Writing a fundraising letter is not always as simple as it seems to be. This article provides you with some great samples that will help you in writing your own fundraising letter.
Raising money even for a noble cause is difficult enough, on top of that writing a fundraising letter can be more intimidating as, most of the time, one gets stuck choosing the right words to solicit donations for the charity. For volunteers who are planning to put together a charity event in order to collect donations and raise money for a good cause from prospective donors or sponsors, promoting their cause by writing a detailed fundraising letter can prove to be very helpful. As this is an important step in impressing the usefulness of your cause, instead of groping in the dark for the proper words refer to a few fundraising letter samples presented here.
Writing Fundraising Letter
When writing a fundraising letter for any cause, like funeral expenses, health care expenses, school event, etc., start off by telling a story that can catch the reader’s attention and motivate them to donate willingly for the event. A somewhat brief, but sincere explanation of why the funds are needed should be explained properly in the letter. Once the readers have a clear understanding of why the charity event is taking place, the next thing what they would want to know is where these donations will be going. So, the next point of your letter should be explaining how the funds for the charity are going to be used.
Last, and the most important part of the letter which most donors would like to know is what the charity event has to offer them. Usually, the event will be a car wash, bake sale, or yard sale where people come to buy something used, knowing the money will be going for a noble cause. Some people are so generous or get moved by the story that they donate without using the event’s services. Another important element of your letter is a P.S., which can be a great way to rephrase your donation request. Hence, add a P.S. to the letter with the main points included, so that, if people quickly skim the letter, they will at least see the main points you want to get across in your fundraising letter. However, if you are still confused regarding your fundraising letter format, given below is a samples, followed by an example that will help you in your letter writing process.
Fundraising Letter Sample
| Date: Name: Address: City: Dear [name], The [name of event] will [write about what the event will enable your organization to do]. This year’s [name of event] is a [purpose of the event and place] will be held on [date]. This event requires a tremendous commitment from volunteers or event participants, who have not only worked day and night to complete this event, but also raise a minimum of [amount] in donations just to participate. This year, I am participating as well and require your support to meet my goal of [amount], so that I can live up to my commitment. [Name of the donor or sponsor], by giving to the [name of event], you’ll be supporting [name of organization] and helping them provide [write what and to whom they will provide]. Please take this opportunity to support the [name of event and organization]. Your donation will do so much to help [briefly explain the people or community that the event supports]. Thank you so much for sparing your valuable time and being willing to help us. Yours sincerely, P.S. [write a few points to reinforce your donation request] |
| March 15, 2010
Angela Charity Trust Dear Ms. Angela, I am writing to Angela Charity Trust on behalf of American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, as your guidelines indicate that you offer support to fight against this terrible disease. The trust is organizing a charity event on April 12th at 3, New Main Road, Orange City, California to raise funds against cancer. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life raises millions of dollars every year in the fight against cancer. The organization builds awareness of this life-threatening disease and makes a difference in the lives of those suffering by it. Millions of people work day and night to raise money to fight cancer by providing necessary aids and treatment to people affected by it. I have also found a way to fight this disease by helping this organization to raise funds. My aim is to raise $55 and so I need your support. Please take this opportunity to support the event as your help will do so much to help people suffering cancer. You can send a check, payable to the America Cancer Society, to my address given below, and if you have any queries regarding the event, please feel free to send me a mail at [email protected]. Thank you for your time and generosity! Yours sincerely, P.S. If $55.00 is too much for you to pledge at this time, you can also consider pledging $25.00 or $35.00 instead. |
After sending the fundraising letter, if you receive a response in the form of a donation or contribution for your cause, don’t forget to send a thank you letter to express your gratitude. Best wishes for your fundraising efforts!
