What makes for a strong direct mail fundraising offer? (Tip #19)

A good offer is one that is specific, tangible, urgent and solvable.  Here are some examples:

Your gift of $19.40 will provide holiday meals for 10 hungry, homeless, hurting people today. 

OR

Your $500 gift today will help us rush flu vaccines to 8 villages to save the lives of children like Eduardo.  Please hurry!

Both of these are very specific.  They’re asking your donors for specific amounts for a specific purpose.  The request will meet an urgent need and solve a specific problem.

On the opposite side are the many requests you’ve probably seen every month.  They go something like this:

Please send us whatever you can to help us change lives.

OR

Your gift will do so much good for children today!

Which type do you find more compelling?

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