Writing a Strong Donation Request Letter (with Sample)
Use these sample donation request letters as templates for your formal request letter.
Last updated on January 17th, 2019
The world of donations is a grand one filled with opportunities for many causes. The first step in seeking out any donation assistance to a company, individual, or organization is to define your cause. Why are the funds being sought?
What will make a company or individual want to donate to this cause? Both questions are important in creating the desire to donate. Consider the audience of which you are writing to in order to understand how to frame the letter. Your audience must know how to relate to the cause. Additionally, that audience must feel prompted to action - which is to donate.
Some research may be needed to further understand this group of whom you are looking to for monetary support. What makes this group interested in this particular cause? How are they connected to this cause and why?
What will make a company or individual want to donate to this cause? Both questions are important in creating the desire to donate. Consider the audience of which you are writing to in order to understand how to frame the letter. Your audience must know how to relate to the cause. Additionally, that audience must feel prompted to action - which is to donate.
Some research may be needed to further understand this group of whom you are looking to for monetary support. What makes this group interested in this particular cause? How are they connected to this cause and why?
Clearly Explain Your Idea
Another step in your donation request letter is to clearly explain your purpose or idea. How your cause will improve a situation or provide a charity for others must be clearly stated. If people do not know what the goal is they will not feel they can trust the organization which will not lead to donations.
Many may think that the bottom line to a solicitation letter is to present how much you are requesting for a donation. The donation request letter does not have to focus on a specific amount of money to be donated. Specifying an amount is good only for specific items or services.
You may limit your fundraising efforts if you place a dollar amount in your letter. Some companies or individuals may want to give more and some people will only do what is asked of them. So imagine if you state you are asking for $350, but the company or individual was willing and able to donate over $500!
You may limit your fundraising efforts if you place a dollar amount in your letter. Some companies or individuals may want to give more and some people will only do what is asked of them. So imagine if you state you are asking for $350, but the company or individual was willing and able to donate over $500!
Sample 1 - Donation Request Letter
Name of Person Requesting a Donation
Name of Organization
Address of Organization
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Recipient
Address of Recipient
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Name of Recipient,
I am currently a junior studying at Angelo High School in Atlanta, Georgia. As a requirement for the language portion of my studies I chose to study Chinese. With the help of my Chinese Language group I found an opportunity to study abroad in Chengdu, China this summer. In this study abroad summer program in Chengdu, China I will learn the Chinese language and also volunteer with orphaned children.
The reason for this letter to you is for me to gain your support with the travel portion of this unique experience. I am asking for small donations. My goal is to raise $1500 which will pay for my flight and also a small portion is given to the orphanage. This small donation aids over 100 children in their daily living - from eating to providing clothing.
Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to this letter. I look forward to hearing from you soon. You may reach me at 555-382-9318 or [email protected]
Sincerely,
Signature of Name of Person Requesting
Name printed
List of Enclosures such as an envelope or brochure
Sample 1 - Donation Request Letter
Name of Person Requesting a Donation
Name of Organization
Address of Organization
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Recipient
Address of Recipient
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Name of Recipient,
I am currently a junior studying at Angelo High School in Atlanta, Georgia. As a requirement for the language portion of my studies I chose to study Chinese. With the help of my Chinese Language group I found an opportunity to study abroad in Chengdu, China this summer. In this study abroad summer program in Chengdu, China I will learn the Chinese language and also volunteer with orphaned children.
The reason for this letter to you is for me to gain your support with the travel portion of this unique experience. I am asking for small donations. My goal is to raise $1500 which will pay for my flight and also a small portion is given to the orphanage. This small donation aids over 100 children in their daily living - from eating to providing clothing.
Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to this letter. I look forward to hearing from you soon. You may reach me at 555-382-9318 or [email protected]
Sincerely,
Signature of Name of Person Requesting
Name printed
List of Enclosures such as an envelope or brochure
Sample 2 - Donation Request Letter
Name of Teacher
Name of School
Address of School
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Individual or Organization
Address of Individual or Organization
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Name of Individual:
It is a well-known fact that experience is a better way to learn than reading. While most learning requires reading, my senior English class has a plan to experience a play by Shakespeare after having studied it for a month. The Local Theater presents The Tempest during the winter holidays, and our class would like to attend.
Tickets cost $40 each, which is out of the range most of our families can pay for one night’s entertainment. We believe this experience is much more than entertainment and would like to request help from you to make it possible for the whole class to attend together.
The play is presented during the last week in December and the first week in January. We are also planning to stop for ice cream after the play to discuss our experience while it's still fresh. There are 30 students and two teachers. The teachers and five students will pay their own way, but we need about $1250 for the rest of the class. The school is providing the transportation.
If you could donate $100, it would be a great help. You may send a personal check to the school address above. Kindly note on the check that it is for the school trip. If you have any questions, I can be reached at Phone Number or at Email Address.
Thank you in advance for helping further the education of these bright and enthusiastic students.
Sincerely,
Signature of Teacher
Printed Name of Teacher
P.S. If we can all go together, this will be a great night for us.
Sample 3 - Donation Request Letter
Name of Person Requesting a Donation
Name of Organization
Address of Organization
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Recipient
Address of Recipient
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Name of Recipient,
It is the time of year that we begin to collect toys, both used and new, to distribute to the children in the orphanages of the NAME of CITY. Last year, thanks to you and others, we were able to give toys to 450 children ranging in age from three years to eight years. Most of these children had never possessed a toy of their own.
This year, we hope to collect enough toys to give to the children in the orphanages as well as to a group of children in a low-income area of the city.
We would like to request from you a donation for any amount over $25 that we will spend on new toys. We also welcome used toys in good condition. They can be brought to our address, or we’ll gladly pick them up at your home at a time that is convenient for you. Kindly call me to arrange a time.
Included in this letter is an envelope stamped and address that you can use to send a check made out to the Name of Organization. You can also donate online with credit card on our website. We are registered with the IRS for tax-free donations.
Thank you for your attention to our request. Your donation will make a child extremely happy this year. You can see photos of some of the children who have received toys on our website. Our web address is on the letterhead.
I can be reached at any time at 555-123-4567 or at [email protected]
Sincerely,
Signature of Name of Person Requesting
Name printed
List of Enclosures such as an envelope or brochure
P.S. We need to receive donations by DATE in order to prepare the toys for giving before the end of the year.
By Andre Bradley
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