10 Principles for Successful Peer-to-Peer Fundraising, Part 1

Personal appeals should:

• State the purpose. Describe the campaign or nonprofit clearly, and note what action you want the reader to take.
• Make it personal. Write to your personality, and fill it with passion.
• Show your gratitude. Show people you appreciate their support.
• Call to action. Tell people the one thing (or two) you want them to do.
• Be concise. Messages that are 175 to 225 words work the best.
• Use events. Have a birthday coming up? Is the holiday season close by? Instead of asking for gifts, ask for donations to your cause.

Check back next week for principles six through 10.