Sample Donation Thank You Letter

Free Sample Donation Thank-You Letter

The most important letter in direct mail fundraising never asks for a donation. Thank-you letters increase donor loyalty, strengthen relationships and increase your chances of receiving more gifts in the future, including major gifts and legacy gifts.

But only if you get them right.

Direct mail fundraising is about relationships, not revenue. The only way to generate sustainable income through the mail is to thank donors promptly, personally, particularly and positively.

Sample donation thank-you letter

Friday, January 16, 2006

Samantha Yordvick
363 Blandon Crescent
Tulsa, OK 19188

Dear Samantha:

This is just a quick note, but it comes from my heart to yours as I head out the door for my flight to Bombay.

Thank you for your very kind gift of $100, which we received today. Your generosity will make an immediate difference in the lives of mothers in Calcutta. I'm going to make sure of that on this trip.

For one thing, we are going to use your gift to fund our early intervention program. Your generosity is going to help us buy the formula and fortified milk that our mothers give to their babies and toddlers. Good nutrition, as you know, is so vital in fighting off the diseases and infections that are so prevalent in Calcutta.

You can read about this exciting initiative--and your important part in it--in the upcoming issue of our newsletter, which we will mail to you in January.

Thanks again for your kindness,

[real, actual, live signature]

Bill Bladstone
President
CalcuttaConcern

About this letter
Here are a few things to notice about this letter.

1. Not "Dear Friend." This letter is a personal thank you from the heart of the president to this donor. Even though the president does not know Samantha personally, he writes to her as a friend, which is to say, by name.

2. The opening sentence reveals the personality of the writer and clearly shows that this letter was written on a particular day, by a particular person, for a particular reason. Openings like this resonate with donors, who want to be acknowledged by a human being and not a computer.

3. The writer acknowledges the donor's gift by date received and amount given, specific details that make the letter personal instead of generic.

4. The writer shows in concrete, easy-to-understand ways how the donor's gift will be put to work today, changing lives and making a difference in the world. Donors need to know that their contribution, however small, accomplishes the goals of the donor in supporting your organization.

© 2006 Sharpe Copy Inc. You may reprint this article online and in print provided the links remain live and the content remains unaltered (including the "About the Author" message).

About the Author

Alan Sharpe is a professional fundraising letter writer, instructor, coach, author and newsletter publisher who helps non-profit organizations to raise funds, build relationships and retain loyal donors using cost-effective, compelling, creative fundraising letters. Sign up for free weekly tips like this at http://www.RaiserSharpe.com

Related Pages

How To Write Fundraising Letters - Sample donor query letter and tips on writing your own donation request.

Sample Fundraising Thank You Letter - Here is a sample fundraising thank you letter you can copy along with five tips on just how to say thanks for their donation in a heartfelt note.

Donation Letters - How many times to ask for a donation in your donation letters - Why you should ask three times in your donation request letter.

Donation Request Letters - Sample donation request letters and how to tips on writing your own fundraising letter.

Raising Funds By Mail - Five success pointers for raising funds by mail for your nonprofit - How to use direct mail to increase your non-profit fund raising.

Powerful Postscripts - Ten ways to boost donation letter response rates - Add powerful postscripts to your fundraising letters.

Increasing Donor Gift Size - How to increase the size of donor gifts from your fundraising letters - Proven methods for getting better donation response rates.

Sample Donation Thank You Letter - Here's a sample thank you note and tips on how to thank each donor personally for their contribution.

Appeal Letter - Five tips on how to write a letter of appeal - Donation request writing advice plus sample donation letter you can copy.

Donation Letter Storytelling - Discover why your donation letter should tell a good story to get a good response - Fundraising letter tips on improving your response rate.