How to write a fundraising ask letter

Writing a successful fundraising letter is a work of art. Unfortunately however, many lack style, are unimaginative, repetitious and just plain a general waste of time. So, how do you actually write a successful fundraising letter? 

The most important thing of a non-profit charity fundraising letter is the first few sentences. What comes, after that only plays a second row role.

Grade A+ letters grab you right from the start. They speak to your values and give you a compelling reason to donate. Those letters are truly personal. Grade F letters on the other hand have nothing to do with you or give you any reason why you should donate to the charity.

Here are some examples of different fundraising letters:

• Grade F - Dear Friend, Christmas is right around the corner. We are all busy preparing for the festivities. The feast is being prepared, last minute shopping is being done and don't forget about those greeting cards. We, here at the Community Foundation, have also been busy....
• Grade C - Dear Community Foundation Member, Yesterday, Ally F. and her sisters had a wonderful day. They experienced the true meaning of Christmas. For the first time in two years Ally and her family were able to enjoy a Holiday dinner together. Ally's eyes tearded up from pure joy, as she opened her gifts. It is because of donors like you.....
• Grade A - Dear Linda, Having a hard time finding the right gift? Give the gift that keeps on giving and provide hope, mobility and freedom to a child. Your gift of $85 will give a brand new wheelchair to a child in need....

Retain Non-Profit Volunteers

Finding the right volunteers for your non-profit charity auction can be a true struggle. Young, top tech talent is most likely busy working for corporate America. They enjoy generous paychecks and benefit package along with fun company perks. Non-profits struggle to compete, since they most likely are not able to accommodate the same.
This is where non profit charities need to find different ways to attract potential volunteers/employees. 
These days, young professionals thrive on passion for mission. Making a difference for society is inspiring for many volunteers and the reason to give. Volunteers for non profit charities want to feel like they are part of something bigger. Doing good feels great to them and therefore volunteers don't mind making sacrifices.
Also try to make your non profit charity volunteers feel part of the project. They need to have the feeling that they are needed and not just used. Giving them responsibility for big chunks of a project, such as a non profit charity auction, makes them feel appreciated. Using BiddingOwl makes this task a little bit easier. Each volunteers can be given a separate user account that gives them access to certain part of the non profit charity auction process. Volunteers will have fun using the easy to use system.