Give donors something worth reading: #39 of 100 Things We’ve Learned.

Dear Gayle and Jon,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the Workshop “Getting the Most from your Annual Appeal” that you gave on Oct. 8th for the Land and Water Partnership at the Audubon Society of RI.  I think that our letter was not as good as what you had presented, but it was a big improvement from previous ventures.

But the proof is in the pudding, right?!
So, the bottom line, proof of the pudding is that last year we raised $31,365 through 88 gifts with our single page, tear off and send back approach.

This year, we received 173 gifts for a total of $62,570 for our two page, bulleted, story telling approach to support stewardship with the envelope provided!

So, we are giving you a ‘soft’ credit (as they say in our business!) for doubling our gifts!  We are so grateful!

I think Jon got me when he said he knew there were some people who just threw these letters in the trash, but for those who really care and want to know, give them something worth reading.  I know many of our members in the land trust are the latter types, and I appreciate so much that you brought this to my attention.

I truly appreciate a good teacher, and this deserves recognition all its own. Many heartfelt thanks from the South Kingstown Land Trust!

Ever,

Claudia E. Swain
Director of Development
South Kingstown Land Trust

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Claudia, We’re blushing! But how could anyone resist those gorgeous Scottish Highlander cattle!

Thank you so for sharing this with us and letting us share your letter with our readers. You can read the full letter here.

And continued good fundraising for the South Kingstown Land Trust. Local land trusts like yours absolutely prove the Margaret Mead quote:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”