
The Trove has seen a minor surge lately in mailings that include checks. Real, cashable checks you can take to the bank. They're for small amounts -- usually around $2.
When you see a tactic show up repeatedly, that's a sign it's working.
Why would a charity send out checks? To get attention. Attention is one of the most important -- and probably most difficult -- elements of successful fundraising. The quest for attention drives some fundraisers to send cash. The advantage of checks is you only have to pay for those that are cashed. And I'll guess that's a small percentage.
Here are a few recent fundraising checks, along with how they explain themselves:

Coalition to Salute America's Heroes. Check amount: $2.25. Explanation:
"I hadn't heard from you in awhile so I sent you this check to grab your attention -- and ask for your help!"
As you'll see, most of these check mailings come right out and explain themselves this way. I'm sending this check to get your attention.

Christian Appalachian Project. Check amount: $2. Explanation:
You can cash it if you'd like. But, I really hope you won't. Quite honestly, I sent the check to get your attention. I needed this letter to stand out among the many others your receive.

Help Hospitalized Vets. Check amount: $2.50. Explanation:
I sent you this special check to make a point on behalf of the American heroes who fought on the front lines....
This one gives a different reason:

Help Our Wounded. Check amount: $2. Explanation:
I've sent you a $2 check with this letter. That's what a soldier in Afghanistan pays for just 46 seconds of phone time!
This one claims a logical reason for sending the $2 check. To me, the logic feels better -- but I'd bet an espresso or two that it works because it gets attention, not because of some tenuous connection with the offer.
There's another type of check that's also effective, but a lot easier to do. Like this one:

Coalition to Salute America's Heroes
This is not a real check. If you took it to the bank, they'd laugh at you. It's merely a facsimile of a check that "dramatizes the impact of matching funds on the donor's gift: She sends her check, along with this one, to double the amount that goes to the cause.
You might think this a confusing substitute for a more standard reply device. It's not, apparently. I've seen it work wonders, time and again. Donors love to give in ways that increases their giving, and this is a great way to get them in on the action.
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