Who to target?
The backbone of email strategy for UConn Gives is peer-to-peer outreach. Start with who you know—friends, family, mentors—those who may be personally invested in your success. Then, expand your thinking to those within your personal network—colleagues, like-minded peers, or those who may have a passion in your project.
When to send?
- A few weeks before and early on during UConn Gives.
- Let people know that you’re participating in UConn Gives—and, most importantly, what’s motivating you to do so. Provide clear ways for your audience to participate and help, whether that’s by making a donation or by amplifying your message on their social media.
- Whenever you hit a fundraising milestone during UConn Gives.
- Translate the momentum and excitement of your campaign into another email opportunity to reengage those who have yet to participate. When your audience sees other people contributing to your success, they may be encouraged to make a donation themselves.
- Time-sensitive reminder(s).
- Spur your audience to action by encouraging them to give by a certain deadline, match challenge, or timeframe. Framing the email as urgent could provide a much-needed boost to convert those on the fence, or to convince those leading a busy life to give at that exact moment.
- After UConn Gives concludes.
- Thank your supporters for helping you reach your goal—and, if appropriate, let them know how they can stay involved with your cause. Who knows what maintaining those connections could do for your fundraising down the road.
Email Language/Layout Tips
- Construct your email language appropriately per person and audience.
- The way you speak to your family and friends may be different than how you connect with colleagues and like-minded peers.
- Write like you speak.
- Your speaking voice is more likely to connect with a potential donor than overly formal language ever could.
- Make it personal and urgent.
- Appeal to human interest. Why is your cause important to you? Why is it important that you receive these funds—what good will you do?
Email Examples
Pre-Promotion
Dear [recipient’s preferred name],
I hope that you’re doing well!
UConn Gives, the annual giving day for UConn, will be taking place on April 21-22. For 36 hours, all of UConn Nation will be coming together to support the university we love.
During those 36 hours, I will be raising money for [Insert project name]. [Explain why you’re raising funds for this project—why is it personally meaningful to you? What impact does it have on you, those around you, students, communities, etc.]
Can I count on your support? Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best, [Your name]
Day-Of Announcement
Dear [recipient’s preferred name],
I hope that you’re doing well!
As you may have heard, today is UConn Gives, the annual giving day for UConn. For 36 hours, all of UConn Nation is coming together to support the university we love.
I’m raising money for [Insert project name], and I could really use your help. So far, the project has raised [amount], and we’re trying our best to raise as much money as possible to [list out goals in as much detail as possible].
Every gift, big or small, counts! You can make a donation at s.uconn.edu/uconngives25.
Thank you in advance for your support. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best, [Your name]
Time Sensitive
Dear [recipient’s preferred name],
I only have [number] of hours left during UConn Gives to raise as much as we can for [project]. Would you consider giving a donation of $XX to help us finish UConn Gives strong? With your help, our project hopes to [list out goals in as much detail as possible].
You can easily make a donation at s.uconn.edu/uconngives25. Feel free to share that project page on our social media using the hashtag #UConnGives to help me reach more people
Thank you for your support.
Best, [Your name]
P.S. So far, we’ve raised $XX. I couldn’t do this without the support of people like you. Please join me and make a donation by [deadline] to help our project succeed.