Loops: a Loose Ends Outreach Initiative

The question we hear most often from registered finishers is: “How long until I get a project?” We get it—our finishers are eager to give their time doing the crafts they love, and generosity feels amazing for everyone involved.

Right now, we have nearly 34,000 finishers signed up, but the project-to-finisher ratio holds steady at 1:12. To bridge that gap, we’re introducing a new outreach initiative called Loops—as in “a connecting force,” “keeping people in the loop,” “looping folks in,” and yes, a wink to our logo.

Starting September 2025, we’re piloting Loops by partnering with a group of regional volunteers to help with outreach and fundraising in their local communities. We are kicking things off with a mini-pilot in Maine, September - November. Then, in January, we’ll expand to a larger pilot in three states.

Maine Loops: Below are resources to help you reach out to organizations in the Maine community and tell them about Loose Ends. If you think of something that would be helpful to have, and you don’t see it here, let us know and we’ll make it for you!

Our DONATE QR code!

Click to download, share in emails, on invites, pop into newsletters, etc.

Hosting a Fundraising Event

Thank you for hosting a fundraiser for Loose Ends! Whether you’re planning a cozy crafting night, a movie screening, a potluck, or something totally your own, we’re so grateful you’re helping raise awareness and support for our mission. To make things easy, we’ve gathered a set of resources—templates, tips, and promotional materials—to help you plan, share, and celebrate your event with ease. Thanks for being on the team!

  • Crafting Gathering: get together with crafty friends to work on WIPs together! Chat them up about Loose Ends’ mission, include an invitation to donate.

    Cocktail Party: Gather together with friends you think would be interested in learning more about our mission. Offer apps and drinks and invite them to a livingroom presentation (slide show) with a Q&A.

    Movie Night: Invite your crafty friends over to watch a movie together and craft in the dim light! If you don’t have a large screen, we have a projector to loan, a fun way to make the movie big and make the night feel different and special. Before the show, do an in-person “trailer” to talk about Loose Ends and share our donate QR.

    Have an idea for a craft swap, mending bee, or other fundraising event? Contact Masey and we'll help you get the resources you need to be successful. 

  • Get your best crafty friends together and either work together on a project (quilt or granny square project for example) where everyone works on a piece together (to keep or donate).

    Or, choose a pattern, brand it a “Loose Ends Stitch-Along” and everyone work on the same project (or type of project) at the same time. (to keep or gift).

    As a fundraising craft-along, there would be a suggested donation and folks would listen to you talk a bit about the organization.

  • Invite Template (to print or email)

    Dear [friend]

    In the spirit of connection, you’re invited to my place at [Address] on [Day and Date & Time].

    I want to introduce our [neighbors/friends] to each other and to a wonderful nonprofit organization I’m a part of.

    I serve on a volunteer committee for Loose Ends, a nonpartisan organization that works to ease grief, create community, and inspire generosity by connecting volunteer textile artists with creative projects that have not been completed due to death or illness. 

    I will speak about the extraordinary impact of this organization, including the more than 34,000 volunteers around the globe who have stepped in to finish heirloom textile projects that loved ones left behind.

    Please join us to connect with neighbors, raise a glass to our community, enjoy some snacks, and learn more about Loose Ends. Feel free to bring a neighbor too!

    Please RSVP by [Date]

    [Your email address]

    • Hosting a Craft Swap? Let us know and we’ll send you an email template with clear directions for your guests.

  • If your event works well as a potluck, that’s a great way to start! Loose Ends can reimburse up to $50 per event for snacks, though we’d love to save those funds when possible.

    If you’re hosting a crafting night, consider choosing snacks that won’t leave their mark on projects —cheesy powders and saucy fingers don’t mix well with crafting. Movie nights pair well with popcorn, cheese & crackers, finger food. Reach out to us if you’d like help making it fun. :)

  • We have branded (vintage) tablecloths, signage and banners, giveaway cards, and works in progress to pretty up a table and show the types of projects we finish. Email Masey if you’d like a kit!

  • You are always welcome to use the slideshow above, and we can loan you a projector. Most of the language is within the pages of the slideshow.

    If you want to wing it without the visual aids of a slideshow, you can say something like this:

    Loose Ends’ Mission: Loose Ends aims to ease grief, create community, and inspire generosity by matching volunteer handwork finishers with textile projects people have left undone due to death or disability.

    We rely on donations for staff, tech, and operations. Would you join me in supporting the organization? A one-time or monthly donation of $25, $50, $100 or more means more projects can be matched with more volunteers. Go to LooseEnds.org/donate, use the QR code on the table, or send a check to Loose Ends, 190 US Rte. 1, Box #250, Falmouth, ME 04105, EIN: 93-1605057

    [We will send you a stand up poster with all of our info on it).

  • We can supply stand-up signs with a donate QR code. We do not accept donations in exchange for any goods or services.

    Please note that we do not accept material donations.

  • Thank you / follow -up email template:

    Hi [First Name],

    Thank you for joining us for our cozy gathering the other night! We’re so grateful you took the time to learn more about Loose Ends and the work we’re doing together to bring comfort and connection through finishing projects. Your presence—and your curiosity—mean a lot to us.

    If you’d like to help keep this work going, you can make a donation anytime at LooseEnds.org. Every bit helps us match more unfinished projects with the hands ready to complete them.

    With gratitude, (Your Name)

    Include link to donate, https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-loose-ends-loops

  • Invite a local designer or celeb to crafting night, allow folks “from away” to zoom in! Free, but suggested donation ($25) at one of our homes, or in public (possibly at a shop)?

    The “talent” can teach a class, or just “hang out” and do a Q&A. LEP is connected to some Maine designers already and would love to ask them to help!