In honor of Valentine’s Day, a paean to the perfect nonprofit fundraising letter.
By Jim Hussey

My Dearest Valentine,

My mailman's footsteps and the clanging of my mailbox door cause my heart to go pitter-patter. Your arrival makes me leap for joy and thank the heavens for the United States Postal Service.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

You’re so beautiful. Your milky-white, 24-pound wove stock is smooth to the touch. You arrive covered from head to toe, yet you tease me, tempting me to glimpse at what's inside.

Oh, such sweet words. Are they just for roe? Or do you say that to all the guys whose mail slots you grace? Perhaps, but you make me feel like the only mail recipient on the planet. You tell me I’m “special” and “dedicated!” You're confident, and yet, also a little insecure. You need reassurance of my devotion; you politely ask me to “renew my commitment.”

You don’t say too much. You don’t say too little. You tell me what I want to hear. Your story causes my heart to ache — yet, your message brings me hope for a better future. Even though you constantly ask for money, I’m eager to open my wallet to you. You're so easy to please — no amount is too small to satisfy your needs.

And then afterward, I don’t throw you away, as I do the others. You occupy a special place in my heart, and in my files.

Oh, how I long for your next visit… probably tomorrow around noon or 2, depending on the weather. Until then, I am...

Devotedly Yours,

P.S. Roses are red.Violets are blue.Please let me hear back from you!
I hope you'll respond, my love;
I await your reply –
a thank-you note,
a tax receipt,
even another “ask,” need I.