Write the Perfect Fundraising Letter: Principles to Bring in More Money

The days of bake sales and car washes are fading.  The current trend in organizational fundraising is targetted appeals for monetary donations. 

No matter how worthy the cause, many people are uncomfortable asking for money.  Help your organization raise the needed cash by writing a fundraising letter that gets noticed.


1. Make the greeting count.

Whenever possible, begin the fundraising letter with a personal greeting. If you can’t insert each recipient’s name, use a salutation that sets the recipient apart, for example:

“Dear Hodge High School Alumnus,” 

“Hello, Saint Paul Parishioner,” 

“Fellow Community Member,”


The goal is to remind the recipients that they are part of a group.



Once you have the reader’s attention, help them remember the benefits they might have received from the group in the past. Don’t limit yourself to the tangible – often emotional benefits are even more valuable. 

“Remember the fun we always had traveling to band competitions? Even when we didn’t win, we built friendships, camaraderie and sportsmanship.”

“What would our weekly worship service be like without the magnificent statues and tapestries that adorn our sanctuary?”

“The Down Town Renovation Committee hopes you are enjoying the new sidewalks and landscaping on the north end of town. The area has become a favorite place to enjoy an evening stroll since the project has been completed.”

2. State the need.



Let the recipient know how much money you need and where the money will be going.

“Because of the raising cost of transportation and the reduction in money we get from the school, we need to raise $15,000 in order to keep the tradition of excellence that has defined the Hodge High School Marching Band,. Without these funds, the band will not be able to travel to any competitions or away football games this year.”

“Due to water damage from last month’s storm, we are faced with an additional $500 in cleaning costs this month.”