In today’s day and age, there is lot of negative connotations attached to donating money and time to a church. Churches often have a hard time telling their donors why they need their donations. Well, that is why you should give your requirements in this letter which will be a part of your church donation request letter template word.
The church building fund is a money-raising project where the church volunteers donate a small amount of their time and money which is used to repair or build various church assets. The church’s building fund is an important way that the church raises money for improving its facilities and increasing its member engagement. This letter sample can be used to request donations from members, donors and other nonprofit organizations.
Churchgists will provide you with all the relevant information you are looking for on solicitation letter for donation, simple donation letter sample, asking for donations wording sample, and so much more.
Sample Letter Requesting Donations For Church
When you organize a church building fund and you want to ask for donations, you might want to send out an email asking for donations. This letter is aimed at any church who wants to raise funds for their building fund by taking money out of their congregants’ pockets. Church buildings are expensive and need to be updated frequently. Funds are needed to help with these costs. Your donation will go towards any repairs or renovations that have been done in the past year and can help the church in many different ways.
Dear [name], I would like to request a donation for the [church/mosque]. We are in desperate need of funds to build our new church building. This letter should cover your reason for giving and will include a description of our nonprofit organisation, and manager’s name. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information about my group or see if I can answer any questions you may have.
How To Write A Letter Asking For Donations
Donation Request Letters
Sending out a donation request letter is a great way to increase fundraising from your supporters. Check out our templates to help you get started.
How To Write a Donation Request Letter
If you help run a charitable or cause-based organization, you’ve likely sent out a donation request letter before. Donation request letters are nonprofit fundraising letters to be sent out to individuals or other organizations, like local businesses. While these letters can be sent out at any time of the year, they are particularly effective during the holiday season in November and December, when people are feeling more charitable.
Donation request letters can be sent on their own, but some organizations also include additional information such as pamphlets or booklets. This can help your potential donor learn a little bit more about your organization and see if their ideals line up with your cause. These letters give you a chance to formally ask for donations and provide a space to clearly outline your needs and explain how a donation will benefit your mission.
Whether you’re a nonprofit organization, a school, or a church, you can send donation request letters whenever you need a little extra help fundraising for a project or if you’re in need of specific resources and supplies for an event.
Though many different types of organizations send out donation request letters seeking different types of support, the main elements in each letter tend to stay consistent.
3 key elements of any good donation request letter
What should you always include in your donation request letter? Think of this as your checklist, so make sure you have them all:
- Emotional appeal. Pull in your donors with an emotional story outlining your organization’s mission and what you’ve accomplished so far. Talk about how your organization has impacted constituents in a positive way. Whether you’re a nonprofit or you help run a faith-based organization, donors will want to know how you’ve been helping your surrounding community.
- How the donor can help solve the problem. Make sure to explain to your donors how their specific donation will contribute to your cause. Give examples of the specific, physical impact the donation will have.
- Donation information and details. Don’t forget to include information on how to send a donation, as well as details for further communication. Always provide a way for the donor to ask questions or request additional information.
Use these 3 key elements to guide your drafts as you write your donation request letters. For more specific templates, click below depending on what kind of organization you are.
Sample Donation Request Letter for Nonprofits
Subject: Help us raise money for [nonprofit mission]!
Dear [donor’s name],
I am [name] and I am the [position] of [nonprofit’s name]. At [nonprofit’s name], we seek to help [nonprofit mission] by [actions nonprofit has taken, use an emotional story about what your nonprofit has one so far and the lives they have changed. Give a specific example of your impact.]
While we have made some great strides, [nonprofit’s name] still has a lot to accomplish.
We need your support to [new project or event that you’re asking donations for].
Would you consider donating [donation amount, items, or services that you need] to help us achieve our mission?
If you have any questions, I would be happy to provide you with more information about how you can help support our work at [nonprofit’s name].
We greatly appreciate your donation, and it will be used to [insert how the donations will be used and the impact that this donation will have]. If you wish to contribute, please fill out the attached form or give us a call at [phone number].
Please join us! With your donation, we’re one step closer to [insert goal]!
Sincerely,
[name]
[nonprofit website]
[email]
What makes this donation request letter effective?
Nonprofits depend on charitable donations in order to keep up their support for a cause, so writing an effective donation request letter is key. This donation request letter is effective because it immediately pulls in the potential donor with an emotionally appealing story describing who the nonprofit and its work.
Use this letter to explain that your nonprofit makes an actual difference in people’s lives with a specific example. This will show donors that this isn’t an empty request and that your organization wants to make a true difference. Be specific in what you’re asking for and what you want to do with that donation.
Silent Auction Donation Request
Subject: We need your help to make our auction a success!
Dear [donor’s name],
My name is [name] and I’m a part of the team at [organization’s name]. Our organization was created to help [organization’s mission] and we have [stories of how your organization has helped your cause in the past. Talk about specific accomplishments you have made].
We’re hosting a silent auction on [date] as a way to raise funds and continue our work!
In order to make our auction a reality, we are seeking unique and interesting items to auction off. In previous years we’ve had contributions like [examples of items and experiences you’ve auctioned off in the past]. With our last auction, we were able to [positive physical impact of the previous auction, for example: broke a fundraising goal].
We would like to ask your company if you’d be willing to donate, [specific item or service]. If an in-kind donation isn’t possible, monetary donations are always greatly appreciated, as well.
Your contribution will be vital to helping us succeed in planning our auction. With your generous donation, [specific impact that their contribution will have on your event and organization].
If you’re interested in learning how you can help our auction, contact our procurement team at [phone number] or [email address]. Or feel free to fill out and send the attached donation form with your contribution.
As always, your contributions are valuable to the continuation of our cause.
Sincerely,
[name]
[contact information]
Key Takeaway from This Donation Letter
Hosting a silent auction can be difficult, especially since it requires items that others will actually want to buy. Writing a donation request letter in order to procure these items can be a great way to ensure your auction is ready. This donation request letter is effective because it starts off by describing the silent auction and what your organization stands for.
Bringing up past accomplishments and previous auctions shows the potential donor that your organization has made differences in the past and that their contribution can do even more. Specifically mention successful past auction items to give your recipients a better idea of what they could donate. Let them know exactly how their donation or service can impact your organization’s event to incentivize them.
In-Kind Donation Request Letter
Subject: Do you have any [in-kind item] to help [organization’s mission]?
Dear [donor’s name],
I work with [organization’s name] and since [year of founding] we’ve been working hard to help [organization’s mission]. [Describe your organization’s mission with an emotional story].
Each year we plan a fundraising event to help [the specific impact of the fundraiser, for example: bring supplies to homeless people]. Last year, with the help of our community and other supporters, we were able to [positive impact]. It was an incredible opportunity, and we are so thankful that we had the resources to help.
That is why we need your support for [new project or fundraiser]. Would you consider donating [items or service] to help us achieve our mission? With just [item or service], we would be able to accomplish [specific positive action]!
I would be happy to provide you with more information about how [you/your company] can help [organization’s name]. Feel free to contact me through [phone number] or [email], or look at the attached form we have provided. We would love to start this relationship with you. [organization’s name] cannot thank you enough.
Thank you,
[name]
[title]
What makes this donation request letter effective?
Nonprofits write in-kind donation request letters when they would prefer items or volunteer services instead of financial support. These are usually written to corporations but can also be sent to specific individuals.
If you’re in need of something in large quantities, companies can provide a large resource of various supplies. On the other hand, if you need something like canned food or used clothing, the community of individuals around you are also great recipients for your donation request letter.
Make sure your letter clearly outlines what your organization is and the problem you are trying to solve. When you ask for specific items or services, the recipient needs to know why. Explain how these contributions will clearly impact your cause so that potential donors have a good idea about how they can help.
simple donation letter sample
Donation Request Letter for Event
Subject: Help bring this year’s [event’s name] to life!
Dear [donor’s name],
My name is [name], and I’m part of the team at [organization’s name]. We’re hosting our annual [event’s name]. This event not only helps raise funds for [organization’s cause], but it also will raise awareness for our cause across the community. Our previous events have [describe an emotional story speaking to the specific positive impact of event].
We’re proud to announce that this year’s event will be held on [date] at [location].
Since the event’s inception, we’ve raised over [fundraising amount], and this year, we plan on raising even more! So far, we are expecting approximately [number of attendees] participants.
However, this event wouldn’t be possible without the support of local companies who provide valuable products and services so that we can support our attendees and participants.
Would you be willing to donate [donation amount, in-kind donation, or volunteer service] to help make this year’s event possible? With your donation, we’d be able to [specific action].
If you wish to support us, I would be happy to provide you with more information and [incentive, for example: put your logo on our event materials]. Feel free to contact me at [phone number/email] or feel free to fill out and send the attached donation request form with your contribution and we can start our conversation.
Thank you for your consideration! With your help, we’re one step closer to [your goal]!
Sincerely,
[name]
What makes this donation request letter effective?
When planning an event, organizations will often send out donation request letters to supporters and local companies in an effort to raise enough money or supplies to bring their event to life. Make sure to clearly explain what your event is and mention if it has been successful in the past. It’s smart to initially reach out to corporations, as they will have the most resources for a bigger event.
Whether you’re in the search for physical supplies or want a generous monetary donation, contacting a business can be extremely beneficial. To further incentivize your recipients, you can offer to thank them publically at the event or display their brand name on event materials.
Tips and Tricks for Donation Request Letters: Segmentation
When your organization sends out donation request letters, it makes sense to reach out to your entire donor database and cover as much ground as possible. However, you don’t want to fall into the trap of writing the same letter to every person. You might attempt to at least personalize each letter with the recipient’s name, but that runs the risk of becoming a huge time waster.
Many online donation software and CRM systems have segmentation capabilities to group donors in your donor base into more specific categories. Using these segmented groups, you can more efficiently target your messages by:
- Donation history. Segment your donors based on whether they have donated to your organization in the past. For example, when requesting donations from those who donate every year and those who have never donated before, it makes sense to frame the content differently.
- Location. If you are hosting a local event or focus your on-the-ground work in a specific community, you can segment your donors based on where they’re located. When asking supporters who live in your neighborhood, begin your donation request letter with a reference to something beloved by the locals.
- Demographic markers. Your supporters are made up of individuals of many ages. With Millenials and Gen Z becoming older, they’re turning into the next generation of donors. For those who are younger, it makes sense to send a donation request email more so than a letter. Furthermore, you can develop other marketing strategies that are targeted for certain age groups. For example, an online peer-to-peer fundraiser will likely attract a younger, tech-savvy audience.
Sample Donation Request Letter to a Company
Subject: Would you be willing to help [organization’s name]?
Dear [donor’s name, for more effectiveness, find the business owner or CEO],
We are [organization’s name] and we work hard to support and bring awareness to [organization’s cause]. Ever since [year of founding], our team has been [hosting events, raising money, etc.] to help [specific positive impact of your organization].
We are currently planning [your next initiative] that will hopefully bring [impact of your efforts] to our community. That is why we are asking for your help. With your resources and [specific reason why this company should donate, for example: it is a local business and a member of the community], together we could make an incredible difference.
Would you be willing to donate [specific donation amount, in-kind donation, or service] to help our cause? We’d be happy to provide [incentive, for example: we will thank you publically, put your company’s name on our website or on event literature] in exchange to show how much we appreciate this.
If you’d like to begin this partnership, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [phone number], or feel free to fill out and send the attached donation request form with your contribution and we can start our conversation.
Thank you for your help,
[organization’s name]
Key Takeaway from This Donation Request Letter
Often times, nonprofits and other organizations will try and appeal to corporations, whether big or small, for donation requests. Although structured similarly to donation request letters for individuals, often people ask for in-kind donations (non-monetary) in addition to financial help.
Corporations and businesses have more resources, so sending them a donation request letter is smart if you’re in need of specific material or supplies. Keep in mind that businesses might want something in return, so it can be a good idea to offer an incentive. For example, offer to post their logo and business name on your literature or publicly thank them at your event. That gives them some positive exposure!
Donation Request Letter for School Supplies
Subject: Be [school name]’s next hero!
Dear [donor’s name]
My name is [name] and I work at [school’s name] as [job position]. Each year we welcome a new class of eager and bright students that we’re so excited to get to know. We work hard to make sure we provide amazing learning opportunities and engaging events to bring our school’s community together.
This year, we are trying to [event or program you are raising money or supplies for]. [Attention grabbing story that explains why you’re raising funds. For instance, if you’re raising money to start an after school art program, share the story of a young student that needs the program to pursue his dream of becoming a graphic designer].
However, due to our school’s budgetary constraints, we had to cut back [school supplies/creative program/etc]. While we strive to offer our students the best education possible, we need the resources and supplies to keep our [program/club] running
We would like to ask that you help us continue [event or program] by donating [donation amount, specific item, or service].
If you choose to contribute to our school, you will give more than just [product or service]. You’ll be a hero to the students who will be able to [the positive result of your school reaching its goals].
Please feel free to contact me at [phone number] or by email [email address] if you have any additional questions about our program or if you’d like to support us in another way. If you would like to donate, please fill out and return the attached form with your in-kind donations.
All of us at [school’s name] thank you in advance for your support!
Warm regards,
[name]
[school’s name]
Key Takeaway from This Donation Request Letter
Pull at your potential donor’s heartstrings by talking about your school’s students. Mention the programs and events that your school hosts and write how your goal is to help these young students learn and grow into future leaders. Explain clearly what you’re asking the donor to contribute to, whether that is a specific program or end-of-year event.
Be specific in what you’re asking for as well, and give the recipient multiple options. Sometimes people would rather volunteer than donate monetary contributions, so it’s helpful for your donation request letter to include this as well. Make sure your donors know the specific impact of their donation to really solidify that donation!
Sample Donation Request Letter for Church
Subject: Help lift our congregation higher!
Dear [donor’s name],
As you know, we are [church’s name] and we are nothing without supporters like you. Thank you for continuing to keep us in your mind and contributing to our community. Every week we offer various services as well as host a number of programs and events to help empower and raise the people around us.
Lately, we’ve been trying to [talk about the reason why the church is requesting donations, for example: trying to provide clothes for those less fortunate or raising money to have a new youth program]. This will help our community by [talk about how specifically is the church going to make a positive impact].
Would you consider increasing your role in the church and donating [specific donation amount, in-kind donation, or service]? We would greatly appreciate any help you can provide, and our community will recognize your generous contribution.
If you’d like to continue this conversation and help us make the world a better place, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [phone number] or fill out the attached form. Additionally, our doors are always open and we’d love to talk to you in person at [church’s address]. [church leader’s name] is always available to discuss future steps.
Thank you,
[church’s name]
What makes this donation request letter effective?
If you’re a church, the bulk of your support is going to come from the community around you. From tithes to other fundraising events, many churches write donation request letters to garner more personal contributions. This donation letter is effective because you’re only going to be asking your existing community of supporters.
Oftentimes your church is going to need a little bit more funding, especially if you’re creating a new program or hosting an event. Those who support your church will want to show their altruism, so make sure to emphasize how much this donation will impact your church and help the community.
Donation Request Letter for Church Building
Subject: Help us build a new [church building name] for our community!
Dear [donor’s name],
My name is [name] and I am a part of the community of [church’s name]. Recently, we have been working hard to [explain what needs repairing or building for the church]. [Explain why this project is urgent, for example: the building is supposed to be ready by a certain date, or you’re so close to your fundraising goal to finish construction].
Our community is looking forward to [creating or repairing] a place where we can all come together. We would really appreciate your support and that is why we are writing to you today. Would you be willing to donate [specific donation amount or in-kind donation or volunteer activity]? With your generous help, we’d be able to [explain specific positive impact the donation will bring]. Together we can reach our goal and bring [church building name] to life!
I’d like to thank you for any help you’d be able to offer. We’re so excited to get started and [details of the church project]. If you’d like to donate, please contact me at [phone number/email] or fill out the attached form and come by the church at [address]. I would love to start this relationship with you and begin the conversation.
Hope to see you soon,
[name]
Key Takeaway from This Donation Request Letter
Often times, churches will need extra funds or resources to help them finish a project. Whether you’re expanding your church or just want to make repairs, a donation request letter to your community members is a good idea.
Make sure to reach out to those who frequent your church as they are the ones who want to help the most. Let them know what your goal is with the construction project so they are aware of exactly what is going on. Since you are a faith-based organization, reach out in personal ways. Include specifically how they can help and invite them to talk in person to begin this positive relationship!
Donation Request Letter for Temple
Subject: [temple’s name] calls out to you for support.
Dear [donor’s name],
My name is [name] and I work with our local temple, [temple’s name]. We have been active for [amount of years] and strive to engage our community in celebration of our shared history and traditions. More than ever it’s important that there is a safe, cultural place for us to come together and share experiences. Over the years, we have worked hard to [describe past events, past fundraisers, etc.]
Every week we host [weekly religious event, for example: shabbat] and see [amount] of families and individuals come through our door. Coming together to celebrate as a community is our core purpose and one of the main ways in which we give back, but we can’t do it alone. That is why we are writing to you today.
With a donation amount of [donation amount, in-kind donation, or volunteer service], it keeps [physical impact, for example: our lights on for a day], and a donation of [larger dollar amount, in-kind donation, or volunteer service] can [larger physical impact, for example: gives seven children the chance to join a program].
If you’d like to make a contribution, please contact our office at [phone number] or send the attached donation request form with your contribution and we can start our conversation. Additionally, we’d always love to talk in person, so feel free to visit us at [temple’s address].
Thank you again,
[name]
What makes this donation request letter effective?
Temples and other faith-based establishments send out donation request letters in order to garner additional support from their community. A lot of temples rely on their community in order to perform many of their recurring events and religious services. With Shabbat services happening every weekend, it can take a lot to handle the logistics and costs.
It’s smart to send your temple donation request letter to people of the same faith, as they would likely be the most familiar with your religious events. Along with asking for financial gifts, you might want to ask for volunteer help from older, more experienced members, as well as in-kind donations such as clothes, food, and other resources.
Tips and Tricks for Donation Request Letters: Prospect Research
If your organization needs extra help, whether it is financial gift or an in-kind donation, it’s likely that you’ll send out a couple of donation request letters. But how does your team choose who will receive them? With prospect research tools, your organization can do research to find those who might have the ability to become major donors.
Prospect research is a method used by any organization that deals with donors in order to learn more about them. Filtering your past donors and the surrounding community, prospect research tools can look at a donor database and filter for:
- Business affiliations.
- Past giving history.
- Personal information.
- Real estate ownership.
- More markers of financial ability and philanthropic tendencies.
These factors can help evaluate a prospect’s giving affinity (to indicate how much they care about the cause), giving capacity (to indicate if they have the means to make a major gift), and giving propensity (to indicate where they are likely to be philanthropic), make up the three key factors of major gift fundraising.
Sample Donation Request Letter for Animal Shelters
Subject: Help us find homes for [pet names].
Dear [donor’s name],
We are [animal shelter’s name] and we have been in operation since [year of founding] to help [types of animals] who don’t have homes or need medical help. Earlier this year, we [emotional story about an animal you have saved or found a home for].
Furry friends like [pet names examples] are looking at shorter, harder lives without organizations like ours. We wish we could give each animal a home, but it’s always a challenge. We need funds for supplies like [food, medicine, shelter, etc] to keep them safe and healthy in the meantime. That’s why we are asking for your help.
With a donation of [donation amount or resources], you can help our shelter [physical impact of the donation, for example: help some kittens get vaccinated or help puppies stay warm for the winter]. We are able to provide these lovable animals with homes and love because of our community and supporters like you.
If you’d like to help in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [phone number] or visit our shelter at [address]. Additionally, you can fill out the form we’ve provided.We’d love any help you can provide, and we know [pet names examples] will be grateful.
Thank you,
[animal shelter’s name]
What makes this donation request letter effective?
If you work for an animal shelter, you know that you can’t provide homes for or save every animal, even though you want to. If you’re looking for some extra help, sending out donation request letters to your community can be a good idea.
Pull donors in with an emotional story about an animal you have recently saved. This way they can get invested and you can prove that your animal shelter really does make a measurable difference. End your letter by giving the donation details. Let your donors know that they can help in other ways if they can. Pet supplies and volunteer work can also be a great help to your shelter.
Sample Donation Request Letter for Museums
Subject: [museum’s name] needs your help!
Dear [donor’s name],
[museum’s age] years ago, we opened our doors to our first visitors and officially began operating as the [museum’s name]. Since we opened, we’ve seen [number] international exhibits, [number] first-time visitors, and [number] groups of schoolchildren come through our halls.
Did you know that [percentage]% of our budget comes from the donations of supporters just like you? We as an organization rely upon donations of all sizes, from the change in your pocket to much larger endowments and grants.
Our mission is to provide education about [museum’s focus] and bring joy to everyone from the youngest to the oldest members of our community, and we can’t continue to do that without your support.
A donation of just [dollar amount] keeps [physical impact, for example our lights on for a day], and a donation of [larger dollar amount] can [physical impact, for example: gives seven children the chance to join a program].
If you are able to donate at this time, you can do so by returning the form attached to this letter, calling us at [phone number], or by visiting us online at [museum webpage]. We also gratefully accept in-kind donations of office supplies and technology to help keep our administration running smoothly.
Please consider becoming a member, as well, to take advantage of year-round benefits and provide more stable support for our work.
We appreciate your support of the [museum], and hope you come visit us soon!
Sincerely,
[name]
[museum website]
