You have to make a solicitation letter if you involve yourself in drives to raise money for a worthy cause. You can also require this letter to invite someone to an event or sell something. It delivers a purpose more than just asking for donations. A solicitation letter also indicates formality and professionalism.
Table of Contents
What is a solicitation letter?
A solicitation letter is written to persuade an organization or person to act in a certain way. These letters are generally send to;
- Sell something
- Request for donations
- Request an individual’s presence at an event
However, whatever the case is, the language use in a solicit letter is that of persuasion. In the letter, you have to explain the advantages of accomplishing the needed actions. Explain them with clear and specific instructions for how to act. The letter is sent to business establishments. It is commonly composed to invite donations, quotations, and tenders.
A solicitation letter should include the details of the services requested as well as the terms and conditions of your agreement. A standard business letter format should be followed. All the contents are expressed clearly. This indicates your reader respect to provide you a better likelihood of success.
When do you require a solicitation letter?
A solicitation letter for donation is the most effective way to provide potential donors with all of the details regarding your cause, project or non-profit organization to get funding. For nonprofit projects and good causes, these letters are primarily mean to raise funds.
In addition, you can use a solicitation letter template online as reference to conveniently draft your own document. These letters have also common parts other than their usual purpose of donation or fundraising. The information regarding the event and charity programs or activities should be included in the letter. The letter should be drafted in such a way that it grabs the attention of your readers and inspire them so that they donate money for your cause.
Some tips for writing this letter:
Without sounding too imploring, your letter should maintain a tone of formality and politeness. During creating your own solicitation letter, you should consider the following pointers;
State the necessity
In your solicitation letter, find a catchy way of expressing the necessity of donations. You have to grab the reader’s attention and motivate them to provide support you require. For the need for funds, your explanation should be concise.
Include utility details
You should also inform your readers as to where their donations will go. For this, you need to include the details regarding how you plan to use the funds.
Be as specific as possible
You should be very specific regarding the total amount your organization needs while asking for donations or funds. Additionally, give your readers with an explanation of the donation process.
Set a deadline
Setting a deadline provides your letter a sense of urgency to encourage your potential donors to send their donations in a timely manner.
Include a postscript
Include a PS to your letter. This reiterates the main points in a precise manner. This acts as a good reminder to your reader regarding the events and the funds you require.
How to write a solicitation letter?
A solicitation letter should include the following major parts;
The letter’s purpose
It is important to state the purpose that why you are writing the letter. You have to indicate the exact and the reasonable amount that you expect to get. You generally write this letter for requesting volunteers, sponsorship, or for financial support.
The donation or request’s purpose
This is also an integral part of this letter. For example, in case, the objective of your donation is to organize fundraising programs the campaign donors feel motivated to provide donations.
In these worthy causes, it is highly recommended to state the details of your association or organization along with specify the time period your organization plans to work on the particular event or cause.
How you will use the donations
When requesting financial support from prospective donors, it is always appropriate to mention how you plan to use their donations. Your donors get inspired to make their contributions by having detailed information about the donation’s proper use and how everything can be effectively utilized. In 1 or 2 paragraphs, you can also summarize your campaign’s final results. You should also check employee handbook templates.
State the target of your fundraising event
You should provide potential donors a sense of how large your project will be by mentioning the target of your fundraising event to meet your purpose. You should give your essential goal’s exact amount. This provides your donors an understanding of how they can contribute a reasonable contribution in order to make the campaign successful.
Furthermore, you should also give suggestions to donors of the amount you expect from them. This way, you can achieve your target amount. Provide a precise explanation regarding how each individual’s contribution can help you. Also, state how their donations can help those in need. This will help you in convincing other donors to contribute more donations.
Information about donation forms, deadlines, and submissions
You should give your readers specific and clear information about your donation form. Other documentation that will involve in the donation process also mention them. Most importantly, include your business address where they can send or submit their donations.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a solicitation letter is written to raise money for a worthy event or cause. Raising such finds can be challenging. In this entire process, you have to first write the perfect letter. You can also use solicitation letter template if you find it too difficult to write this letter.
