Building Nonprofit Capacity: Fundraising

                                           Assignment 1

Professor: Dr. Julie A. Pietroburgo, Visiting Fulbright Professor

Objective: To give students experience in preparing persuasive communications that will be
effective in raising critical funds for important causes.

Resources: Students will refer to readings and class notes to prepare this assignment (especially
notes/materials from class 6). In addition, Chapter 9 of the readings provides useful guidance in
preparation of fundraising letters.

Exercise Description:

1.    Students will review the Case Statement for Niagra Hospice House which may be found at
http://www.capitalcampaigns.com/case_statements/case_hospice_house.php

2.    Students will prepare a fundraising letter appropriate for distribution via direct mail to
the mid-range donors of the hospice organization (those who have in the past annually supported the
organization with gifts of $200 or less), requesting that they support the “Wings of Serenity”
Campaign. Keep in mind that large donors will be approached through a personal solicitation
campaign; the intent with this direct mail letter would be to encourage the support among the large
base of donors who annually give much smaller gifts.

3.    Your letter should be as long as necessary (and no longer) to explain the campaign, establish
the need, make a specific request for funds and describe how the funds will be used. Brevity,
directness and persuasiveness are important as is personalization of the request.

Grading: A total of 50 points is possible for this exercise. Criteria for grading of the exercise
include:

·         Completeness (are all critical elements of an effective fundraising letter included)

·         Persuasiveness (does the letter present a compelling portrayal of a need and reason for
giving)

·         Quality of written product

·         Timely submission