NJ Cops | Page 24

Fund drives assure donations are signed, sealed, delivered KEVIN MARTYN Whether funds are needed for charitable giving, negotiating expenses, Convention expenses or general welfare of members, your Local is under pressure to increase the amount of money it raises. Fund drive mailings are a successful method that can be used by Locals to raise additional funding for their needs. However, the most successful mailings involve attention to important details that are sometimes overlooked. Experience has shown that the keys to successful fund drive mailings include: 1. Telling the Local’s story. Emphasize charitable events and donations that the members participate in, such as fishing derbies, scholarships, Special Olympics sponsorships, backpack giveaways, etc. Include pictures in the letter. Residents and businesses will respond if they see all the good works Locals do in their towns outside of patrolling. 2. 3. Use an updated mailing list. The U.S. Postal Service says that more than 15 percent of American citizens move every year. An up-to-date mailing list costs very little and more than pays for itself in added donations. Mail directly to a resident; not “occupant.” By mailing directly to a name, you develop a connection to the person you are soliciting. Send donation requests to all businesses in town. Businesses are great sources of donations. Take letters to specific businesses that have a special relationship to the PBA, such as towing, cab and construction companies. Every business has the ability to support its community. Make sure business managers know what the Local does for the community. Personally handing the fund drive letter to the business owner or manager and discussing how funds will be used can increase the probability of a donation by that business. 4. Give residents and businesses a chance to show they support their local law enforcement by providing supporter stic