Anatomy of a Good Donor Request Letter

1. Personalization

• Recipient’s Name: Address the recipient by their name to create a personal connection.

• Specific Details: Mention any previous interactions or donations to show that you value their past support.

2. Engaging Opening

• Hook: Start with a compelling story, a startling fact, or a heartfelt message to grab the reader’s attention.

• Mission Statement: Briefly state your organization’s mission and the purpose of the letter.

3. Clear and Compelling Need

• Problem Statement: Clearly describe the problem or need your organization is addressing.

• Impact: Explain how their donation will make a tangible difference.

4. Credibility

• Achievements: Highlight your organization’s successes and how past donations have helped.

• Testimonials: Include quotes or stories from beneficiaries or respected figures to build trust.

5. Specific Request

• Suggested Amounts: Offer specific donation amounts and what each amount can achieve.

• Call to Action: Clearly state what you want the recipient to do, such as “Please donate $50 today to help us feed a family for a week.”

6. Ease of Donation

• Instructions: Provide simple and clear instructions on how to donate (online link, mailing address, etc.).

• Deadline: If applicable, mention any deadlines to create a sense of urgency.

7. Gratitude

• Thankfulness: Express sincere gratitude for their consideration and past support.

• Future Connection: Mention how you look forward to their continued support and keeping them updated on the impact of their donation.

8. Contact Information

• Signature: Sign the letter personally if possible, to add a human touch.

• Contact Details: Provide contact information in case they have questions or need assistance.

9. Postscript (P.S.)

• Important Point: Use the P.S. to restate a critical point or to remind them of the impact their donation will have.

Use This Template to Get You Started:

[Your Organization’s Letterhead]

[Date]

[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

[Engaging Opening]
Did you know that every night, hundreds of children in our community go to bed hungry? At [Your Organization], we are committed to changing this, but we need your help.

[Clear and Compelling Need]
Right now, we are facing an urgent need. The economic downturn has hit our community hard, and the number of families relying on our food bank has doubled. Without additional support, we won't be able to keep up with the demand.

[Credibility]
Thanks to generous donors like you, last year we were able to provide over 50,000 meals to families in need. But with the rising demand, our resources are stretched thin.

[Specific Request]
We are asking for your support to help us raise $10,000 by the end of this month. A donation of $50 can provide a week’s worth of groceries for a family of four. Would you consider making a gift of $50, $100, or even $250 to help us reach our goal?

[Ease of Donation]
You can make a donation quickly and securely online at [donation link] or by mailing a check to [address]. Every dollar counts and will directly support families in our community.

[Gratitude]
Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Together, we can ensure that no child in our community goes to bed hungry. We look forward to your continued support and will keep you updated on the impact of your gift.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
[Email and Phone Number]

P.S. Your donation today can make an immediate difference in the lives of struggling families. Please consider giving now to help us provide food and hope to those in need.