Fundraiser how-to

How to Write a Year-End Appeal

Appeals drive annual giving.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Appeals drive annual giving. In short: tell; show; make, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Tell one story.

  2. Show the need.

  3. Make the donor the hero.

  4. Ask clearly.

  5. Add a deadline.

  6. Make giving easy.

Safety reminders for fundraisers

  • Protect donor data
  • Follow ethical fundraising standards
  • Be honest about gift use
  • Travel safely to meetings

Major gift · Annual fund · Planned giving · Prospect · Cultivation · Solicitation: see the full fundraiser glossary.

More fundraiser how-to guides

Learn this in Fundraiser trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz