Writing a church letter asking for financial support is essential for most churches. Donations from church members and businesses help churches do vital work such as ministry and outreach projects, church building repairs and expansions, missionary trips, and offer support to church members in need. Writing letters seeking donations can be challenging, but a church donation letter template helps.
This guide helps you develop these important messages with tips on defining your audience, identifying key information to include, and being thorough and direct. You can also get a boost from 10 free templates that cover different situations and ways to ask for donations. A sample church financial support letter will help you write donation requests that reflect the spirit of your church and resonate with your congregation.
Table of Contents
- How to Write a Church Letter Asking for Financial Support
- Church Letters Asking for Financial Support - 10 Free Templates
- The FREE AI Prompt that Does It for You!
- Digital Donations Request
- FAQs
- 150+ FREE Letter Templates for Every Church Need!
How to Write a Church Letter Asking for Financial Support
There is no one best way to write a church donation letter. A few guiding principles can help, but every principle has its exceptions. It is essential to balance these general principles with your personal knowledge of your congregation.
The more you know about your congregation, the easier it will be to write a religious donation request letter that reaches their hearts. If you are unsure how to reach your congregation, consider taking some time to learn more about them.
For example, it might be helpful to have one-on-one meetings with your congregation members. Speak with people with diverse opinions and viewpoints. Ask them what is important to them and to the rest of the congregation.
You can also ask congregation members to fill out a brief survey or write to you about any concerns they have.
Even if you deeply understand your congregation, a survey can still be worthwhile if you have the time. The ideal church pledge drive letter will differ based on what congregation members are most concerned about at the time.
Consider Personal and Public Letter Styles
First, you must decide whether to write a tithes and offerings request that focuses on individuals or on the congregation as a group. Both styles have their benefits.
When you use a personal style in a fundraising letter for church, it can help people feel like you are paying special attention to them. Using other styles may seem salesy and can turn off donors.
Public church donation letter styles emphasize the congregation as a whole. They remind people that they are part of something bigger than themselves. Using a public style can also help people feel like their contributions make a difference.
However, a personal financial contribution letter makes people feel recognized in their church. It forms an emotional bond, making people more likely to give.
Of course, you may be able to use both styles. Sometimes, the personal style is right for some congregation members while the public style works better for others.
If you try to use both styles, you should decide which congregation members should receive which letter style.
Personal styles reference unique facts about individuals. For example, you might mention times when a congregation member helped or was helped by the church. You can also reference scriptures or principles that have special meaning to each individual.
Public styles emphasize that each member can help others by supporting the church. They can also talk about how the church helps congregation members who need support.
Review the Good Your Church Does
Your church letter PDF asking for financial support may discuss the great things your church has done, which is a powerful way to remind people of what might be lost if the church doesn't receive the necessary support.
In general, it is best to focus on recent good deeds in your tithes and offerings request. This can help emphasize that the church is still vibrant and making a difference in people's lives today.
However, mentioning any especially bright moments in the church's history can also be helpful. Even if everyone already knows about these moments, repetition can help make them symbols.
Explain Your Church Fundraising Needs
Ensure your congregation understands the importance of your church fundraising appeal letter. Simply saying that it is important or of vital concern is not enough. Review a few key details that help your congregation understand why the church needs help right now.
However, it is important to keep your stewardship letter brief. If possible, you want to give your congregation enough information to understand the gravity of the situation in a single paragraph or less.
If the financial contribution letter is too long, people may not read it. Get to the point so people understand the need and want to give.
Additionally, you should never make your church seem like it's in dire shape. If people think things are hopeless, they may decide it's a lost cause and not want to give.
To counter this, you can mention how the church is improving its finances, discuss your church budgeting tools, or anything else demonstrating financial responsibility.
Look For Ways to Help Your Congregation
Demonstrating how you can help congregation members can go a long way toward inspiring people to give.
For example, your church fundraising appeal letter might talk about how some congregation members are struggling and ask other members if they might be able to help. Make it clear that people can help in many ways besides giving money.
For example, someone in your congregation might be looking for work. A church financial support request can ask other members to help this person with financial aid while unemployed. As congregation members help each other, they will feel a renewed appreciation for the church.
Be Direct When Asking for Financial Support
When making a church donation request, be as direct as possible. If you simply inform people about the situation and suggest that help would be nice, they will be much less likely to take any specific action.
You should also be clear about how much money the church needs to raise. This approach will bring you closer to your goals. 
Rewrite Your Church Letter
Write various drafts of your church fundraising appeal letter to start. You might also want to show the draft to others and ask for feedback. This approach takes time, but it will get the best outcomes.
Church Letters Asking for Financial Support - 10 Free Templates!
An estimated $74.5 billion is donated to U.S. churches each year. While this may seem like a large number, many churches still struggle to meet their financial upkeep and ministry goals. Churches rely heavily on donations, tithes and offerings.
Tithing, an ongoing offering, helps sustain a church through long-term membership. The traditional percentage for tithing is 10% of total income yearly, yet some studies have shown that many churches only receive between 3-5% in tithing.
This makes a church letter PDF asking for financial support even more necessary. You may even draft a church tithing request letter to increase in-church donations. A tithes and offerings request will bring you closer to your financial goals.
Basic Church Letter Asking for Financial Support Template
When writing a basic financial contribution letter PDF asking for financial support, you should be straightforward about the church's overall needs. It can be difficult to ask for money, but it is also important to inform the congregation about where you stand. Use this basic church donation request letter to assist you, but remember that you can edit it to reflect your church's unique needs.
Church Donation Letter Template #1
Dear [Congregant’s Name],
We at [Church’s Name] appreciate your ongoing support of our spiritual community. It is our great joy to offer services to uplift the community we serve through our youth programs and outreach efforts. However, the church requires some extra help to keep these programs going.
That is why we are turning to the generous members of our congregation for assistance. With your additional financial support, the church can continue our community outreach and ministry support programs long term.
If you would like to donate, you can visit [Donation Link] or bring your donation to the church office in person. You may also drop your donation in the collection plate using the offering envelopes in the pews or mail it to the church office.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact [Name] in the church office at [Phone Number] or [Email Address]. We thank you in advance for your gracious support. Have a blessed day.
Sincerely,
[Pastor or Church Leader’s Name]
Church Donation Letter Template #2
2 Corinthians 9:7 says: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Greetings faithful congregants of [Church’s Name],
It has been a pleasure serving the needs of our church members and the surrounding community. However, continuing our ongoing ministry efforts comes at a great expense to the church. We are currently short of our year-end giving goal of $[Amount].
Without this money, our many ministry and service projects would cease. That is why we are turning to you for support. Your financial gift to the church will help us keep the spirit of service alive, as Christ has called us to do.
To make a donation, visit our online portal at [Link] or make a check out to the church. Any amount is greatly appreciated.
May God Bless You Always.
Sincerely,
[Pastor or Church Leader’s Name]
Church Donation Letter for Project or Event Fundraising
Aside from a church financial support request, there may also be times when you will need funding for special projects or event fundraisers. These events require special funds in addition to the normal tithes and offerings request. The following letters will help you reach your goal.
Church Donation Letter Template #1 - Special Project
Greetings faithful parishioners of [Church’s Name],
Our church has been moved in the spirit to assist with [Special Project] in light of recent global events. We have created the [Ministry Name] outreach to support those in need. We believe God's presence will be felt the world over.
If you feel led to give to the cause, please see our online donation portal on our website at [Website Donation Link]. You can also give your donation directly to the church office or in the collection plate. Please indicate that it is for the [Ministry Name].
God's Blessings,
[Pastor or Church Leader’s Name]
Church Donation Letter Template #2 - Event Fundraising
Dear [Congregant's or Family’s Name] of [Church’s Name],
We look forward to hosting our annual [Fundraising Event] again. This event brings some much-needed community outreach and allows us to continue our international efforts with [Ministry Name].
We are trying to reach our goal of $[Amount] by [Date] for our [Fundraising Event]. Any additional donations are greatly appreciated.
You can drop your donation in the collection plate or make an online donation at [Link]. You may also mail it or bring it to the church office. If you are writing a check, please specify [Fundraiser Name] in the memo section.
With God's Blessings,
[Pastor or Church Leader’s Name]
Church Letter Asking for Financial Support - Church Building and Repairs
There are many costs associated with the overhead and maintenance of a church building. These expenses can make it difficult to operate your church efficiently. Older church buildings or those experiencing storm damage will require extra financial help to manage these costs, while smaller churches looking to expand may need to build larger worship spaces.
The following church fundraising appeal letters will help you reach your financial goals.
Church Donation Letter Template #1 - Church Repairs
Dear [Congregant’s or Family’s Name] of [Church’s Name],
As you know, recent storms have heavily impacted our community. Our main sanctuary and church offices have sustained the most damage. We are working diligently with the insurance adjusters on these issues, but it appears we will still face some steep repair costs.
To keep our church in the best possible shape to serve our community, we are turning to our congregation for assistance. If the Lord has put it in your heart to give, monetary donations will go toward rebuilding and repairing the damage to our sanctuary and church offices.
The quoted amount for repairs is $[Amount]. Our insurance plan will only cover [Percentage]%, leaving us to pay the balance of $[Amount]. Any donations to the church repair fund would be greatly appreciated.
We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to completing the repair process soon.
God's Blessings to You All,
[Pastor or Church Leader’s Name]
Church Donation Letter Template #2 - Church Building
Dear congregants of [Church Name],
As you may be aware, our humble church has grown steadily over the years. With this growth comes the need to expand our current facilities.
That's why we have started our [Building Project Name]. We will add some much-needed space and enhance our church's capacity to further serve our community. This project will include [Details].
We anticipate the completion of this project to be finalized [Date or Time Frame]. Our estimated costs at this point amount to $[Amount].
If you would like to donate to the [Building Project Name], please visit our church's online donation portal under Special Projects. We look forward to this period of growth with our faithful congregation moving forward.
With God's Abundant Blessings,
[Pastor or Church Leader’s Name]
Church Letter Asking for Financial Support -Missionary Initiatives
It is the church's mission to provide outreach to the communities they serve. But this mission also often extends to other parts of the world outside of the church building through missionary work and spreading the Word of God.
According to ministry estimates, one missionary is needed for every 50,000 unreached people. However, these initiatives require extra funds. Use the church letter PDF asking for financial support templates below to raise donations for missionary and other outside church initiatives.
Church Donation Letter Template #1 - Missionary Trips
Dear [Congregant’s Name] of [Church Name],
It is our deepest joy to spread God throughout the world. We believe in making the Word of God accessible to everyone, especially those living in underserved regions. We are excited to share our upcoming ministry to [Location] in [Month and Year].
We hope that this missionary initiative will profoundly impact the people of [Location]. The cost of this trip will be $[Amount], and we are looking to help offset the cost through congregational donations.
If you feel led to give, you can make a cash or check donation in our Sunday service collection plate or to the church office. You may also make a credit card donation through our online giving portal on the church website or by texting [Word] to [Number]. Please specify [Mission Initiative Name] when making your donation.
Faithfully in Christ,
[Pastor or Church Leader’s Name]
Church Donation Letter Template #2 - House-Building Trips
Greetings to our faithful flock at [Church’s Name],
We hope this letter finds you well. As you know, our church is involved in several initiatives throughout the year. One of these initiatives is our annual house-building trip to underserved communities. This year, we will be traveling to [Location] to spend [Time Period] building houses for their community.
This is an excellent opportunity to serve others and spread the Word of God to those most in need. Our church will need many willing and able volunteers to assist with this endeavor. We will also need additional donations to help with the travel and material costs to make this trip a reality.
We will need this money by [Date] to make this trip possible. We are hoping to reach our goal of $[Amount] before then. If you feel the Lord calling you to donate, there are several ways to accomplish this.
To make a credit card donation, go to our online giving portal at [Link] under the Missionary Initiatives tab and then click [Initiative Name]. If you prefer, you can use our Text-to-Give feature by texting the word [Word] to [Number] from your mobile phone quickly and easily.
You may also bring your donation to the church office or place it in the collection plate at Sunday service, using the envelopes in the pews and writing [Initiative Name] on the outside or in your check's memo section.
We thank you in advance for your generosity and look forward to sharing pictures of our efforts when we return.
God's Blessings,
[Pastor or Church Leader’s Name]
Church Letter Asking for Financial Support - Additional Funding Options
When one-time church donations are not enough, it may be necessary to secure additional financial support in other ways. For example, you can set up a monthly giving model through your church where a member can automatically make ongoing donations each month.
Another way is to ask for business sponsorship for your church, which can help with more costly projects. A church sponsorship letter can help secure these partnerships.
Church Donation Letter Template #1 - Monthly Donations
Dear [Congregant's Name],
You are a valued and essential part of our [Church’s Name]. Without your support, our vibrant church community would surely suffer as a result. We truly appreciate your offerings and donations made to the church in the true spirit of giving.
There are other ways you can support the church and increase your giving impact through our monthly donation options. Your monthly gifts will be put to the best use to serve our congregation and community.
- A monthly donation of $[Amount] will allow us to [explain how the money will be used].
- A monthly donation of $[Amount] will allow us to [explain how the money will be used].
- A monthly donation of $[Amount] will allow us to [explain how the money will be used].
We hope that you will consider making a monthly donation to [Church’s Name]. It is also a great way to honor the life of a loved one through a gift of Godly service. You can set up a monthly donation through our online giving portal or on our church's mobile giving app.
With the Lord's Abundant Blessings,
[Pastor or Church Leader’s Name]
Church Donation Letter Template #2 - Business Sponsorship
Dear [Business or Owner's Name],
We’re writing to let you know about a new project we are working on at [Church’s Name]. We are proud to be among the businesses and organizations that shape our fine community.
[Give project details]. Our church is passionate about this project because [explain the benefits]. However, we will need additional financial assistance to make this vision come to life.
A business sponsorship provides essential support to our church and the community we serve. You can be a vital part of this endeavor. If you would like to donate to this cause, please visit our donation page at [Donation Link] and click Sponsorships.
We greatly appreciate any way you can help support us in achieving these goals. Please call our church office at [Phone Number] if you have any questions or if there are other ways you would like to help. We thank you in advance for supporting our church's mission.
May God's Blessings Be With You,
[Pastor or Church Leader’s Name]
The AI Prompt that Does It for You
A church letter donation template is wonderful, but for those seeking an even quicker solution, we've crafted an advanced prompt. This can be used in Chat GPT or any other AI tool to create a professional stewardship letter effortlessly and swiftly. Check out our free letter prompts and bots for churches.
Digital Donations Request
Writing a church fundraising appeal letter can be effective, but digital communication is often preferred for its convenience. Fortunately, you can digitize the church donation request process with the following methods:
Mobile Apps
Modern non-profits are adopting donor apps. These giving apps mainly provide an easy method for online church giving and collect donor contact information so nonprofits can stay in touch, potentially increasing future giving opportunities. Many apps have additional functions such as event management and analytics.
Online Giving Portals
Online church giving portals can be set up directly on donor websites. To submit a donation, people can fill out a form and enter their payment details. Vanco statistics show that online giving can increase donations by 32%.
Churches can increase the visibility of online giving portals by including CTA links on various website pages. For a fully digitized process, they may also share links in emails, social media, and texts with a tithes and offerings request. Emails are particularly convenient as they have an average open rate of 30.59%.
Text to Give
Text-to-give sends a church donation request directly to people's phones, increasing visibility and responses. Potential donors receive a message with a link to give. They can click on the link and give directly from their phones before they forget. The system has been shown to boost revenue growth by 300%.
Vanco offers various giving solutions. Our text-to-give is simple, fast, and budget-friendly. Vanco's online church giving portals inspire generosity. Our secure mobile app provides multiple functionalities, including event registration and small group management.
Although online church giving is convenient, it is not always a preferred method. For example, 73% of Americans prefer direct mail because they can open it whenever they want. Digital also should not replace the personal touch a stewardship letter provides. Consider using both media together for optimal results.
If you're interested in how online giving tools work for churches, check out our benchmark study of 25,000 churches. Over the five year study, we found online giving grew by an average of 159% among churches. We also found that automatic givers, which online giving makes possible, give more than two times the amount of non-recurring givers.
FAQs
Should I personalize letters for individual congregants?
Yes, personalizing a stewardship letter for individual congregants is a good idea. It makes them feel recognized and creates an emotional connection; however, if you are dealing with a larger congregation, a balance between personal and public is best.
For example, with a small congregation, you may know people well enough to include personal elements. With a large congregation, you may not know people as well, and personalizing each financial contribution letter may take too much time.
At the very least, you should include the donor's name and mention previous donations if applicable. If you can personalize more, do so. Otherwise, don't attempt to add inaccurate information or spend too much time on the projects.
What are the benefits of using digital donation methods?
The biggest benefit of a digital church donation request and online church giving is convenience. People can give to your church without coming in, which is easier for all involved parties.
Digital platforms also make marketing easier and less expensive. Churches can reach people through social media ads, emails, and texts, encouraging them to give directly. Most of these platforms are low-cost or free.
How can I track the success of my church donation letters?
It's relatively easy to track the success of digital donations as the platforms can directly track the links used and how they were accessed. A physical financial contribution letter is a bit harder to track, but platforms with analytics can be used to monitor your campaign's performance. An increase in giving after stewardship letters were sent out is a good sign.
Free Letter Templates for Every Occasion
Beyond donation requests, our team of wordsmiths has created dozens of templates. These templates include donation requests, thank you letters, seasonal messages and invitations to worship and events. Get these templates and every donation request letter we’ve created in one convenient PDF. Click below to access all the templates today!
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