TEMPLATE FOR FUNDRAISING LETTER

Your name:

Designation:

Name of the organizations:

Address:

Date:


Name of the donor:

Address of the donor:


Personalized Salutation:

Opening paragraph: In this opening paragraph, you should strive to capture reader’s attention
(personal story, unexpected fact, etc.)

Second paragraph: In this paragraph, you should introduce yourself briefly. You should also
introduce your organization and it's objective. So you must provide the donor with overall
background of the organization.

Third paragraph: In this paragraph you should give the details of the fundraising effort. If it is
a special cause then give the details of that cause. In case of event, let the donor know about the
estimated cost and how much is desired from this fundraising effort and for what purpose.. If the
donor has given before, you acknowledge past gifts and discuss how these past gifts have benefited
those you help.

Fourth Paragraph: This last closing paragraph is very important, as here you need to appeal the
donor to donate a specific amount to the cause.  Let the donor know what his contribution means to
your organization and how it will specifically benefit those your organization helps.

Complimentary close: Thank donor for their anticipated action.


Sincerely,

Personalized signature


P.S. Reference again the need for a gift today. Reference the enclosed materials to be completed
and returned with the donor’s gift.



Here are some samples of real fundraising letters, each written in a different style. You can use
one as a starting point, but the best letters will reflect your own individual personality. Just be
yourself, be sincere, and people will respond. Write from the heart and tell your story.


Sample Fundraising Letter 1:

 Dear Matthew,

 On the night of June 9-10, 2012, I will join thousands of other people on a 18-mile walk as part
of the Out of the Darkness Overnight, an event that raises money for the American Foundation for
Suicide Prevention. The goal of this journey, which will begin at dusk and ?nish at dawn, is to
raise funds for suicide prevention, erase the stigma surrounding suicide and its causes, to
encourage those suffering from mental illness to seek treatment, and to show support for the
families and friends of the 30,000 Americans who die by suicide and the 20 million people that
suffer from depression each year.

 I am writing to you today to ask for your support of this effort.

I know from my own experience of losing my sister Mia to suicide that serious depression and other
mental illnesses can be fatal. Mia struggled with depression and alcohol, and tried very hard to
overcome her illnesses and move forward with her life. She cared for many people and was loved by
even more. We have been forever changed by her loss and will continue to miss her deeply every day
of our lives. By participating in this event, I hope to raise awareness of the serious threat that
mental illness can pose and the treatment options that can help people overcome it. If one person
can be saved from the illness that killed Mia, my efforts to walk 20 miles and to raise money for
this cause will be worthwhile.

 Please take a moment to read the enclosed fact sheet about suicide and the American Foundation for
Suicide Prevention. Think about how much you can give to this cause and complete the enclosed
donation form today. You can also donate online at www.TheOvernight.org. My goal is to raise $5,000
or more. I hope that you will help me reach my goal by making a donation today.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for being a part of my life, both when Mia
was alive and in the three years since she died. It is through the love and support of family and
friends that I have survived.


Sincerely,

 Carol



Sample Fundraising Letter 2:

 Dear Mr. Williams,

 On the night of June 9-10, 2012, I'll be participating in a very special and powerful event
throughout the night to prevent suicide. It's the Out of the Darkness Overnight and I'd like to
tell you about it.

I'll walk 18 miles throughout the night with thousands of other people. The net proceeds will
support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's programs and mission.

 I've agreed to raise a minimum of $1,000 in donations. My personal goal is to raise $3,000. But I
need your help. Would you please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation of $100 to help me
meet my goal? Just follow the link below to visit my personal fundraising webpage, where you can
donate online.

 Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death and the second leading cause of death among college
students. Every year, more than 32,000 people in the United States will die from suicide. That's
why I'm doing this. To do something bold about an issue that so few people talk about. I hope that
you'll share this incredible journey with me - by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

All my best,

 Glenn

 P.S. Your employer may augment your donation through a matching gift program - please check your
company's policy.


 Sample Fundraising Letter 3:

Dear Julie,

On the night of June 9-10, 2012, I'm participating in a unique event that's very important to me.
It's called Out of the Darkness Overnight and it's a 20-mile walk through the night, from dusk
until dawn. The goal of this remarkable journey is to raise funds for the American Foundation for
Suicide Prevention.

 Twenty million Americans suffer from depression - that's about 10 percent of the population.
Thankfully, depression is among the most treatable of psychiatric illnesses. Some estimates suggest
that between 80 percent and 90 percent of people with depression respond positively to treatment,
and almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms. But ?rst, depression has to be
recognized. Unfortunately, depression left untreated often leads to suicide. I'm participating in
this event to try to change that fact.

I am writing to you today to ask for your support. I've experienced some of the dark days of
depression personally, but through help I have come out the other side. That is why walking in the
Overnight is so close to my heart. My goal is to raise at least $2,000 for this cause. You can help
by making a donation. You can give online at www.TheOvernight.org (select "Support a Participant"
and search for my name) or fill out the enclosed donation form and mail it in to the bank address
on the form.

Thank you for your consideration and support. I'll keep you updated on my progress as I continue my
fundraising efforts and take part in this inspiring event.

 Sincerely,

 Angela


 Sample Fundraising Letter 4:

Dear Patty,

 I am preparing for something very important in my life, and I am asking for your moral, financial,
and emotional support.

 My uncle, Jeff, took his own life fifteen years ago. It's not something that I have talked about
often, but it is something that I have carried around in my heart for a long time.

 I want to commemorate Jeff's life by participating in Out of the Darkness Overnight, an event that
raises money for suicide prevention research, education, survivor and awareness programs. I will be
among thousands of people walking 18 miles from sunset to sunrise to send a message of hope to the
world.

 No one talked to me about my uncle's suicide. That's why I'm walking in Out of the Darkness
Overnight, to raise awareness and let people know it is ok to talk about suicide and mental
illness. I want to do my part to prevent this tragedy from happening in other families.

 Your contribution $25, along with contributions from thousands of others, will have a serious
impact on this cause. To help make a difference, you can click the link below to visit my personal
fundraising webpage and donate online. I encourage you to share this letter with other people who
may want to lend their support as well.

 Sincerely,

 Michelle

P.S. Your  donation today will help assure that others get the support they need to prevent
suicide!



 Sample Fundraising Letter 5:

Dear Maria,

On the night of June 9-10, 2012, my husband, Raj, and I will be joining thousands of others in Out
of Darkness Overnight, a 18-mile walk throughout the night. Our goal is to raise funds and
awareness about suicide and depression. But, to achieve this goal I need your help. I am asking you
to lend your moral, emotional, and financial support to Raj and me.

 I have never felt comfortable asking for money, not even for the kids' school fundraisers!
However, this cause is very important to me. As you know, my sister Melanie died by suicide when
she was just 21. Please join Raj and me in our fight to end the silence about suicide and mental
illness. Will you consider helping us with a tax-deductible donation of $100? I am going all out in
an attempt to collect as much money from as many donors as possible. Your contribution along with
the donations of thousands of others will have a serious impact for this cause. Net proceeds will
fund the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's research, education, survivor and awareness
programs - both to prevent suicide and to assist those affected by suicide.

 I know I am asking for a lot. But it will take a lot to help end the overwhelming silence that
surrounds suicide. When you have made your decision simply go to www.TheOvernight.org, click
"Support a Participant", and look up my personal fundraising webpage to donate online.

 From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your support. I will certainly keep you posted on our
progress as Raj and I train and prepare for this event.


 Sincerely,

 Kelley


 Which of these letters does the best job? Consider such things as:

·         Personalization

·         Donor interests

·         Compelling story

·         Direct ask amount

·         You vs. I attitude

·         Benefits focused