Writing to the Fringe

Fringe givers are defined as those who attend worship but are not formally members of the planned giving scheme. While some will be church members who resist the idea of using envelopes the majority will have more erratic patterns of attendance such as Parade Sunday services only and will include many people who could be characterised as belonging to the fringe of the church. Accordingly they will give to the church when they come; if they are not there they do not give. For a variety of reasons giving levels will be low and some will give nothing at all. A sample letter to the Fringe can be downloaded and edited to suit.

• Guidance can be found at Writing to the Fringe
• The primary aim of defining and then writing to the Fringe grouping is to invite them to join the planned giving scheme in the church by taking weekly giving envelopes.
• The purpose of the ask letter to the Fringe is to make a simple but formative connection between personal giving, growing spirituality and being a part of the church.
• Building relationships with people is more important than trying to secure a financial response. No attempt is made to request an increase in actual giving. This may happen as a response to the preaching and the brochure but the letter and response form request membership of a planned giving scheme.
• Ensure that recruitment strategies onto the planned giving scheme are as personal and informative as possible. Extensive advice is given about how to develop a Follow up strategy which addresses the twin needs of building relationships and giving appropriate information.
• Emphasise benefits received by the fringe recipient of the letter from church membership.
• Stress the value of regular planned support for the church.