Christmas Appeal Letter Samples for Churches & How to Write One

As we come to the close of another year, it may be time to consider a Christmas appeal letter. And, in truth, writing donation letters can lead into some tricky waters (especially after the year we've had). 

Still, asking for donations should never be considered taboo. After all, they're what make the church doors breeze open on a Sunday morning and stay open late into the evening. It's a beautiful circle of church life that keeps everyone's hearts (and the church pews) full. 

Below, we've outlined the basic formula for a strong letter. Then, we've interwoven each of those elements into several Christmas appeal letter samples for churches. We hope they'll serve as a wonderful springboard to your end-of-year fundraising campaign. 

Important Elements of the Letter

There are a few important elements when asking for donations. The first thing is to personalize your church's Christmas letter as much as possible. Certainly, you'll want to use personal names over generic greetings. After that, the basic formula is this: 

1. Introduction

In your introduction, you can warmly greet the members of the congregation and offer an encouraging word about the close of another year. Also, don't be afraid to add seasonal touches. 

Christmas has a way of moving people's hearts. It certainly sets the stage for a special time of year when family and joy take center stage. So, don't be afraid to add some seasonal elements to your letter to create a nice setting. 

2. Reflect on Something Positive

Then, you can step right into further positivity by reflecting on something positive that's happened in the last year. Reflect on something God has done for the church. Express gratitude that you can lead such a ministry and commune with so many wonderful saints.

Recall special moments where people banded together for one another. The Apostle Paul began and ended many of his epistles with gratitude. He wrote things like,  "I thank God in all my remembrance of you." 

3. Introduce Your Goals

Now, it's time to segway into your current goals. To what end are you looking to collect campaign funds? Be specific here so folks can truly get on board and be supportive of the things that are coming down the pipe. 

4. Give Directions for Donating

Once you've stated your intentions, offer a few different avenues for giving. Perhaps you'll set up a Vanco account to make payments a breeze.

Or, you can outline other ways to give at the office or during Sunday service. Having a few giving methods will make it easier for families. 

5. Conclusion

Wrap up by reminding folks that donations can be written off in their taxes as gifts. Also, re-emphasize the goal of these Christmas appeal letters, whether its for construction needs, expansions or school materials. Remain positive here, focusing on how the community can continue to band together in meaningful ways. 

Christmas Appeal Letter Samples

Below, we've included a few sample letters that can be used as templates. You'll see how we've taken the above outline and implemented it into a personalized, concise appeal letter wrapped in warmth. Try to limit the length of the letters because, as you know, everyone's time is so limited. 

When it's time to print, don't shy away from sort sort of Christmas stationery with a little holly in the corners or snowflakes drifting down the page. You might also enclose a seasonal bookmark or prayer card. Here are a few Christmas appeal letter samples to help you get you started:

Sample Letter #1

December 1, 2020

Dear Henry and Theresa Thompson,

We've come to the close of another year together. There's no denying this was a difficult year for all of us. Yet, we're so glad that you remain a steadfast member of our church family. As the Christmas season approaches, we find it's a good time to try to call to mind some of the blessings we've experienced this year, despite its many trials and tribulations. 

Wasn't it lovely to resume in-person service this October? With all the precautions we've been taking, it's been absolutely heart-warming to come back together as a church family. Several of our volunteers have banded together to create a safe, clean environment for our families to worship in.

In the coming year, we'd like to continue to come together in even more ways. In an effort to update our sound system, we're planning to install new microphones and recording devices to livestream our services. We come to you today asking for your support. 

Whenever members of our church community are unable to come to service (due to a need to take precautionary measures), we'd still like to bring service home to them. As you consider your part in this effort, remember, no donation is too small. All contributions will be lovingly accepted.    

We've linked to a Vanco account on our website to make donations a breeze. You can, of course, also drop checks at the church office or in our weekly offering plate. If you don't mind designating somewhere that this is for our future livestreaming services, then we'll be able to easily earmark each donation to the appropriate campaign. 

What better way to kick off the new year than with a firm resolve to come together every Sunday, no matter life's circumstances. Perhaps we can even use these livestreams to share the Word of God beyond our church doors and into the hearts and minds of those around us. 

Thank you for your time and attention in this new endeavor. And, if finances are tight in your home this year, you can still contribute in other ways. If you have technical expertise, we'd love to have you with us when it's time to install the new equipment.

Either way, all contributions will be lovingly accepted. Please feel free to reach out to me after service or call the office with any questions you may have.

May the Lord continue to bless you this holiday season,

Pastor Titus

Sample Letter #2

December 1, 2020

Dear Tony and Lisa Jackson,

Although this holiday season might look a little more unique than years' past, we'd still like to send you our warmest Christmas greetings as we reflect upon our many blessings. 

In this last quarter, we've been able to feed hundreds of needy families in the area with our current food pantry. This is due entirely to your contributions, whether they be financial or donations of time. 

In the coming year, we'd like to continue to give back to our local community. Many families continue to struggle in the current economy. It is our goal to expand our food pantry and, ultimately, install a professional-grade kitchen. We come to you today asking for support. 

We believe that if we can begin cooking on a regular basis for local families in need, we can extend our outreach and introduce the love of Christ to countless new people. As you consider your part in this effort, remember, no donation is too small. All contributions will be lovingly accepted.    

We've linked to a Vanco account on our website to make donations a breeze. You can, of course, also drop checks at the church office or in our weekly offering plate. If you don't mind designating somewhere that this is for our kitchen expansion, then we'll be able to easily earmark each donation to the appropriate campaign. 

What better way to kick off the new year than with a firm resolve to give back to our local community, especially into the lives of those who are suffering. It is our goal to not only provide physical nourishment, but spiritual nourishment, too.  

Thank you for your time and attention in this new endeavor. And, if finances are tight in your home this year, you can still contribute in other ways. If you have construction expertise, we'd love to have you with us when it's time to install the new kitchen appliances.

Either way, all contributions will be lovingly accepted. Please feel free to reach out to me after service or call the office with any questions you may have.

May the Lord continue to bless you this holiday season,

Pastor Cunningham

Sample Letter #3

December 1, 2020

Dear Dominick and Donna Truett, 

Christmastime has come again. And what a remarkable year it has been. We've seen church families band together with such fortitude and grace, it's enough to make us want to shout from the rooftops. 

With the wonderful example that's being set by parents all throughout our church, we'd like to use the new year to focus on the expansion of our youth program. Because of their families, children are learning the power that comes from trusting in God in tenuous times. 

It is our goal to expand our youth program and offer a wealth of new activities in the coming year. With a new curriculum and new activities to help our children grow in the love of Christ, we'd like to direct our efforts toward a new van to transport our children safely from activity to activity.  

We believe that if we can secure safe transportation, we can broaden our children's' horizons through future retreats and volunteer opportunities. As they watch their parents give back to one another, we'd like to open the doors for our children to do the same out in the community. As you consider your part in this effort, remember, no donation is too small. All contributions will be lovingly accepted.    

We've linked to a Vanco account on our website to make donations a breeze. You can, of course, also drop checks at the church office or in our weekly offering plate. If you don't mind designating somewhere that this is for our youth group van, then we'll be able to easily earmark each donation to the appropriate campaign. 

What better way to kick off the new year than with a firm resolve to offer new fellowship opportunities for our young adults and teach them the importance of giving back? Together, we can raise new generations that will share the love of Christ wherever they go. 

Thank you for your time and attention in this new endeavor. And, if finances are tight in your  home this year, you can still contribute in other ways. Perhaps you'll be available to chaperone one of these future volunteer events. 

Either way, all contributions will be lovingly accepted. Please feel free to reach out to me after service or call the office with any questions you may have.

May the Lord continue to bless you this holiday season,

Pastor McKenzie

Sample Letter #4

Don't limit your church's Christmas appeals to members. Around the holidays, you'll have plenty of extra visitors and guests. Either print off this special message for holiday visitors and include it in your church bulletins, or include it within your online bulletin for virtual visitors. 

A Special Message for Our Holiday Visitors

During the holiday season, we extend a warm welcome to the visiting families and friends of our members, and to all of
our guests.

No matter where you live, how frequently you attend services or where your religious roots are, your donations during the holiday season to this congregation are needed and greatly appreciated.

We offer convenient electronic giving options that help you make donations on a one-time or recurring basis. We highly recommend this method of giving for anyone who wishes to support the church.

Thank you for your generosity, and Merry
Christmas from all of us!

Email Christmas Letter Sample for Churches

Although a physical letter offers a more personal touch, some of your members may be more responsive to an email. Here are is a Christmas letter sample to get you started. 

Email Sample Letter

Hello—

As we enter the Christmas season at (Church Name), we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for the generous gifts we receive this time of year.

Your support throughout the year makes our work possible, but during the holidays, we are especially aware of your generosity and how it benefits our community.

While you are planning your seasonal giving, we have a suggestion to offer: Consider making your gift using our electronic giving tools. Giving on our donation webpage [Insert other eGiving tools you use here}, is easy, convenient and reduces work on our staff and volunteers.

Go to [Church website] today to learn about all the ways you can give and why eGiving is an important part of our finances. And while you’re on the site, you can plan ahead for next year by setting up your regularly scheduled gifts to be recurring throughout the year.

Thank you once again for your continued gifts. Wishing your family a blessed Christmas, [NAME]

A Joyous Christmas Appeal Letter

And there you have it! We hope one of these templates will help you craft a joyous and moving Christmas appeal letter for your church. With the right tone and a great new endeavor to embark upon together, you're sure to bring countless families on board. 

Here at Vanco, we're here to help your church family thrive. Currently, we're trusted by more than 25,000 churches as a means to connect people together and gather donations.

Feel free to request a demo and see how easy eGiving is with Vanco.