Fundraising is a necessary and important part of any church’s operations, and sending an informative and persuasive donation letter for church can help you reach key donors for your fundraising events and programs.
This guide explains how to write a church donation letter and provides 14 free templates to help you raise funds for your church fundraising activities and events. These templates cover various situations, including requests for donations to support general, facilities, outreach and other church community programs. And since they're free, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Keep reading for guidelines on constructing effective church fundraising letters and creating your own appeals for crucial financial support for your church.
Table of Contents
- The AI Prompt for Effortless Donation Request Letters
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Every Church Donation and Thank You Letter Template You’ll Ever Need
How to Write a Donation Letter for a Church
A recent study found that over 69% of studied individuals donated to churches, nonprofits and other organizations. Donations can be a vital source of funding for many organizations.
So, how do you get people to donate? One way is a donation letter for church. It informs readers that donations are needed and appreciated. The following sections provide key parts to include in your tithing letters to improve your chances of success.
Here's an in-depth look at how to write a donation letter for a church:
Upper-Right Corner
Begin your letter by including key contact information and the date in the upper-right corner. This ensures that the recipient knows who is sending the letter and when it was sent.
You might consider these details minor, but they can truly impact a donation letter. We explain why below.
Your Church's Name and Contact Information
The first item to add is your church's name and contact information, such as a phone number, email address, and website URL. That way, if the letter recipient has any questions or concerns, they can easily contact you.
Date
Including the date lets the reader know when the letter was sent. However, the date may even be more important for the sender.
If a church files letters, it can reference the date to ensure they don't send donations too often, potentially annoying the member. They can also note whether the donor donated and how long it took for the donation to be sent after the letter was received.
The Body
The body of your church donation letter should focus on your reader. Tell them why you need donations and where to donate. Here is a breakdown of each part of the body of a donation request letter:
Greeting
After you provide the date, open with a greeting. It can be as simple as "Hello" or something more formal like "Dear" that warmly welcomes your reader into the letter.
Instead of using "Hello, member of the congregation," include the member's first and last names to personalize the letter, increasing donor engagement. A good example is "Dear Lynne Rose," which is formal enough to sound professional yet inviting.
Line of Scripture
This isn’t a requirement, but it can help. To get the reader in a giving spirit, you could quote a line of scripture that focuses on giving and being charitable. This encourages members to support their local church and its endeavors.
Search for scripture verses that emphasize giving as an expression of God or focus on the graciousness of giving to the church. These verses will have the most impact because they show the value of the donation.
Clear Donation Request
After your line of scripture, express the need for a donation. Start by describing all the good things the church has done for the congregation and the community. This will help convince the reader to donate.
Then inform the reader of the kind of donation you are looking for and why it's needed. For example, if you want a monetary donation, inform the reader how their money will be used. If you require essential items like goods and food, explain how the donation will help the community.
Call to Action
At this point, you need to provide a specific call to action. For instance, if you want a monetary donation, provide the next steps the reader can take, like visiting the donation site or donating to a church member.
Highlight these steps or put them in numerical order so the recipient can easily see what to do, where to go and how to donate. Also, provide a deadline so the reader knows by what date they'll need to donate.
To maximize contributions, state that any amount is appreciated. Some people may not be able to give large amounts, so inform the reader that even small contributions of a dollar or two can help the church.
Conclusion
Finish the letter by expressing gratitude to the reader. Say something like, "Thank you for your time and continued support." It will make the letter sound genuine and kind rather than a cliché thank you.
Now that you know the key information to include in your donation request letter for church, you can use these sample templates for various fundraising appeals.
Free Donation Request Letter for Church Templates
Did you know the average cost to start a church is $19,815? Whether you’re starting a new church or looking to keep the lights on in an existing one, members’ donations are invaluable.
You also know how difficult it can be to ask for church donations. Having the right church donation letter can make it much easier.
To help you out, we’ve put together 14 free donation request letters for church templates. Keep reading for help writing your own powerful donation request letters.
General Donation Request Letter for Church
This letter is perfect for a general request. Personalize it with the ministries you support, ways you provide outreach to the community and any other information you feel would be beneficial.
Template 1
Dear [Church Member's Name],
Your support enables us to provide beneficial programs and spiritual events that lift up our congregation and provide motivation and joy when we need it the most.
We're writing to you to ask for assistance in supporting our mission! Your support will go a long way and allow us to continue investing in the church and the community with the services you provide.
We want to thank you for your past, current, and future participation and for any donations you can provide. If you would like to support us through an online donation, you can do so at [link for donation].
If you have any concerns or questions about donating, please email us at [email address] or call us at [phone number]. You can also stop by the church's main office in person or drop your donation in the collection plate during one of our services.
Thank you for being such a loyal member of the [Church’s Name] community.
Your Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
[Signature]
Template 2
Dear [Church Member's Name]
“Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work.” (Exodus 35:21)
Here at [Church Name], we're big supporters of the spirit of giving. Over the years, we have taken the funds you have generously donated to [note how you used past funds]. This has led to our church members growing closer to each other, the community and God.
It has also helped us accomplish [things your church has accomplished with past funds].
With our congregation's support and generosity, we can continue to grow our community and spread the Word of God.
If you would like to donate, you can do so online at [link for donations] or in person; simply note what your donation is for on your donation envelope.
We understand that donating money isn't always possible during difficult economic times. However, there are other ways you can support the church, such as [different ways people can donate time instead of money].
Your Brother [Sister] in Christ,
[Your Name]
[Designation]
Building Fund Church Donation Letter
The next sample church fundraising request targets members who may support your building fund. Personalize your donation letter for church building project with your goal and explain how you will use the new or renovated space.
List the donation amounts and what each can do, from lowest to highest. (Most people typically choose to give the middle amount.)
Template 1: New Building
Dear [Church Member's Name],
We are in the process of building a new [building name]. This building will help us continue reaching our community by providing space for [activities that the building will be used for].
We also want to create a space where members of our community can come together and grow together. We're looking forward to providing this new space for all of you.
However, we cannot build this new space without you. We need your support through your giving.
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
You can give online at [online donation link] or through your regular Sunday giving. On your tithing envelope, be sure to note that you want to direct your donation to the building fund.
Thank you for supporting our community as we seek to grow and continue to spread the Word of God.
Sincerely,
[Development Officer or Church Leader’s Name]
Template 2: Building Repairs
Dear [Church Member's Name],
We are in the process of making repairs to our [building name]. This building will help us continue reaching our community by providing a safe and updated space for [activities building will be used for].
The [building name] needs repairs, and we want to keep it in good condition so we can continue to use it. However, we can't do it alone.
We need your assistance to complete the repairs. We're currently asking for donations of time and money. If you have the skills necessary to make these repairs, such as [repairs needed], please reach out to us and let us know if you would be willing to donate your time.
If you're able, please support our efforts through a monetary donation.
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
You can give online at [online donation link] or through your regular Sunday giving. On your tithing envelope, please note that you want to direct your donation to the building fund.
Thank you for supporting our community as we seek to grow and spread the Word of God.
Your Brother [Sister] in Christ,
[Signature]
Community Outreach Donation Letters
Not all church pledge letters ask for money. Sometimes the best way the people of your church can give back is by sharing their time or resources.
This section provides two versions of an outreach church donation letter template. One letter focuses on the gift of time and resources, while the other requests monetary donations.
Template 1: Event Volunteer Time
Dear [Church Member's Name],
We are excited to announce our plans for this upcoming [holiday or month]. We are in the middle of planning [outreach program, e.g., food drive or homeless outreach].
In past years, our [outreach program] has had an average attendance of [number]. This outreach allows us to continue impacting our community and sharing Christ.
A lot goes into planning a successful outreach, and we're so grateful for our members who volunteer their time and talent. We still need volunteers for many tasks.
We need people who can [volunteer jobs that need to be filled]. It's an ideal way to learn skills, get involved, and give back to your community.
However, we understand that time is a valuable commodity. If you don't have the time to give, would you still be willing to support our mission?
We can use the following items [list of items] to help with the outreach. If you want to donate to help purchase these supplies, you can do so online at [donation link]. You can also donate through normal giving; simply note that you want to direct your giving toward [outreach program name] on your tithing envelope.
If you want to donate supplies, please drop them off in the church lobby in the designated bins. We would love for our upcoming outreach to make a big impact in our community; however, we need your help to make it happen.
Thank you for supporting our community.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
Template 2: Event Monetary Donation
Dear [Church Member's Name],
We are excited to announce our plans for this upcoming [holiday or month]. We are in the middle of planning [outreach program, e.g., food drive or homeless outreach].
In past years, our [outreach program] has had an average attendance of [number]. This event allows us to continue reaching out to our community and sharing Christ.
A lot goes into planning a successful outreach, and we're so grateful for our members who volunteer their time and talent. We're also thankful for members like you who help us run these programs by donating money to support them.
We can use the following items [list of items] to help with the outreach.
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
If you want to donate to help purchase these supplies, you can do so online at [donation link]. You can also donate through normal giving; simply note that you want to direct your giving toward [outreach name] on your tithing envelope.
We would love for our upcoming program to reach our community and those who need to hear the Word of God; however, we need your help to make it happen.
Thank you for supporting our community.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
Christmas Donation Letter
Christmas is a time of year when churches can have a huge impact. People are often in the giving spirit and focus on religious activities. The following Christmas donation letter templates can help raise money for holiday-related causes and people in need.
Template 1: Non-monetary Donation
Dear [Church Member’s Name],
Merry Christmas! We love this time of year as we celebrate the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus Christ.
This holiday season, we are reminded of how blessed we are and how much we can help others. We're giving back to our community through [program name, e.g., adopt a family, Christmas angels, Operation Christmas Child, etc.].
For this program to be successful, we need you. We're looking for the following items:
[needed items]
We also need help with the following tasks:
[volunteer jobs to be filled]
If you want to donate any of the above items, please drop them off in the church lobby in the designated bin. If you can volunteer your time, please sign up at [sign-up method, e.g., kiosk, lobby, church bulletin, website, etc.].
Help us give back to the community this season as we celebrate our blessings together.
[Signature]
Template 2: Monetary Donation
Dear [Church Member’s Name],
Merry Christmas! We love this time of year as we celebrate the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus Christ.
This holiday season, we are reminded of how blessed we are and how much we can help others. We're giving back to our community through [program name, e.g., adopt a family, Christmas angels, Operation Christmas Child, etc.]. If you would like to volunteer your time or donate items, please contact the church office.
We can also use monetary donations to get the necessary items.
Donate [enter amount] dollars, and you can help us [list what that amount of money can do].
Donate [enter amount] dollars, and you can help us [list what that amount of money can do].
Donate [enter amount] dollars, and you can help us [list what that amount of money can do].
You can donate online here: [insert donation link].
You can also donate through normal Sunday giving. Please note on your tithing envelope that you want your donation directed to [Christmas program name].
Help us give back to the community this season as we celebrate our blessings together.
Merry Christmas,
[Signature]
Missions Donation Letter
Whether you're raising money to go on a mission trip or to support missionaries, fundraising is a big component of any church. Missions allow you to spread the word, but the cost is high. Donations can help you cover the expenses.
Personalize your church mission donation letter to make it relatable and compelling, so you can reach your donation goals.
Template 1: Missions Trip
Dear [Church Member's Name],
“Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:18-20) [or another Bible verse that connects with your mission]
As a church, we believe missions start in our own backyard. Then, we go out into the world to spread God's Word.
[Church's Name] values missions and sharing our faith with underserved populations. On [date], our church will be headed to [location] to share God's Word and [project they will undertake there, e.g., medical missions, building a church, etc.].
We're blessed to have this opportunity, but we need your support to help with [what the money will be spent on].
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
Are you willing to help us reach the people in [location]? Please make a donation using our online platform at [donation link].
You can also donate through normal Sunday giving. On your tithing envelope, note that you would like your donation directed to the [name] mission trip.
I appreciate your support in reaching the world with the Good News.
Your Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
[Signature]
Template 2: Ongoing Missions
Dear [Church Member's Name],
“Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:18-20) [or another bible verse that connects with your mission]
As a church, we believe missions start in our own backyard. However, we often go out into the world to spread God's Word.
We support missionaries who dedicate their lives to sharing God's Word.
As a member of [Church's Name], you know how much we value missions and sharing our faith with underserved populations. On [date], [missionaries’ names] will be visiting our church and sharing how they have been impacting the community in [missionaries’ location].
At this time, we will be taking a special offering to continue supporting their efforts. Your support will help with [what the money will be spent on].
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
Donate $[amount], and you can help us [what that amount of money can do].
Are you willing to help us reach the people in [location]? Please make a donation using our online platform at [donation link].
We will also take a special collection during the missionaries’ visit. Please consider giving as we seek to reach the world.
As always, thank you for your support in reaching the world with the Good News.
Your Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
[Signature]
Don't Forget a Thank You
Don't forget to thank your congregation for their investment.
It's humbling to see how church members give when they have the opportunity. It's important to acknowledge your donors and their contributions to your community. A thank you message is an ideal way to do so.
We created church donation request templates with various responses for a personalized approach. They can also be used to provide tax information for deduction purposes.
Template 1: Specific Collection
Dear [Church Member’s Name],
We hit our goal! Thank you for your contribution to [project name].
Your donation of [amount] helped us [what you put the money toward]. We were able to [statistics you have from the event, e.g., reach X number of people].
Your support was critical in helping us to continue growing our community.
Your donation is tax-deductible. Keep this letter for tax purposes.
Thank you for your continued support of our mission. We are truly blessed by your participation.
Gratefully,
[Signature]
Template 2: End of Year
Dear [Church Member's Name],
Thank you for supporting [Church's Name] over the past year. Your giving has enabled our church to keep the lights on and reach the community around us.
Thanks to your generosity, over the past year, we've been able to:
[Things your church has accomplished in the past year]
Your support was critical in helping us to continue growing our community.
Your donations are tax-deductible. We've attached a summary of your giving from the past year that you can submit when you file your taxes.
Thank you for your continued support of our mission. We look forward to heading into the new year with you and continuing to share the Word of God with our community.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
Donation Letter for Church Event Template
Below are two donation request letter templates that will help you secure funding for church events. The first encourages members to donate, and the second helps you write donation letters to businesses.
These church fundraising letters can be customized to ensure a personalized approach.
Template 1: Church Event (Individual)
Dear [Church Member's Name],
Greetings! We hope you and your family are doing well. We're writing about a donation request for [Event Name] today.
[Event Name] is an annual celebration hosted by [Church’s Name]. Every year, it brings hundreds of people from across the community together to celebrate and support our shared values. This year's event will be held on [date] at the [location] at [time].
This event is open to anyone in the community, so please feel free to invite any friends or family members who are interested in attending. The event will feature an exciting lineup of speakers who will share how their lives have been impacted by [Church’s Name] and the community we're building together. There will also be a variety of enjoyable activities, including:
- [Activity 1]
- [Activity 2]
- [Activity 3]
We hope you'll consider donating to help cover the costs associated with this spectacular event. We still have a long way to go before we reach our fundraising goal of [goal amount], but with your donation, we can ensure that everyone has an unforgettable time celebrating what makes us special as a community.
If you're interested in supporting this important cause, please visit [website], where you can donate online using a credit card or PayPal account.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter. Your generosity will not go unnoticed—you will be recognized by name on the official program for all attendees!
If you have questions about this fundraiser, please contact us at [phone number]. We look forward to seeing you at [Event Name]!
Sincerely,
[Author's Name]
Template 2: Church Event (Business)
Dear [Company Name],
I'm writing to you as a representative of [Church Name]. Our mission is to provide food, shelter and support services to those in need in our community. We've been operating since [year].
We are currently hosting an event called [Event Name] on [date] at [location]. This event is open to the public and will include food, entertainment and games for all ages. All proceeds raised from this event go directly toward supporting our community outreach programs.
Our church offers various sponsorship opportunities, including matching campaigns and in-kind partnerships. We are also accepting silent auction items that may help raise brand awareness. Please see our included brochure for more information.
If you have questions about this event or would like more information, please call our office at [phone number] or visit [website]. Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you at the event!
Sincerely,
[Author's Name]
FAQs
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
There are various mistakes to avoid when writing a donation letter for church. For example, a lack of personalization can be a critical error. If a member feels you are not treating them like an individual or taking a salesy approach, it could turn them off to the church altogether.
You should also ensure your church support letter is well-written, considering grammar, and includes all the relevant information. Promote stewardship by having someone read the letter before sending, to ensure it is correct and complete.
Should I send donation letters electronically or by mail?
You can send a donation letter for church electronically and by mail. Doing so ensures the recipient will see the letter on their preferred platform.
The physical letter adds a personal touch while the digital version appeals to modern sensibilities. Edit the letter for each platform to show you took some time with it.
A Forbes article suggests sending letters by email and snail mail, and advertising church needs on social media can improve response rates by 25% compared to direct mail alone.
How Often Should I Request Donations?
There is no one answer to the question, how often should I request donations. Your timeline will vary based on church needs.
For example, most churches request tithes and offerings during services. Other fundraising ideas for churches involve annual in-person events and digital campaigns. Your church may also have specific projects that require funding.
Although needs vary, churches should avoid asking for donations too often. If it seems you're on the verge of harassing members, you may be overdoing it. Consider rescheduling projects that require donations if possible, or determine other ways to get funding, such as grants and sponsorships.
What's the Best Time of Year to Request Donations?
The holiday season may be the best time to request donations. People are often in the spirit of giving and feel connected to the church at this time of year. An AP News article reveals nonprofits receive about 30% of their donations in December, with 10% of that given in the last three days of the year.
Giving Tuesday is another ideal time to receive donations. Taking place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, it puts many people into the spirit of giving. Another AP article reveals nonprofits in the U.S. have raised over $3 billion on Giving Tuesday.
Read our guide to learn how your church can participate in Giving Tuesday.
Do Donation Letters Really Help Grow Generosity?
Yes, donation letters can help grow generosity. A Vanco case study reveals how the Constance Evangelical Free Church combined donation letters with its online giving campaign. Digital methods soon accounted for 40% of its donations.
A Connect Creative Marketing article mentions the benefits of direct mail in marketing church fundraising campaigns. It notes that donors are three times more likely to give in response to a direct mail letter compared to an email.
The AI Prompt for Effortless Letter Creation
While templates are beneficial, we also developed a sophisticated prompt that provides faster results. This can be utilized in Chat GPT or any similar tool to generate a professional letter with ease and speed. Explore our free letter prompts and bots designed for churches to learn more.
Looking for Church Letter Templates to Fit Any Situation?
Crafting an appeal or thank you message can be challenging. We hope this guide and our free templates make this task easier for you. And we have more samples available.
We built a complete guide that offers 105 letter samples and templates for nearly any situation, and specific guidelines to help. May your fundraising efforts be a success!
Download the guide for free!
