To ensure your success and for your convenience, we provide you here with some copy and forms that has been used previously with great success.
Good Copy is EVERYTHING:
Educating and energizing prospective donors about the opportunity you have is key to the success of a challenge component campaign.
The following sample copy may be used to communicate to potential donors through a direct mail campaign, newsletters, annual reports, event invitations, membership drives, websites, social media, direct mail or any other avenues by which you may make contact with them.
Sample Copy:
Thanks to a challenge component offered by the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, you have the opportunity to DOUBLE YOUR DONATION!
It’s easy. Make a tax-deductible donation online (insert web address) or use the enclosed reply form. Your donation will be matched from the Gay & Lesbian Fund – doubling your dollars! Your support will help (insert organization name) to (enter info here).
And don’t stop there. Please help spread the word. Tell five friends how important (insert organization name) is and how they can double their dollars by making a donation now.
Here’s how one organization promoted their challenge:
“We targeted 2,000 records in our donor data base that demonstrated giving histories with more than one give between $100-250, or habitual giving between $25-100 over five years…
“Each donor received a personal letter (mailed first class) indicating the parameters of the match, and asking them to consider an increased gift…
“Of the 2,000 donors who received a letter, 21 responded with some type of increase over their previous gift, and 10 responded with gifts of $500. We also received an anonymous gift of $5,000.”
– Tanya Mote, Development Director, El Centro Su Teatro
Two Sample Texts for Web Display:
 |
The Matrix Center for the Advancement of Social Equity and Inclusion We are thrilled to announce that we are the recipient of a grant from the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado that includes a challenge component. This means you have the chance to DOUBLE YOUR DOLLARS! Contributions to the Matrix Center from new donors will be matched dollar for dollar; and new contributions from current supporters will be matched. Please consider supporting the Matrix Center at this time. Checks can be made payable to the “UCCS Matrix Center” and sent to Daryl Miller, Matrix Center, UCCS, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, CS, CO, 80918. |
 |
Make a Donation to Citizens Project
All new and increased gifts in 2009 will be matched by the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado! Citizens Project spotlights issues in the Pikes Peak region and mobilizes people to strengthen the traditional values of our nation: equal rights, individual freedoms, separation of church and state, civic engagement, and respect for diversity. |
Use of Testimonials:
Consider using supporting quotes on your website from other reputable organizations, such as:
“A recent post on Newsweek.com titled “The Coming Charity Crisis” quoted a fundraising consultant who stated, ‘In the minds of some, philanthropy is a luxury. You pay your bills first, and then start making charitable gifts.’ The idea of philanthropy as a luxury made me stop and think. Where does my personal giving rank on my list of spending priorities? Do I count my giving dollars as discretionary, or as a fixed cost in my budget? Am I a person who gives when it is convenient, or do I consider myself a community shareholder who knows my investment matters most during difficult times?” – Alyssa Kopf, CEO, Community Shares
Sample Script for a “Live Ask:” A Call to Action
The “live ask” can be used at special events, board meetings, membership meetings, celebrations, appreciation gatherings, program kick-offs, public service announcements, and other public opportunities. This is an opportunity to let people know how their contribution will make a difference!
We recommend issuing this “call to action” after the portion of the event that has the highest emotional impact. For example, client testimonials, videos of organizational advancement, etc. Stories are a powerful way to compel your supporters, or potential supporters, to contribute to your organization.
| Emcee: | “Those of you attending today’s event have an exciting opportunity to further support the work of [insert your organization’s name]. Thanks to a challenge grant from the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, you can have your donation doubled – which means your $50 check can become a one hundred dollar investment in [your organization’s name]; or your $100 commitment can become two hundred dollars invested toward promoting [insert something particular to the service your organization provides].Don’t miss the opportunity to double your donation. Every donation counts. |
Then at the close of the event:
| Emcee: | Thank you for coming, and if you haven’t done so already – please take advantage of our challenge component to double your donation. Donation forms are on the table. Thanks again to the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado. |