- Follow-up again – If you don’t receive a response from your potential donors within a week or two, consider sending another follow-up email. This can remind them of your cause and encourage them to take action. Be polite and respectful in your follow-up email and avoid being pushy or aggressive.
- Proofread and test your email – Before sending your follow-up email, make sure to proofread it carefully and test it on different devices and email platforms. Check for errors in spelling, grammar, and formatting. Ensure that all the links and attachments are working correctly.
These tips can help you write a compelling and effective fundraising follow-up email that can encourage potential donors to support your cause. Remember to personalize your message, be concise and clear, and include a clear call-to-action. Follow up again if necessary, and proofread and test your email before sending it out.
Fundraising Follow-Up Email Sample FAQs
What is a fundraising follow-up email?
A fundraising follow-up email is an email sent to prospective donors after the initial outreach to remind them of the campaign and encourage a donation.
When should a fundraising follow-up email be sent?
A fundraising follow-up email should be sent a few days after the initial outreach to give the recipient time to consider the ask.
What should be included in a fundraising follow-up email?
A fundraising follow-up email should include a reminder of the campaign, a call-to-action, and updates on how the campaign is progressing.
How should the tone of a fundraising follow-up email be?
The tone of a fundraising follow-up email should be polite, appreciative, and motivated. It is essential to convey your appreciation for their consideration of the campaign.
Should a fundraising follow-up email be personalized?
Yes, a personalized fundraising follow-up email is more effective than a generic one. It shows that you value the prospect’s potential contribution.
How many times should a fundraising follow-up email be sent?
A maximum of two fundraising follow-up emails should be sent to a prospect. Beyond that, it can become perceived as spamming.
What is the recommended structure of a fundraising follow-up email?
A fundraising follow-up email should have an opening thank you, an explanation for the follow-up, a reminder of the campaign, an ask, and closing gratitude.
What is the significance of a subject line of a fundraising follow-up email?
The subject line of a fundraising follow-up email should be clear and concise to grab the recipient’s attention and encourage them to open the email.
What is the role of the signature in a fundraising follow-up email?
The signature in a fundraising follow-up email should represent the organization and the credibility of the ask.
What are the best practices for a fundraising follow-up email?
Some of the best practices for a fundraising follow-up email include personalizing the message, thanking the recipient, keeping the email concise, conveying urgency, and including a call-to-action.
Keep Your Fundraising Game Strong with These Follow-Up Email Samples!
Thank you for taking the time to read through these fundraising follow-up email samples! Remember that following up with potential donors is critical for the success of your fundraiser. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these templates to make them fit your organization and your donors better. With a little bit of personalization and persistence, you could be on your way to reaching your fundraising goals in no time. Be sure to visit again soon for more helpful tips on how to make your next fundraising campaign a success!