How to Get the Right Kind of Feedback on Your Fundraising Appeal

Asking for feedback is essential when writing a fundraising appeal. But if you’ve ever asked for a review and ended up with comments that weren’t all that helpful—or worse, totally derailed your work—you’re not alone.

The secret? Be specific about the type of feedback you need.

Not All Feedback Is the Same

Before you send your draft appeal out for review, take a moment to clarify what you’re looking for. Instead of a broad “What do you think?” consider these more precise asks:

✅ Fact-Checking: “Can you confirm that I’ve got the details of the story correct?”

 ✅ Clarity & Readability: “Is this easy to read and understand?”

 ✅ Proofreading: “Can you check for typos and grammar mistakes?”

 ✅ Design Input: “Does this layout support readability and impact?”

And just as important—let people know what you don’t need. If the design is already finalized, for example, let your reviewers know that their focus should be on content alone.

Why Asking for What You Need Matters

When feedback is too broad, you risk getting input that sends you in circles—especially in organizations where asking for what you need isn’t the norm. Practicing precision in your requests:

🕒 Saves time—both yours and your reviewers’.

 🔎 Leads to useful, actionable feedback.

 🤝 Reduces unnecessary revisions and confusion.

If asking for what you need feels uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Many teams struggle with this, but it’s a skill that can be strengthened. One helpful tool is the Liberating Structure: WINFY (What I Need From You)—a simple framework designed to help teams build confidence in making clear, direct asks.

Make Feedback Work for You

The next time you send your draft appeal out for review, take a moment to frame your request clearly. It’s a small shift that can make a huge difference in the quality of feedback you receive—and ultimately, in the impact of your appeal.

Need help refining your approach? We’re here to help! Schedule a free 15-minute coaching session, and let’s work together to make your next appeal stronger and more effective.