This page contains examples for the three fundraising letters you’ll need when soliciting donations, providing a receipt to donors, and following up with your supporters after your fundraising event. The example donation letters below are designed to provide you with writing inspiration. Craft each donation letter in your own words with professionalism and care. Include important details that present your organization in a wonderful bright light. Use wording that will capture their attention and draw them in. Give them strong reasons to make a donation and support your cause! If you’ve found this site helpful, please pin an image to Pinterest, and share this resource with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Donation Letter Used for Initial Outreach
Dear _______________,
Fork It Forward is a unique non-profit organization that works in conjunction with other local charities to provide food bundles and Sunday lunch to individuals and families who live below the poverty line. Donations made by philanthropic individuals and caring businesses allow us to serve hungry people in our community. Without these important funds we would not exist. Every week our wonderful team of volunteers works hard to secure food donations from around the county. This past year we’ve seen a marked increase in the number of individuals and families who are in desperate need of need basic food items. Many have come to rely on our Sunday food distribution program to supplement their family’s meager food inventory, or as their primary resource for food products.
We hope you’ll consider making a donation to Fork It Forward. You’ll be helping members of our community who live with the harsh reality of food insecurity every single day. For your convenience, donations can be made using the enclosed pre-stamped envelope. If you would prefer that a member of our team pick up your donation in person, just let us know and we will more than happy to do that. Other items we need year round include metro/bus passes, flats of water bottles, large grocery bags, and Ziplocks in all sizes (sandwich, snack and gallon size).
Thank you so much for opening your heart and wallet. Your donation will help us provide basic food staples and Sunday lunch to those who need it most.
Sincerely,
(YOUR NAME HERE)
Donation Letter with Your Group’s Tax ID Number
Dear _______________,
Our entire staff at Fork It Forward thanks you for your kind donation of $300.00 toward the Silent Auction component of our charity golf tournament scheduled for Sunday, November 20, 2016. Hunger in the United States affects millions of Americans. Food insecurity continues to be an under-addressed social problem that needs real solutions. It’s because of thoughtful, supportive businesses like yours that we have been able to serve hungry individuals and families in our local community. Most are either homeless or live below the poverty line. Our goal is to work alongside other local charities to provide meals to those who don’t have an adequate food supply to meet their basic human needs.
Your donation to our 501(c) non-profit organization is tax deductible. Please keep this donation letter for your tax records. For donations of $250 or more, the IRS no longer accepts cancelled checks as proof of donations made. You must retain this written acknowledgement. Our Tax ID Number is _______________.
Thank you again for your charitable donation. It means the world to us. We wish you and your business continued growth and prosperity in the months and years ahead.
Sincerely,
(YOUR NAME HERE)
Donation Letter Update After Fundraising Event
Dear _______________,
We at Fork It Forward are grateful for your support of our community-based food program. You helped us make our important November fundraiser a smashing success! Because of your generosity we were able to raise $550,000 between the Silent Auction and Golf Tournament components of our fundraising event. Hungry individuals and families in our community will now have greater access to food staples during our Sunday food distribution program. Additionally, starting in January we will be expanding our lunch program to twice weekly, with a meal available on both Sundays and Wednesdays at noon. If any of your employees are interested in volunteering at our facility to serve lunch or distribute food bundles on Sundays, please have them contact me directly. Thank you again for your kindness and friendship.
Warmly,
(YOUR NAME HERE)
