[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
We from the Happy Paws Animal Shelter have been pleased to receive your patronage and support in our goal to rescue and care for abandoned or rescued animals from various places in the city. However, we are sad to announce that lately, with the decline in the economy, less and fewer people have been able to donate to our shelter. It means that the animals in our care are not able to get the proper care for their individual needs.
These animals deserve a good home, and by donating to us, you are directly helping them recover from all the trauma they have experienced. We at Happy Paws accept donations both in cash and in kind, but we must be honest and state that we do need quite a bit of money to be able to meet the medical needs of our animals in the shelter. By donating to this cause, you shall be receiving a discount coupon that is redeemable at our local veterinarian's office. We look forward to your continued support.
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Further things to consider when writing fundraising letters to donors
Fundraising letters are letters written to seek financial support for a cause, charity, or other enterprises. Such letters are often geared towards non-profit organizations and churches that are looking for contributions. Fundraising letters should be sent early enough in advance of the event so that the recipient can have enough time to respond to your request. If you know someone who knows the donor personally, include their names or have them sign the letters as making a personal contact may sometimes secure a donation.
Although sending out fundraising letters may seem old-fashioned, if crafted correctly, these letters can be extremely effective. Grab the recipient's attention from the start. Use the recipient's name so that he/she can know that the letter was intended for him/her, and not just some supporter. If he/she has made another donation in the past, thank him/her for it before asking again. Mention what the donation is intended for. Where appropriate, mention some of the past achievements of your organization. Explain the urgent need for the donation and how the recipient can help contribute to it. Tell the recipient how important he/she is to the cause. End by thanking the recipient in advance for his/her support.
Letters to donors are letters written to people who have donated something, especially money, voluntarily to a fund or charity. Usually, these are fundraising letters to invite donors to fundraisers or thank-you letters to express gratitude and appreciation for donations. Whatever the reason for your letter, writing to donors maintains a great relationship and can help you secure future funding. This simple gesture shows them that you can be trusted and that you are doing something that is of benefit to the community. It also shows the donors that your cause is worthy of their money and time.
When writing letters to donors, it is important to know the exact message you want to convey. Most letters to donors can be tricky to write, especially those asking for donations. You don't want to write something that the recipient will give a cursory glance and carry to the trash! Grab the recipient's attention from the start. For fundraising letters, clearly state how the donation will be used. If you are writing to thank the recipient for a donation, let him/her know how the donation helped. Be brief and straightforward. End the letter on a positive tone.
