Schlow Centre Region Library – Results Worth Reading About

(Addition to below article - Schlow has now raised more than $186,000 using our methodology of database, website and turnkey communications - see related article from the Centre County Gazette - Cathi even said “it’s less expensive to use Affinity services than to have employees do this work.”)

In 2010, Centre County Library system was facing a massive $60,000 shortfall in state funding, bringing total budget cuts since 2007 to more than $180,000. Previously, these types of funding reductions had forced Schlow’s leaders to purchase fewer books and resources and cut valuable programs that benefitted the community.

...Within 4 weeks, Schlow received more than $65,000 from 800 donors...

These budget cuts couldn’t have come at a worse time, as the struggling economy was driving greater demand for the services Schlow provides. To address the funding shortfall and increased needs, Schlow Centre Region Library turned to Affinity Connection in hopes of expanding its annual fund drive.

Affinity moved quickly to develop a creative strategy that would put urgency as the driving force behind the campaign. The copy’s tone was rather direct. We outlined a strong case for support, built value, and pushed urgency! More importantly, we informed recipients of a very clear consequence should community members like themselves not take action: “If we do not reach our goal of $60,000, we will be forced to implement more [program] cuts…”

Graphically, the layout was clean, efficient, and focused—all business and no fluff. The choice to forgo photography or other graphical elements allowed us to focus the reader on the urgency on the message without distraction.

The impact of the annual appeal letter was felt immediately. Within 4 weeks, Schlow Centre Region Library received more than $65,000 from 800 donors. Best yet, Schlow now has a community of givers who value Schlow’s contribution to Centre County and the organization is better positioned to take action should future cuts continue.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your library or non-profit efforts to raise more money. Or, get our sample pack of direct mail fundraising letters.