Tiny Tiger Child Learning Center
Major Gifts Solicitation
Setting Up/Confirming Visit with Prospects
Sample Letter 1
(letter followed by phone call)
(1) If you know the prospect personally (i.e. he/she is a family friend or professional acquaintance that you know well), you can use first names when addressing the letter. The more personal you make the contact, the better. However, if your relationship is not this personal, you should use their first and last name and appropriate title (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.). Always include the spouse if you plan to speak to the prospects as a couple.
(2) Describe the project in one brief paragraph. You may adapt the sample text to fit your own personal style.
(3) Declare your support for the project and invite the prospect to join you.
(4) Ask for a meeting. Let them know that you will be following up this letter with a phone call to set up a date and time that is convenient for them to meet with you.
(5) Mention enclosures (include a pamphlet and case statement with your letter. (Do not include the pledge form; bring that form to the meeting when you ask for their gift.)
(6) Include a way for them to contact you if they have any questions. You may also include Jane Wagner’s name and telephone number at the High School in case they want to speak to her directly.
(7) Sign you name.
NOTE: This sample letter does not mention donating a specific amount. If you feel comfortable suggesting an amount, or if the situation warrants it, a specific request may be included. Your contacts through letters and phone calls should be clear so that the prospect is aware that you are meeting to ask for his or her donation to support this project.
Tiny Tiger Child Learning Center
Major Gifts Solicitation
Setting Up/Confirming Visit with Prospects
Sample Letter 2
(phone call followed by letter)
(1) If you know the prospect personally (i.e. he/she is a family friend or professional acquaintance that you know well), you can use first names when addressing the letter. The more personal you make the contact, the better. However, if your relationship is not this personal, you should use their first and last name and appropriate title (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.). Always include the spouse if you plan to speak to the prospects as a couple.
(2) Confirm date, time and location of meeting.
(3) Refresh the memory of your phone conversation by describing the project in one brief paragraph. You may adapt the sample text to fit your own personal style.
(4) Mention enclosures (include a pamphlet and case statement with your letter. (Do not include the pledge form; bring that form to the meeting when you ask for their gift.)
(5) Include a way for them to contact you if they have any questions. You may also include Jane Wagner’s name and telephone number at the High School in case they want to speak to her directly.
(6) Sign you name.
NOTE: This sample letter does not mention donating a specific amount. If you feel comfortable suggesting an amount, or if the situation warrants it, a specific request may be included. Your contacts through letters and phone calls should be clear so that the prospect is aware that you are meeting to ask for his or her donation to support this project.
Tiny Tiger Child Learning Center
Major Gifts Solicitation
Setting Up/Confirming Visit with Prospects