Like the mechanics behind food delivery or how you get the children to the program. Stuff about exactly how the organization does what they do, in unnecessary detail. Neophyte fundraisers might begin by adding a lot of superfluous fluff. Well, conventional wisdom also reveals that longer appeal letters boost response and can generate higher average gifts. They’ve even been told that if they’re looking to improve an appeal, simply adding another page will do the trick. Eight-page letters outperform four-page letters. Four-page letters outperform two-page letters. One thing fundraisers hear often is that longer letters typically outperform shorter letters in terms of fundraising results and outcomes. Other ideas they’re told need more context than what’s provided. Longer isn’t always betterįundraisers are told lots of things, and some of them are outright untrue.

And the answer is always this: As long as it takes for you to make a compelling case for support. In fact, it’s one of the most frequently asked questions I hear when it comes to discussing the nonprofit fundraising letter.

Leonardo da Vinci How long does my letter need to be? Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Office 2016 mail merge donor letter