8 Low Cost Direct Mail Ideas For Fundraisers
Direct mail fundraising is a proven and time-tested tool that has helped many worthwhile causes over the years. As a fundraiser, it is vital that you be very clear on the objectives of your direct mail campaign and the costs that will be incurred. You never want to spend more money soliciting funds for your nonprofit than what you receive in terms of gifts and donations for that cause.
- Low cost ideas
How can you reduce the costs that are associated with direct mail campaigns? Try being creative. This might involve unorthodox methods in which your message is broadcast using minimal resources and with a great return. Here are seven creative and low cost direct mail ideas for your fundraising events. - Specify the amount of donation to give
It is proven that potential donors usually respond more frequently when they are given a number that is expected. In addition, it is easier for you to project what you’ll receive in case of a minimum response. - Clear and specific - Do not beat around the bush about the amount needed or the reason for the fundraising. If the donation needed is $10, ask for that amount or its multiples for high dollar donors. The offer should also reflect the cause and use, so there is no misunderstanding about where the contribution is going.
- Deadlines
Using a deadline for the fundraiser gives the recipients a sense of urgency. Urgency works like impulse buying; it prompts the recipient of your direct mail to respond before the date. Constant reminders for this may enforce the message further. - Use of anecdotes
Anecdotes are usually geared towards humanizing situations. Inspiring stories about the effects of your fundraising efforts in the past and for the future will further appeal to the humanity of the recipients. - Chain letters
Chain letters may be infamous because they can annoy many of the recipients and have been known to be pranks. It is peculiar, therefore, that some chain letters still reach a lot of people in the end. Imagine sending a series of chain letters to a few of your known supporters and request them to pass the letters on to their friends. If your cause is credible and the letter is well-written, there is a very good chance the results might be amazing. - Participatory fundraising
Popularly known as "a-thons", this is a proven, low cost fundraising idea that has impressive results. Your theme should have an exciting activity that most of your mailing list recipients will want to be a part of. - Email appeals
Alternatively, you can use the power of email along with your direct mail appeal to reinforce your campaign, all while saving money and the time needed to send more appeals. In addition, it is possible to get instant or fast responses with email.
6 Tips to Cut Cost in Direct Mail Programs
Tips on how to cut cost and ways to mail smarter.
Creativity and Cost efficiency is all you need
Many smaller, independent fundraisers are required to think more “out of the box” and take direct mail costs under serious consideration. In addition, with so many direct mail fundraisers out there, your message can get lost in the shuffle. This is all the more reason why you need to be especially creative to get your piece to stand out from the crowd. So let your creative juices flow. It can be fun for you, and at the same time lower your direct mail costs.
To learn more ways to reduce costs in your direct mail campaign download our FREE resource "6 Tips to Cut Cost in Direct Mail" and start saving money now!