The end of the year is here, which means you may be preparing to send out countless donation letters asking supporters to pledge to your organization. Before you dive in, here are a few things to consider:

Timing matters. Have you factored in how long it takes to put a mailing together, including design and production? For many organizations, this process takes longer than expected. If you delay, you could end up sending mail the week of Christmas—which is far too late.

Craft the right message. Focus on "hope and opportunity" rather than “doom and gloom.” Avoid messages like “help us so we don’t have to close our doors.” Instead, inspire people with the impact their gift will make.

Make your mailing stand out. Try using a unique envelope size, a bold color, or at the very least, handwritten addresses (or a handwriting-style font if necessary). These small touches increase the chance your letter gets opened.

Consider personal asks. For some donors, a face-to-face conversation is more meaningful than a letter. While letters may feel less stressful for staff, personal meetings often lead to larger gifts.

Keep these points in mind as you plan your year-end mailing. A little extra thought can make a big difference. If you’d like more guidance, reach out to us anytime at info@midweststudiesgroup.com.