How to write a fantastic "appeal" letter:

1. Plan first: Make sure you take the time to plan how you want to phrase your "ask." Are you going to talk about your Team Challenge fitness goals? Are you walking or running for a personal hero who is directly affected by Crohn's or ulcerative colitis? Figure out your angle and then take a pen and paper and begin writing!
2. Know your audience: Are you writing close friends and family members or are you writing local business owners? Cater your letters to the type of donors you are solciiting. Sometimes it might be helpful to have two letters just in case the opportunity arises. Gather and then organize the mailing addresses in a way that is comfortable for you. Excel is a great tool!
3. Establish a connection through emotion: Go straight for the heart! You can reiterate your personal connection with the donor or talk about how donating will benefit the 1.4 million Crohn's and colitis sufferers in the country. In Illinois alone, there are 60,000 adults and children with Crohn's or colitis. You can also mention our team honorees and include pictures.
4. Benefits of donating: Talk about what the benefits are to donating to your fundraising goal. Maybe you'll bring everyone a special token from Napa or mention that the donation is tax deductible. Don't forget to talk about matching gifts!
5. Create a sense of urgency: When do you want to reach your goal? By the fundraising deadline or recommittment on May 16th? Maybe suggest that your goal is to raise $2,000 by the end of April. This way the reader will know that he/she needs to act now.
6. Make it easy for them to select an amount to donate: Everyone loves multiple choices! Suggest a variety of donation options for them so that it is quick and easy for them to make a decision.
7. Make sure you say thank you: Write a hand written note to say thank you for their donation. Call them as soon as you recieve the check or credit card information. Donors sometimes have "buyer's remorse" after they've donated so it is always a good idea to communicate your gratitude right away.

Remember, if you send us a final draft of your letter and mailing list by April 8th, we'll take care of the cost of printing and sending your donation letter! Voila! It's that easy!

Contact Junnie Cross, Endurance Manager for Team Illinois by emailing her at jcross@ccfa.org.