Appendix A: Sample letter of introduction and invitation for interview
By Tony Poderis
September 23, 2002
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to Campaign Feasibility Studies: How should a feasibility study be conducted?
Dear_________:
The trustees and staff of (Organization) are developing plans to
(Project). With enthusiasm, vision, and careful planning the (Project)
is intended to (Briefly Describe The Need To Be Met.)
The (Organization's) trustees, staff, and other concerned individuals have
determined that a major fund-raising campaign should be launched to undertake
(Project), a summary of which is enclosed as our "Statement of Intention",
accompanied by the project's tentative and preliminary budget. However, before
we go forward, we must have input from our community's leaders.
Therefore, we have retained an experienced professional consulting firm
to conduct a pre-campaign philanthropic market study. (Consulting Firm)
has assigned (Name & Title of Study Leader) to conduct one-on-one
interviews with selected individuals over the next few weeks. Speaking
for the trustees and staff of (Organization), I hope you will find it
possible to be among those key individuals to be interviewed.
The interviews will be confidential, will be arranged at a time and
place convenient to you, and will require no more than one hour. You
will not be solicited for funds, nor will you be asked for a commitment
of any kind during the interview. (Mr. or Ms. Consultant) will seek
only your opinions and perspective on the issues important to the
success of the proposed campaign. Nothing in (Mr. or Ms. Consultant's)
final report will be personally attributed to any participant.
Thank you for considering my request. We will telephone you in the next
few days to set up an appointment. I truly hope it is possible for you
to take part in this survey.
Sincerely,
(Name)
President, Board of Trustees
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Tony Poderis is a development consultant, speaker and author of It's a Great Day to Fund-Raise. You can reach him through his web site at www.raise-funds.com
