If you work in a charity or any other non-profit organization, chances are that you will need some fundraising in order to reach your vision and missions. One way of meeting your financial demands as an organization is by writing a donation request letter, also known as a fundraising letter. However, it is important that you draft an enticing letter that will attract prospect donors. If you are wondering how to start writing your letter, this article will guide you on the best way to have it written.
Many people fail to win donors simply because they fail to include basic information in their letters. These include the reason why you are writing this letter, how the donors will benefit among others.
How to Write a Donation Request Letter
Address Information
First and foremost, you should include your organization’s letterhead. This includes the organization’s logo, name, and contact address.
Immediately after your organization’s address information, you should follow with the recipient’s address. Here, it is recommended that you address the recipient by their name to make the letter personal. For instance, you can you [Dear Patrick,] instead of the general [Dear Sir/Madam/Friend.]
First Paragraph
This paragraph should be specific and precise. Introduce your organization and clearly indicate its goals, vision, and mission. While there may be a variety of projects you are working on, you should focus this letter on the project you would want money to be raised. Also, state important facts that will influence your donor’s willingness to invest in your organization.
Second, and subsequent paragraphs
Here you need to inform the recipient on ways in which you’d want them to help the organization reach its goals. For instance, you can state whether it is money, items or time you need as donations.
Also, let them (donors) know how they can channel their feedback to you. These may include enveloping letters, online fundraising or through the organization’s website. Ensure you are open enough to indicate applicable taxes if at all it will apply.
Remember to show gratitude for their kindness and generosity. This will motivate them even more.
Sign off
Complete your donation request letter by an official sign off. Therefore, you can include your name, your position in the organization and a signature.
Once they have made the requested contribution, you should send the donors a ‘Donation thank you letter.’
Sample of Donation Request Letter
Save Child Non-profit Org.
555 Blue Street
Housing Building
12/12/2019
Mr. Brain Braddon
555 Green Street
Good town
Dear Mr. Braddon,
Kindly receive this donation request letter from Save Child Non-Profit Organization. We are a non-profit organization that is aimed at saving children under the age of fifteen from war-torn areas. We majorly operate in Middle East countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Bagdad and some parts of the African continent. We provide basic needs such as food and temporary shelter to these hopeless children. Therefore, we would like you to be part of your humanitarian support through your donation support.
If you’ve seen the recent coverage, children in the above-mentioned countries are continuing to experience hard survival conditions that could affect their entire lives. It’s unimaginable to see rockets falling from skies rendering most people helpless. The most affected being the children. Reports by the United Nations states that over 1000 innocent children under the age of 14 are starving with a lack of water and balanced foods.
Also, medical facilities and infrastructure have completely been shut in the region. Therefore, our organization together with others such as the Red Cross, the UN, and American Aid and its allies are at the forefront in reinstating human dignity and survival by providing basic needs. Kindly help us raise $40,000. It will help save a life. You can send the donations either through envelops to our address, or through online. More information can be found on our website (Website address) thank you very much for your generous support. Remember, together we can make the world a peaceful and better place.
Yours sincerely
Susan McClure
CEO Save Life Org.
Signature
Donation Thank you Letter
Donation thank you letter is written to thank the donor for fulfilling the donation request letter. Here is a sample of the letter.
Dear Braddon,
Your recent donation of $1,500 was warmly received. We are glad that you are concerned with what we are trying to achieve as an organization. This is something we can never take for granted. Therefore, we would like to thank you from our hearts. The amount was used to drive our mission by providing basic needs to the children affected by the war disputes in the Middle East. The smiles we see at the children’s faces were amazing. A sign of new hope to a people who were once hopeless. This is something we wish to continue doing.
We would also request that you become one of our active members. Therefore, you can visit us on our website (website address) or our offices located at 555 Blue Street, Housing Building fifth floor. Our offices open on weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm. It is always amazing when we generously pool our efforts together for a common good.
Thanks again for your support,
Sincerely,
Susan McClure
CEO Save Life Org.
Donation Letter Samples / Templates
