"Direct Mail"

Downcity Design, International Rescue Committee, and United We Dream, and Youth in Action are generously asking for donations.  Each of these non-profit organizations has implemented their experiences, accomplishments, and real-life stories in order to capture reader's attention. These particular letters establish a sense of what needs to be done within the organization and how can it be completed.

Downcity Design begins by being grateful for the community and recognizing the hard work and accomplishments. I did admire the several pictures that demonstrate the organization's projects and successes. For instance, Downcity Design has successfully built 11 new public structures for the public. This show the reader where their $$$ might be going towards, which is, of course, a great cause. The accomplishment also reassures the reader that the organization is doing what they are supposed to be doing- sticking to their mission/vision statement!
International Rescue Committee (I am actually signed up for this organization's e-mailing listing) right away addresses the reader with, "Dear..." I'm not a huge fan of this introduction because it immediately loses my attention and focus. According to The Anatomy of an Effective Fundraising Letter, introductions need to be both powerful and personable. As a lister to this organization, I sometimes just quickly glance at their letters due to lack of strong introduction and not enough of pictures. I strongly believe images bring a true meaning to letters especially when attempting to get readers to donate.
United We Dream Action begins by sharing current events that impact their organizations. They give an example of recent positive outcomes.
Youth in Action certainly captured my attention by their beautiful and colorful image. However, I do believe darker font color and bigger size could have been a great way to keep reader's interested in learning about the organization.

If you had $50.00 to donate to one of these organizations, which one would you choose and WHY?
I would generously donate to the Downcity Design. Their letter captivated what the organization is all about by including pictures that demonstrate what population they are working with and gives a preview of what kind of services are provided.