You Can Do It! Write Your Year-End Letter Now
Thanks to all of you who came to the “Write Your Best Year-End Letter” webinar last week. It was great to spend time with you. For those of you who missed it, drop me a note and I’ll send you the link. And, for those of you who are visual learners, this repeat and updated post is for you.
Do not, do NOT let that pre-Christmas panic set in (at least not yet). You still have time! Yes – you have time to learn your solo for the Christmas Eve service. You’ve never sung an aria from The Messiah? No sweat! You’ve still got a month (almost).
OK – maybe not an aria, but surely you could learn to play the guitar and lead your congregation in “O Holy Night.” You’ve still got a month (almost). I know you can do it! You can reach that high note. Maybe you’ll surprise yourself and end up on The Voice! I believe in you!
If you feel like all that singing and playing may be just above your paygrade (even I’m laughing) – I can assure you: you can write that all-important year-end letter. You. Still. Have. Time.
At the beginning of November, I reminded you why this letter is just so darned important (thanks Neon One) :
- On average, nonprofits raise 26% of their annual revenue in December (26%!).
- 10% of all giving happens in the last three days of the year (10%!).
- Online giving revenue skyrockets at the end of the year (skyrockets!).
That’s why you need to tackle this now. And…bonus! Your staff will love you if you do it ASAP. Provide your valuable office team plenty of time to get the letter out.
Two things to remember about your letter – content and format.
Content: What you say and how you say it is critical to how people will respond to your letter.
Use a compelling opening line.
Don’t bury the lead (remember, this is an “ask” letter).
Tell a story.
Be clear what the money will fund.
Format: Just like content, how your letter looks will determine if people take the time to read it.
Don’t squish everything on to one page. Two pages is better than one.
At minimum, use a 12-point font. Eyes like mine don’t want to get out the magnifying glass.
Use a photo. It creates interest. Make it of one or two people and use a caption, if necessary.
Personally sign your letter. Scan it in or sign it yourself using an ink other than black.
Add a P.S. This will be the first thing that people will look at as they do an initial scan.
Want some inspiration? Here are a couple of Christmas letters from the vault:
Sample #1 and Sample #2.
Act fast!
Until Dec. 11 I’m offering my annual Christmas gift to you: Send me a draft of your church’s Christmas/Year End letter. I’ll take a look at it and give you some friendly feedback.
If all else fails, you can fall back on your musical prowess and sing a year-end letter to your people. Unfortunately, if you’re a musician like me, that’s probably the last thing you should do. So…be safe! Write that letter now. And let me know how I can help.
Photo credit: Prateek Katyal @pexels.com
Originally posted November 29, 2023
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Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise over three million dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. Clearly, if your church just added a few lights, some music, and fireworks, you could bring in more people this Christmas.
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
Schedule a meeting now.
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