Over 85% of distributed fundraising groups fundraise via email, which makes it the most popular method of fundraising within the distributed fundraising program. And for good reason – email fundraising is among the most effective digital fundraising strategies!
If you prefer to learn by watching and listening, click here to watch a video training about the basics of email fundraising. This includes many of the following tips. Then take a look at the sample email below.
Tip #1: Send multiple emails. It’s recommended to send multiple emails throughout the matching campaign period asking supporters to contribute. For example, you could send one or two emails to your full list of supporters, and then a follow-up email to folks who have donated in the past. (Past donors are the most likely to donate again).
Tip #2: Highlight the match. Make sure that you mention the match in your subject line. You don’t want to miss the opportunity for folks to open the email because they didn’t know about the match.
Tip #3: Be personal. Include the supporter’s name in the greeting, and include your own name or another group leader’s name as the sender and signature.
Tip #4: Keep it short and easy to skim. Ensure that the full email is easy to read and that folks can skim through it if they’re in a hurry. Be sure to include bolded text with the most important information and multiple donation page links.
Here’s a sample fundraising email that you can use as a starting point for the matching campaign.
Sample Email
Subject Line: Your donation will be matched: Give to {Indivisible Group} now and double your impact!
Dear {name},
As we prepare for the rest of 2025, we know that extremism threatens to erode our democracy. MAGA continues their attacks on our fundamental rights. This is a scary moment for our country, but also one that must inspire action.
It’s up to us -- all of us who care about defending our democracy, protecting our freedoms, and leaving a livable planet to future generations – to put in the work this year.
Here’s what {Indivisible Group} has been doing to fight back.
- {insert your group’s activities and achievements so far in 2025}
With so much on the line, we can’t afford to stop now. Getting it done depends on all of us!
We’ve set a goal to raise at least $500 before June 30th, and Indivisible National will match every dollar you give up to $500 total between June 1st and June 30th.
Chip in $5, $25, or more now {Link to ActBlue page}, and your donation will be matched! No amount is too small. These are some of the expenses we foresee for the year: {Use the items below or insert your own items to fund}
- $25 = Flyers for outreach fair
- $50 = Snacks for group meeting
- $100 = Safety gear for protests
- $150 = Online meeting tool annual payment
Now is the time to support {Indivisible group} as we build our power. Please consider making a contribution today to support our work. {Link to ActBlue page}
Because of you, we’re confident we can save our democracy.
In solidarity,
{name}
{Indivisible Group} leader