Fundraising tips on nonprofit newsletters.

Newsletters -- In Memory Of

Prominently display a section in your periodical newsletter where one of your donors can make a donation "In Memory Of" or "In Honor Of" someone recently deceased in place of giving flowers. You will be surprised at getting one or more donations each month.

You MUST list the honored deceased in the next issue and the persons making the gift. It gives your organization a way of offering compassionate condolences to someone in your community. Be consistent and keep it there. Once you start, don't stop.

Newsletters -- Make It Easy

Put a return envelope with your groups address in each newsletter and each mail piece you send out. The donations made will pay for the postage and will usually give you a few tens or hundreds of dollars extra that you would not have had.

Give many opportunities for your donors to assist your funding needs and you will see your profits increase substantially. You must be consistent and include a return envelope with every mailout. Small organizations that can't afford a printer should get a rubber stamp pad and have a monthly "addressing party" to stamp enough envelopes to send out. It's worth it.

Newsletters -- Do's

Have short interesting articles that are easy to read. Avoid technical jargon and excessive bragging.

Do have quotes from professional staff, especially from your Executive Director, but more importantly from your clientele or those you are helping.

Make it clear that you are seeking a donation with every issue, but don't beg or embellish the need.

Make each story engaging and heartfelt.

Promote "why" you are different than the many other nonprofits in your area and should be placed at the top of your supporters list of charities.

The best printing quality that you can afford.

Include a contribution form or pledge card and a return envelope in every newsletter. Make your contribution form a different color for added attention.

Do offer free premiums or never unique "secrets" periodically that will benefit your readers.

Do offer books on interest for a special price that your organization can also make a profit from, but don't overwhelm with many.

Emphasize that your newsletter itself is a benefit to them for their support. This will politely let them know that it costs your group money to send the newsletter out.

Highlight successes in every issue and volunteer involvement.

Have some unique, clear pictures of events, people and activities. Faces of people draw people in best. All pictures should be as close up as possible.

Newsletters -- Dont's

Never send out newsletters with poor quality printing. The better paper you have will also get more attention, because it shows that your are more professional.

Newsletters with poor writing will invaribly turn away donors instead of getting their positive attention.

Irregular mailings that are sent out other than what you promise your readers.

Don't send a newsletter out without a benefit to your reader. Make sure you include compelling human interest stories, resources to enhance your supporters participation, and ways to engage the participation of your supporters.

Do not send out newsletters out without a good header and eye-catching headlines for each story. Put some time into this. It will pay off for you.

Don't overwhelm the reader with too much detail. Send out no more than a four page 8 ½" X 11" pages. A front and back 8 ½" X 11" is best.

Don't overlook mentioning special needs for the month that you are seeking. Directly ask for the help from your supporters. Be bold and decisive.

Don't forget to have means of contacting you on each page. Phone number, Fax number, email, web site address, regular mail address and maybe even a map if you want them to visit your offices.

Avoid using an 800 # if your callers will be calling locally. This saves you money.

Don't use staples to secure your newsletter. Try using sticky tabs instead.