Email is a cost-effective way to keep people involved and up to date, and it can also be used as a great fundraising tool. This guide reviews big picture things to keep in mind when crafting your fundraising email.
- It’s recommended to include the following text at the bottom of your fundraising emails: Your contribution will benefit Indivisible Project, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. Donations are not deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable contributions.
- Be sure not to ask for support for any work that is not allowed within the distributed fundraising program.
Tell Your Story
If you’ve read any of our other fundraising resources, you are probably starting to notice a trend. Telling a compelling story will drive folks to support your group. Give them a meaningful action they can take that will help bring about a positive change in the community.
Create an Ask
Once you’ve told the story of WHY you need support, let them know WHAT the funds will be used for. This could be a billboard advocating for or against an issue, supplies to make posters for a march, transportation for canvassing, or many other things. Communicating your needs will increase the likelihood of receiving donations because it directly links your upcoming efforts to the story you told.
Here’s a sample list you could use in an email:
- $25 puts a poster in everyone’s hands at the next rally at our congressman’s office!
- $50 will pay for clipboards, paper, water, pens, and everything else needed for a month of canvassing!
- $75 lets us buy an ad in our local paper to tell our congressman to hold a town hall!
- $100 will be put toward our next billboard advertisement telling people to remember to vote!
Readability is Key
You will be competing with many other emails, so be sure your email is clear and easy to read. Some tips to remember:
- Start with an engaging sentence
- Keep paragraphs short. A large block of text is daunting!
- First ask should come in paragraph 2-4
- Bold strong statements to make them stand out, and be sure to bold and hyperlink your donation asks!
Sample Email
Here is a sample fundraising email you may consider using:
Subject Line: Naboo deserves better
Patrick,
We resisted, we organized, we made phone calls, we rallied, we held our elected officials accountable, and we built power.
And we’re not stopping now.
To resist extremism we must continue to mobilize and build power— and we’re getting louder. We need to raise $500 to keep up this momentum and to be sure our voices are heard.
- $25 markers, and office supplies for rallies
- $50 for gas for carpooling to actions
- $150 for a big Indivisible Naboo banner for future office visits and marches
- $300 for meeting space for the next 3 months
Chip in $25 today so Indivisible Naboo can continue to organize and build power! (HYPERLINK TO ACTBLUE PAGE)
Over the past year, Indivisible Naboo made a difference by {insert actions here}. And we built a progressive network in our local community that has staying power.
There is a real opportunity for us to take back the reins of our government and stop extremism once and for all.
Donate now to help fuel our group’s work (HYPERLINK TO ACTBLUE PAGE)
Let’s get to work!
In solidarity,
Indivisible Naboo
Your contribution will benefit Indivisible Project, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. Donations are not deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable contributions.