At the end of the year, I love to slip into my comfy clothes,

grab a mug of hot cocoa and a throw blanket,

curl up in my cozy armchair,

plop my feet up on the ottoman,

and look back on the year as it fades in the rearview.

You too?

Once I'm snug as a bug in a rug, I enjoy reading a bunch of year-end lists. You know, the ones that recap the top movies, music, podcasts, and so on.

So I thought, let's do that with The Best of What's in My Mailbox Right Now!

I sorted through my stash of 2024 EOY appeal letters and picked several examples I think you'll want to review in order to...

Make your fundraising sparkle ✨ 5 examples for you

Tweak #1: Use nostalgic song lyrics.

For example, check out how fundraiser extraordinaire Beth Beall of Vida Joven used a song title to open this appeal:

And how she carried this approach through on the 3" x 5" lift note in the same DM pack (alluding to the classic song "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music):

Tweak #2: Personalize the Johnson Box message.

For example, notice how this American Rivers appeal letter gets my attention by using my name right away in the Johnson Box: "Julie, we need you..."

Tweak #3: Include a handwritten P.S.

For example, in this same appeal, it appears American Rivers used an image of someone's handwriting (rather than a handwriting font). That kind of human touch is irresistible. You simply must read it with care!

Tweak #4: Personalize your page turners.

For example, this American Indian College Fund page turner really gets my attention and makes me want to keep reading.

Tweak #5: Include a QR code on the reply envelope.

For example, this Heifer International reply envelope sends an unmistakable message to donors: whatever's best for you!

Now please, enjoy the rest of your well-earned hot cocoa! ☕💖