Year-End Appeal Checklist

Written By Tiffany Burnett

It's time for your year-end appeal! Whether you're new to fundraising or a seasoned pro, this checklist will help you create your best appeal yet.

✔️ Identify Impact

    • What program, event, or resource do you (plan to) provide that could use additional funding?

    • What difference will this make in someone’s life?

    • REMEMBER: You are not the impact. Any deficit you may have will most likely not be the focus.

✔️ Set a Financial Goal

    • Budget for the project’s full impact, including the cost of your time.

    • Consider the capacity of your network.

✔️ Create a 3 to 5 Touch Strategy

    • Warm-up: Thank your contacts for their support and share your ministry’s work + accomplishments.

    • Appeal with a strong ask. Provide a specific amount and deadline.

    • Remind them of the financial goal and the impact.

    • Send a text or voicemail reminder in the last 3 days of the year. 

✔️ Segment Your List

    • High Capacity Partners: Consider $1,000+ and receive the most customized communication

    • Mid-Level Partners: Consider $200 to $500 and receive less customized communication

    • Base Level Partners: Consider less than $200 and receive little to no customized communication

✔️ Which Channel Will You Use for Each Touch?

    • Direct Mail

    • Email

    • Text Message

    • Social Media

✔️ Create a Timeline

    • When do you want your contacts to receive each communication?

    • How much time is between now and then?

    • When can you set aside time each week to implement your plan?

    • Who do you need input from? How long will it take?

Equipped and ready? Let’s go!

Tiffany Burnett
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Messaging Checklist