So, you’ve signed up for the Race, went through that intense application process, and have settled on a route. Now it’s time for you to start sending out those dreaded support letters. It’s pride-breaking having to ask people for money. And what’s worse? You have no idea where to start with this letter!
Or maybe that was just me?
Surely not. Surely there’s someone else out there who would like to know what worked for other Racers. That’s why I compiled this lovely little list.
11 Support Letter Tips:
- Do It Now – You’re fired up, your friends and family are fired up, and now is the time to get those letters out. Sad to say, but people will stop caring once the newness has worn off, so strike while the iron is hot. Plus, if you wait, you may be like me and some of my squad mates, and find yourself 2 months down the road and still haven’t sent them out. Not good.
- Get Ideas – The fact that you found this blog hints that you’re already looking for ideas on what to say. My squad made a dropbox account, and we all uploaded our letters before we sent them out. That gave us the opportunity to see what everyone else was saying, and to get some good feedback. You might consider getting one of those started for your squad. You can check out my support letter here: http://tabithabissonnette.theworldrace.org/?filename=support-letter1
- Follow the KISS method – There’s a reason AIM/the WR tells you to keep it to one page max. People don’t want to read a whole lot. Write up your letter. Edit it. Have someone else look at it. Edit again. And condense again. Every little detail is important to you and those closest to you, but the general population just needs to know the basics: a brief description of the Race, why you decided to join, what you need financially and otherwise, and how to contact you. Keep it simple stupid.
- Break it Down – There’s been a bit of a debate in my squad about whether or not to include the full amount of the Race, because that large number scares people off. My advice is this: tell them exactly how much you need, but break it down into increments they can afford. For example, I need $16,562. That sounds terrifying! But, I also told everyone that if just 130 people would commit to giving $11 for 11 months, my entire Race would be paid for. Most people can afford $11. So, tell them what you need, and show them an easy way to provide it.
- Make it Fun – Instead of using size 12 Times New Roman in a Word or Google Doc, do something interesting. Create a newseltter in Publisher. Or, if you don’t have Microsoft, Lucidpress is a great online alternative.
- Make it Personal – If you can hand-write their names in the letters, that is awesome! Even better if you add something personal in each one. I didn’t do this… But I did hand address every envelope. Just do something to let them know you actually thought about them; that they weren’t just another name on a list.
- Make it Yours – Just like they’ll respond better to simple, visually stimulating letters, they’ll respond best to you. They know you, and they want to hear from you. Share your heart with them. They don’t need the “perfect” letter, they need your letter.
- Go Big or Go Home – Now that you’ve got your letter finished, write down a list of everyone you know. Every. One. Now find their address, and send them a letter. That person you knew in 6th grade? Might as well! Casting the net deep and wide will help you catch more fish. Believe me – I understand it can hurt your pride to ask for money, and it can be terrifying to ask people you barely know to support you. But, by not asking, you are denying someone the opportunity to support God’s ministry. Even your fundraising isn’t all about you.
- Take the Easy Way – I sat down and figured out the cost of paper and ink, then compared it to the cost of having them printed at Staples. There wasn’t much difference, and for the time it saved, I think it was beyond worth it! Also, pay attention to the tier pricing there. I needed 100 copies, but it saved me nearly $10 to order 101. Go figure.
- Sponges are Your Friend – Instead of licking 75-200 envelopes, get a sponge from the dollar store, and use that to wet them. Your tongue will thank you.
- Consider a PO Box – This is an unnecessary expense, I’ll admit. But it’s nice not worrying about sending my address out to random strangers. Remember that whole bit about sending letters to everyone you know? Or maybe you want to print out some business cards for people you talk to on the street? Yeah, keeping your information safe is probably a wise decision.
So there you have it. Those are some things that worked for me. If any of you other Racers have any tips you’d like to pass along, please post ’em in the comments! And if any future Racers have questions, post those too!
*Please keep in mind that these are things that have worked for me, but every Racer and every fundraiser is different.
