Tried and True

I'm often asked if I have any 'standard' messages of sympathy to write to donors. To those not in the business of fundraising may view this as disingenuous, I always see this question as being a very thoughtful one. What can we possibly say to our donors that won't overstep, that won't rely on platitudes or euphemisms, but that still get across how very sorry we are for the situation they find themselves in? 

Is there anything tried and true? 

We could probably have a fundraisers' brainstorm session and come up with a few. But I'm also unsure it would be helpful. 

Although I really don't think that it is a bad thing to have certain comfortable phrases on hand, I see how it does fall woefully close to being icky. 

I'm reminded of a scene in Pride and Prejudice (book, movie, or miniseries, you choose!) where Mr. Collins indicates he sometimes pre-arranges 'delicate compliments': "(These compliments) arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, and though I sometimes amuse myself with suggesting and arranging such little elegant compliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions, I always wish to give them as unstudied an air as possible."

Perhaps searching for tried and true sympathy statements would come across as laughable as Mr. Collins' statement... but maybe there is also a place for them. Let me know what you think and I'll think through it as well.