This past week I received communication from two organizations I have supported financially for many years. One was a very snappy color email newsletter from Organization A that told me about all the great things going on and included an invitation to volunteer or contribute art supplies.
The other communication was a letter in the mail from Organization B. The letter was friendly but succinct. It was one page long with short paragraphs that clearly spelled out what was going on and how I could be a part of the solution:
- The fiscal year will end on June 30, 2009
- There will be a budget shortfall of $240,000
- The “ask” was clearly stated: If every household who supports this organization will give an extra $6 more a week for the next 13 weeks they will raise enough to meet the needs of the organization and they won’t have a shortfall.
I immediately went to the website of the Organization B and made a contribution for more than $6 per week requested and felt great about knowing what is going on and that I was helping.
The following day ironically I heard a message from a staff person at Organization A who shared that they have cut a staff position from their tiny staff of six and are desperately in need of office supplies to help the bottom line.
I was shocked to learn that the organization A that looks so great in that snappy color newsletter was in need of funds.
Are you asking or telling these days? When times are challenging it is not better to ask less…now is when you ask more. Provide good, solid information that is factual and compelling. Provide a solution that your community can be a part of and welcome their support.
Oh and please accept on-line contributions. You’ll increase exponentially the amount you raise.
