Where It's @

The next day, I had mail: yes to the grant and yes to the higher gift. No to the offer of more information. The only thing left to do was send the compliance letter.

Tips to raising money via e-mail:

• Always get permission first. Ask the donor if this is her preferred method of communication.

• Keep e-mails short and to the point, but tell the donor that more detailed information is available.

• Start a fresh e-mail every time to avoid passing along others’ e-mail addresses and personal information.

• Make sure e-mails are identified as coming from your organization to avoid the spam trap.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for a major gift or pledge in an e-mail.

• Say thank you right away, and have your president or CEO say thank you via e-mail as well.

• Build relationships with your donors the way they communicate best and you could be in for a major (gift) surprise.

— Margaret Guellich, senior director of development, American Life League