Sample Letter Writing Campaign Packet (Part One – How To)
STARTING A LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN
(THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO RAISE MONEY)
Draft a “Dear Friends/Family/Co-workers” letter explaining that you are participating in the 10th Annual Buddy Walk for Anytown USA Down Syndrome Group and that you would like their support. Or, you can do a mass e-mail. You can reach out to your friends and family across the country or just down the street with a quick note or a click of a button. You’ll be amazed by the results. Follow the steps below and watch the donations come in!
1. WRITE THE LETTER
Your letter should come from the heart. Explain your reason for participating in the event – are you or is someone you know directly affected by Down syndrome? Your letter should reflect your desire to raise funds for the programs and services of your group and the National Down Syndrome Society. Use a picture in your letter – it makes it more personal. Also include a self-addressed stamped envelope to return donations. Include a line requesting that all checks sent in have your name and/or the team name on the memo line so we can be sure that you/your team gets credit for all donations received!
2. DUPLICATE THE LETTER Photocopy your letter. Sign each letter individually. You can even add a personal note such as “Thank you in advance for your support.” 3. MAIL THE LETTER Go through your address bock, holiday card list, rolodex and wedding guest list. Mail to your family, friends, extended family, neighbors, business associates, etc, that you and your family are involved with throughout the year. It’s also a great excuse to catch up with friends you haven’t heard from in awhile. Don’t forget the self-addressed stamp envelope! 4. WATCH THE RESPONSES ROLL IN! It will be exciting to go to your mailbox when the donations start coming in. You will be surprised how quickly you reach your goal! All you have to do is ask! Pledge seekers who conduct a letter writing campaign raise an average of 5 to 10 times more money than those who don’t. The average walker raises $100. The average letter writer raises $500 to $1,000 or more! When writing your letters, invite people to walk with you as a member of your team in addition to sending in a donation. One Team Captain wrote a letter to everyone who supported her in a walk the previous year and asked them to not only sponsor her again this year, but for them to ask at least one new person to donate. She doubled her fundraising efforts with just one letter! As always, remember to thank everyone who supported you. Take pride in knowing that you did your best to support the Buddy Walk and your organization.
Sample Letter Writing Campaign Packet (part 2 – Letter from a Parent)
Friends: As most or all of you know, our son Troy is a 2 year old with Down syndrome. In addition to being a happy, healthy little man, Troy has been a major ambassador of goodwill in his short time with us and his impact has been enormously positive. In short, Troy is a terrific and special little kid who has reminded us about all of the really important things in life and who has a bright and wonderful future ahead of him. When Troy was first born we thanked everyone who had provided good thoughts, deeds and wishes. In the almost 24 months that Troy has been with us the kindness and thoughtfulness have continued and, amazingly, even gained strength -- it is at times overwhelming and we cannot thank you all enough. Many of you have asked about a way to help or otherwise become involved in Down syndrome-related charities. To that end, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is having their 10th annual "Buddy Walk" in NYC on Sunday, September 26, 2004. The NDSS is an organization that is committed to being the leader in enhancing the quality of life, and realizing the potential of all people with Down Syndrome. The Buddy Walk is designed to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down Syndrome, as well as to raise money to support national education, research and advocacy initiatives. Needless to say, it promotes a cause that is close to our hearts. As stated above, the National Buddy Walk will take place in NYC on Sunday, September 26, 2004 at the Great Hill in Central Park (CPW and 106 th Street). Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the walk kick-off at 12:30 p.m. The Buddy Walk is about a mile long (strollers, wagons and dogs are permitted) and it will be followed with entertainment in Central Park including clowns and magicians and carnival-style game booths. We would love as many of you as possible to partake -- but we do not mean to pressure anyone and do not want anyone to feel compelled. We recognize how busy everyone is, however, we just wanted to let you all know about the event and thought it might be a great opportunity to get together with some friends. We are committed to raising awareness about Down syndrome as well as educating folks that a complete and happy life is possible for people with disabilities. Last year, the 9th annual New York City Buddy Walk raised over $120,000. Over $13,000 of that amount came from our team, Troy’s Boys and Girls. Please let us know if you intend to participate and please pass this note along to anyone who might be interested or to anyone that I might have omitted. Hoping to see you all on the 26th. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity. With warmest regards, Anthony, Jane, Hannah and Troy
Sample Letter Writing Campaign Packet (part 3 – Letter from an individual with Down syndrome) (YOUR NAME / TEAM NAME) (ADDRESS) (CITY, STATE, ZIP) (PHONE NUMBER) (E-MAIL ADDRESS) Dear Friend: On behalf of my family and all other families at the Anytown USA Down Syndrome Group and the National Down Syndrome Society, we are asking for your help. Someone is going to ask you to donate to a cause. I believe it might as well be me! I have Down syndrome and can think of NO BETTER CAUSE!! Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that affects one if every 800 live births. It is one of the leading clinical causes of intellectual disability in the world. Quality educational programs, along with a stimulating home environment and good medical care, enable individuals with Down syndrome to become contributing members of their families and communities. At this time, the cause is not known. In addition, THERE IS NO CURE. The Buddy Walk is the most important event of the year. People from all over the area participate in a one mile walk in (add your walk location here) to promote awareness for all people with Down syndrome. In addition, we raise funds to help support local programs and national research, education and advocacy efforts. Please consider sponsoring me for the Buddy Walk by making a donation in any amount. Your donation will help me and many other individuals and families affected by Down syndrome. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, (Your Name)
Note: Please put my name/team name on the memo line and the words “Buddy Walk” Please make checks payable to: (AUDSS) Anytown USA Down Syndrome Group Mail to: (YOUR ADDRESS)
Sample Letter Writing Campaign Packet (part 4 – Fundraising letter to send to everyone you know)
(YOUR NAME / TEAM NAME) (ADDRESS) (CITY, STATE, ZIP) (PHONE NUMBER) (E-MAIL ADDRESS) Dear (Name): The Anytown USA Down Syndrome Group and the National Down Syndrome Society will be having its (x)th annual Buddy Walk on (insert your event date) at (location). This is our biggest event of the year. We are anticipating nearly (number) of people from around the area to participate in the 1 mile walk and to enjoy food and games while promoting awareness for all people with Down syndrome. In addition, we raise funds to help support local programs and national education, research and advocacy efforts. The Buddy Walk was started by the National Down Syndrome Society in New York City and has grown from 17 walks around the country in 1995 to more than 190 walks in 48 states in 2003. The goal of the Buddy Walk is the promote understanding and acceptance of people with Down syndrome. I am writing to inquire if (insert name of corporation, foundation or individual) would be willing to support this year’s Buddy Walk. Your contribution will help raise money to help people with Down syndrome make steps toward a brighter tomorrow. Thank you very much. I look forward to hearing from you soon. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to call me at (your number). Sincerely, Your name
Sample Letter Writing Campaign Packet (part 5-Join the Team Letter) (YOUR NAME / TEAM NAME)
(ADDRESS) (CITY, STATE, ZIP) (PHONE NUMBER) (E-MAIL ADDRESS)
(DATE) Dear Friends, I am excited about participating in the upcoming Buddy Walk benefiting the Anytown USA Down Syndrome Group and the National Down Syndrome Society. I could really use your help! This is a great event that raises money to promote awareness for all individuals with Down syndrome. In addition, we raise money to support local services and national research, education and advocacy efforts. The Buddy Walk will be held on (insert date.) It is a fun and heart-warming day with the walk itself, followed by food, fun, games and music. Come be a part of this great day and do your part to help promote awareness and acceptance of people with Down syndrome. You can help by: Joining our team and making a contribution to Anytown USA Down Syndrome Group Walking on our team and asking your friends, family or co-workers to support you (raise money and qualify for great prizes!) Forming your own walk team (become a team captain and inspire others to seek donations for the Buddy Walk.) Passing on the walk but making a contribution to Anytown USA Down Syndrome Group. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that affects one if every 800 live births. It is one of the leading clinical causes of intellectual disability in the world. Individuals with Down syndrome are at higher risk for medical problems and language delays. Quality educational programs, along with a stimulating home environment and good medical care, enable individuals with Down syndrome to become contributing members of their families and communities. Your support of (TEAM NAME) will help individuals with Down syndrome and their families. I hope you’ll join our team. We look forward to seeing you on (walk date.) Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Thank you, (YOUR NAME) P.S. We’ve made it easy for you to join the team. Just complete the attached form and return in to me by mail, fax or e-mail.
Sample Letter Writing Campaign Packet (part 6 - Team Participation Form)
(TEAM NAME)
Participation Form 2004
Please duplicate for each team member
Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________ State: _______ Zip: __________________
Phone: ____________________________ E-mail: __________________________________
I want to join (TEAM NAME).
I agree to pay the registration fee of $_____________ Please send me a copy of the Registration Form and Pledge Form and I will get started!
I cannot participate, please accept my donation of $________ I’d like to form my own team.
I will contact Anytown USA Down Syndrome Group at (phone number) for further information on how to register my team.
Please make checks payable to: Anytown USA Down Syndrome Group Please mail this form and your contribution to: (YOUR NAME) (ADDRESS)