Email/Letter-Writing Tips

Looking for a great way to raise a lot of money in a short period of time? Try an email or letter-writing campaign. Six weeks prior to Walk for Hope, set aside a few hours one day and you can have it all done.

  1. Compose a one-page email/letter. Write as if you are sending the email/letter individually to a close friend. Begin with a quick apology for the impersonal nature of the letter and include a preface that as a friend, you thought they would be interested in this important cause.
  2. Balance fact with feeling. Include what Walk for Hope is (fact); why you are involved/what it means to you (feeling); remind them to seek a company gift match if offered (fact).
  3. Early on, make the ask. Don’t limit your donors, but ask for a specific range. Ask for “$10, $20, $50 or whatever your budget will allow.” Give a deadline for response. People tend to respond when there is a sense of urgency. Tell them to write the check to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation/Walk for Hope and send it to your address, or to visit your team fundraising page (if you created one).
  4. Send it to EVERYONE you know! For the emails, blind copy (bcc) all recipients. They don’t need to know who else is receiving your note. This can result in more than 100 emails.
  5. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. People are more likely to send a donation if you make it very easy for them.
  6. Address envelopes for everyone who will not receive an email. This is a great activity to do in front of the TV.
  7. Copy the letter and handwrite the person’s name in colored ink on top of the letter and quick note such as, “Hope you can support me.” Sign it to add a personal touch.
  8. Mail the letters and watch the donations roll in!