Fundlosing
I just got a fundraising appeal from a university. Here’s how it goes:
Dear Lee,
This holiday season, we hope you will spread the joy of giving by supporting [name] in your year-end contributions. There are so many ways to support [name] students while maximizing your tax benefits.
Donations must be received before December 31 to be recorded as a 2025 gift.
Credit Card
You can give by credit or debit card on our secure website [this was a link to donate] through 11:59 p.m. on December 31 for the donation to be counted as a 2025 gift.
Appreciated stocks/securities – Initiate one week prior
Your donation of appreciated stocks or securities should be initiated at least one week prior to December 31 to be counted as a 2025 gift. For more information, contact [name] or call [us].
Check
Gifts made by check should be postmarked or delivered in person by December 31 to be recorded as 2025 gifts. Please mail checks to:
[name and address of the institution]
Note: [name’s] Tax ID is [tax ID number].
There’s a bluntness to this that reflects much of the tenor of 2025: No, we’re not making the case for this, we’re just doing it. Here’s how to send us money, and even though we don’t know you and you don’t know us, and we have nothing to do with each other, you should send it. We’re wasting no time explaining how it benefits students or the area we’re in or the cause of higher education or, even, YOU — just send us the money. We want it. And you will experience joy by sending it to us.