Fundraising letters README

This folder contains a few different kinds of templates that you can utilize for your fundraising appeal. You can use this to get you started but we highly encourage you to personalize the message in your individual emails and letters so that it rings true with your donors and conveys your personal beliefs and identification with the Asha cause.

Though a generic letter certainly saves time, a customized letter, with appropriate opening and closing paragraphs (the body can remain the same) allows you to make a better connection with the donor. In case many of your friends already know about Asha you need not spend much time in sharing more details about Asha but rather focus on your involvement with the cause. Of course, if you are new to Asha, please spend some time in learning more about the severity of the problem of illiteracy in India. Here are a few snippets of info that you might like to include in your letters and conversations

• 1/6 of the humanity is illiterate. Nearly a billion people, two thirds of them women, will enter the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names. Worse yet, the number of illiterates are growing. Illiteracy is a global problem that impacts even people who are living in the developing countries

• There are more than 350+ million people in India who cannot read or write. That is greater than the entire population of the USA!!

• Female literacy rates in India are much lower than that in the sub-Saharan Africa

• According to the last census report, only 4.3% of all Indian children aged 6-14 years are in school

In addition, do familiarize yourself with Asha (www.ashanet.org) and its efforts.

Knowledge of Asha and its impact on India’ children would help your donors overcome any lingering doubts about making contribution to your fundraising effort. Let us know if you need any additional info.

Good luck in your training journey!!