Text Guidelines

 

Your campaign description should be at least three paragraphs long. Use persuasive language and give enough information for people to be convinced. Remember, this is a proposal, a well-crafted statement that is meant to persuade.

Example Format:

• 1st Paragraph should be a hook. It should answer the question, What is the most compelling and important and persuasive thing that potential donors should know? It should contain the ask, “Please consider supporting X.”. You’re trying to get them to read on. Don’t open with background.
• 2nd Paragraph—or as many paragraphs as you need—should give information about the campaign. What would they be supporting? Give details.
• 3rd Paragraph—This is where you give context. In other words, give a brief overview or history of your organization/department/program. Most people probably don’t know much about it.
• Closing statement—You can include a statement thanking the donors. Make sure to end on a positive note.

A Few Notes on Language:

• Make it personal.
• Use an upbeat and conversational tone.
• Try to give a sense of urgency.
• Try to show in concrete terms what their support would do— “A $75 gift allows a student to buy a stethoscope.”
• Try to use storytelling.
• Try to use language that includes them as part of the team, rather than separating them—instead of “our program” and “your support,” frame it as “Be part of the team that sends UW students to this important conference.”

Below are two examples of persuasive descriptions that make your case. For more examples, check out our live campaigns at www.uwyo.edu/youfund.

---

Example 1

Please consider supporting the ACRES Student Farm's greenhouse construction project, and help us increase our capacity for sustainable production and hands-on agricultural education!

ACRES is a community-oriented, volunteer-based, and student-run Registered Student Organization (RSO) at the University of Wyoming. The farm grows fruits and vegetables on 1.8 acres of land with the help of six high tunnels, a solar-heated barn, and a crew of student interns who manage the farm in the summer. We grow produce using sustainable methods and strive to support and promote local agriculture. We sell the produce through their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, at farmers markets, to local breweries, and on campus. The farm also provides educational and research opportunities for the UW and Laramie communities. Some of our notable sustainability and outreach programs include community-wide compost collection and free student garden plots. Every year, the students raise all of the funds needed to support these programs through produce sales, grant writing, and other fundraising efforts.

In order for ACRES to continue to grow, we need a greenhouse so that we can start seeds earlier in the spring before our all-too-short growing season begins. Not only will the greenhouse help us get the season off to an earlier start, but it will also increase yields and extend the growing season. We will even be able to work towards winter production. This increase in production will help make sustainably grown produce available to the community throughout the year. Additionally, the greenhouse will provide more opportunities for hands-on learning during the spring and fall semesters.

A greenhouse is vital for the continued growth of our ACRES Student Farm. Please consider supporting it!

Example 2

Each student's stole costs only $35. Please consider sponsoring a scholar!

The McNair Scholars Program prepares undergraduate students from groups traditionally underrepresented in graduate education for success in doctoral degree programs. Most students are low-income and first-generation college students.

Twelve to sixteen new McNair Scholars are selected each year to participate in both academic and summer activities. Each student in the program completes a rigorous research project, takes part in workshops, and has to maintain a high GPA and academic record. Through the program, they receive the support and encouragement they need to succeed.

We give them the stoles to recognize their hard work and achievement, and each year we seek out partners to help us purchase graduation stoles that identify our students as McNair Scholars and acknowledge their achievement.

More About the Ronald E. McNair Program

Established in 1986 by the U.S. Department of Education, the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program is named for astronaut and Challenger space shuttle crew member Ronald McNair.UW's McNair Scholars Program encourages students to pursue graduate studies by providing opportunities to define goals, engage in research, and develop the skills and student/faculty mentor relationships critical to success at the doctoral level.

Ronald Erwin McNair was born October 21, 1950, in Lake City, South Carolina. While in junior high school, McNair was inspired to work hard and persevere in his studies by his family and by a teacher who recognized his scientific potential and believed in him. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in laser physics at MIT. Because of his many accomplishments, he was selected by NASA for the space shuttle program in 1978. In 1986, he was selected to serve as mission specialist aboard the ill-fated U.S. Challenger space shuttle. He was killed instantly when the Challenger exploded one minute thirteen seconds after it was launched. McNair was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. After his death, members of Congress provided funding for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. Their goal was to encourage low-income and first-generation college students and students from historically underrepresented ethnic groups to expand their educational opportunities by enrolling in a Ph.D. program and ultimately pursue an academic career. This program is dedicated to the high standards of achievement inspired by Dr. McNair’s life.

---

Support & Technical Issues

For campaign and support issues, please contact:

Jack Tennant
Email: jtennant@uwyo.edu 
Phone: (307) 766-3904

For technical and website issues, please contact:

Abi Gerhard
Email: abi@uwyo.edu
Phone: (307) 766-3902