End of Year Appeals

An annual appeal is a request for donations sent at the end of the year for something specific. According to NonprofitsSource.com, 30% of annual giving occurs in December, so it's important for nonprofits to position themselves and be prepared for the ask. Below is a template and sample letter to help guide your writing.

DevoCenter Sample Letter

GREETING

This year we’ve made great strides towards our efforts to help female founders of educational nonprofits deliver meaningful youth programs and have fulfilling careers in community service. In December we will complete the 2nd year pilot of our Changemakers Leadership Program. We also launched our digital library for nonprofit leaders who want to get organized and prepare for funding. We’re excited to share the successes that our leaders have had, the challenges that they still face and give you an opportunity to get involved and support women at work with our kids.

STORY

The women we serve are enthusiastic, connected their causes, and dedicated to learning that uplifts and prepares young people for the future. They are knowledgeable, creative problem solvers who selflessly devote their time to improving the lives of others. These nonprofit leaders need support in the form of resources and capacity to continue their important work. In 2022 through our Changemakers program we delivered more than 300 pro bono hours, resulting in operational audits, brand kits and funder packages that help demonstrate organizational readiness and articulate programmatic impact.

NEED

In 2023 we intend to continue our work with existing Changemakers. We learned through the pilot that more work is needed around data collection, program evaluation and measurement of outcomes. Assessing program performance is essential for decision-making and inspiring confidence in supporters. Our goal is to raise $12,495 in support of this project.

DIRECT ASK

Please consider a gift of $125 or more in support of women entreprenuers and the young people who rely on them for personal development, out-of-school learning experiences, community service opportunities and holistic care. Your donation can be made securely online at devocenter.org/donate.

CLOSING

Thank you for your consideration and for believing that local women can and should be empowered to make positive change in our neighborhoods. Please contact us if we can be of service in any way, and connect with us online: linkin.bio/devocenter.

SIGNATURE

With sincere love and gratitude,

Charlene Turner
Executive Director
DevoCenter for Service-Learning

Student Interns for Your Nonprofit

Colleges and universities are a great resource for nonprofit organizations seeking a little extra support. Most post-secondary institutions have intern programs designed to provide students with work experience. Students usually receive credit for the work time, and a stipend is optional.

Contact the placement office at local colleges or universities to find out about the position description positing and other requirements.

Be prepared to provide:

• organizational summary

• length and time commitment

• stipend (if applicable)

• position description

• required qualifications

• contact information

SAMPLE POSITION LISTING | JOB DESCRIPTION

Overview

ABC Education Organization works with schools to educate for a healthy tomorrow. We accomplish this through curriculum support and professional development for teachers. ABC Ed is seeking part-time interns to join our organization with our work in 4 main areas of support, including: program, fundraising, research and storytelling.  Interns are asked to commit to at least 3 months of work with us and contribute 5-15 hours a week on a weekly basis. Positions may be remote or hybrid - to be discussed.

• Program Support:  Interns assisting with program support will help us with planning and preparing for our programs.  This includes helping with coordination, recruitment, on-going correspondence, via email and phone, and logistical planning.  Interns will assist in writing and editing program documents and conducting some follow-up and evaluative research. Program Interns will work closely with our Program Manager and the Director of Education and Research to put together resources, as needed for on-going programs.

• Fundraising Support:  Interns assisting with fundraising will help up to update our database with regards to potential organizations for partnership.  Interns will work closely with our Director of Development to conduct on-line research and determine alignment of mission and program areas as needed.  Another important task is making sure that the funder database is up to date.  This internship may include helping to support events and fundraisers.

• Research Support:  ABC Ed has on-going research opportunities for interested interns.  One primary area of research includes the ongoing documentation and assessment of participant data.  Research Interns will work with the Director of Education and Research to help develop and analyze tools that will help us to better analyze and document our programs. 

• Storytelling Support: Another growing area of research for us includes conducting semi-structured interviews (approximately 1 hour each) with clients, and program attendees, and school and community leaders to better understand the value of our work and document program impact. Interns will also transcribe and edit interviews and help to compile stories for our journal.

If you are interested in interning with the ABC Ed please send your resume and a cover letter referencing which areas of interest and your availability for each project: Please send inquiries to Leah Mason, Program Director leah@ abc-ed.org.

Introduction to Service-Learning (Infographics)

Service-Learning is form of experiential education where learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection as leaders seek to achieve real objectives for the community and deeper understanding and skills for themselves. Vanderbilt University

Service Learning Supports for Students

Self Reflection

• Personal Development

• Critical Thinking

• Social-Emotional Wellness

Community Love

• Meaningful Service

• Civic Engagement

• Sense of Belonging

Academics

• Learning Objectives

• Knowledge & Skills Acquisition

• STEAM Education

Service-Learning Stages

• Reflect: examine thoughts, feelings and actions throughout the service-learning process

• Investigate: identify and analyze a community concern, existing resources, personal interests, and individual readiness

• Plan: design a service plan that describes the timeline, roles, responsibilities, goals and required resources, knowledge and skills

• Take Action: engage in learning, provide community service, monitor progress and make adjustments

• Evaluate: measure progress, evaluate impact and analyze effectiveness

• Share: demonstrate the results of learning and the impact of service

• Celebrate: honor the service team by recognizing their efforts and intention to improve the community

Types of Service

• Direct Service is hands on help to people or the planet - like handing out meals or cleaning up a park.

• Indirect Service is work performed separate from the people or cause supported – like fundraising or knitting blankets.

• Research is finding out information in order to take action – like collecting scientific data or conducting surveys.

• Advocacy is when you speak up for something you believe in – it could be live in a public setting, in-print or online.