Objective: Raise $500 or more during the course of your time with The Borgen Project.

When done correctly, fundraising emails are a quick way to raise money. People who raise the most typically do the following:

• The majority of team members who raise over $1000 send 40 or more emails.
• Send follow-up emails or texts with a link to borgenproject.org (those who view the website tend to be far more engaged).
• Follow-up with 10 people in person or via phone.

You will need to write a minimum of 15 fundraising emails and send them to your potential donors.

Most team members find that their emails, when done correctly, raise the majority of their target.

Step 1. The Ask!

People don’t give unless they’re asked.  This is why your ask is so important and why everyone involved with The Borgen Project participates in sending fundraising emails.  Reach out to people you know who you think will want to support the cause.

Ensure that you do not share incorrect information with your donors. Watch this video to best understand how the funds raised will be used.

Step 2. Create a List of Potential Donors.

Create a list of at least 15 personal contacts that you will be contacting to see if they wish to support the cause. You will need to list these in your tracker.

Your list should contain a minimum of 15 people that you know personally: friends, family, classmates, coworkers, etc. 

From experience, we’ve come to see that contacting large businesses and organizations without a point of contact or person you personally know will likely result in your email not getting read by the right person.  If you would like to reach out to businesses as another fundraising strategy, you are welcome to do so while completing the rest of your 25 hours worth of fundraising. We recommend calling businesses instead and talking to someone about giving over the phone.

Step 3. Create your Advocate Flier.

This is a fun way to engage people in what you are doing, and Grandmas love them! After you have added your photo and info to the template below, copy and paste it or send it as an attachment with your email.

Step 4. Write your fundraising emails.

Use the email template below, but do personalize it and translate it if appropriate. Your email is far more likely to be read if the opening lines are specific to the reader. Something as simple as, ‘How was your holiday?’ does the trick. If you’d like to customize the main body of text, please read Tips for Customizing Fundraising Emails. Make sure to keep the formatting the same and ensure that any statements you make about The Borgen Project and donations are correct. If you are unsure, please ask your manager to review your letter prior to sending it.

Optional: Send a letter or text.

Does your brother rarely check his emails? Or does your Aunt receive hundreds of emails a day that your email might not stand out from the crowd? Alternatives to sending an email are mailing a physical letter or sending a text with a link to your online fundraising campaign. See the text example below. Again, please translate if appropriate.

NOTE: Take screenshots or photos of these alternative options and share them in your tracker.

Text example 

Step 5. You’re Ready to Send!

Take a moment to review all of the steps and ensure that your emails are as professional as possible. Remember, you are representing a professional organization, so your emails need to reflect that. Fundraising emails are a great way to achieve your fundraising goal if done correctly.

Fundraising Updates

Donor Relations will send you an update on your fundraising progress when you receive donations made on your behalf. The Donor Relations Team will provide your manager with weekly updates on your fundraising progress.

Feel free to contact donors@borgenproject.org with questions. Thank you for your hard work!

Additional Fundraising Resources:

• Read 7 Tips on Asking for Donations
• Read our Fundraising Talking Points and How to Answer Global Poverty & Aid FAQs pages
• View The Borgen Project’s Financials

“People who ask confidently get more than those who are hesitant and uncertain. When you’ve figured out what you want to ask for, do it with certainty, boldness and confidence. Don’t be shy or feel intimidated by the experience. You may face some unexpected criticism, but be prepared for it with confidence.”

– Jack Canfield