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How To Write A Letter Of Request For Donations
In today’s economy, non profit organizations or “good cause” organizations must be savvy when it
comes to fundraising. The traditional fund raising ideas and events such as bake sales, car washes,
and selling of banquet dinner tickets can be time consuming and reap little reward. Applying for
foundation grants and governmental grants are good sources of funding, but are highly competitive.
Most not for profit organizations depend on obtaining funds through donations.
If you’ve never approached an organization for funding, the first thing to do is research the
organization thoroughly to obtain donation guidelines which can usually be found on the
organization’s website. Determine what type of funding contributions are provided, and which type of
organizations were previously provided funding. Determine if there is a contact person to speak with
who may be able to give good information and advice, as well as determine who is in charge of
making decisions about whether or not the donation can be given.
I once called an organization, and the representative of the organization was very helpful in telling me
how I should format my request, and stating that the organization preferred to help grass roots
organizations who had never received a grant in the past. The Information she provided helped me to
write a donation request based on her advice.
Writing a Donation letter requires good writing skills.
Start the letter by describing exactly what your organization does and how the work being does is
related to the organization’s mission, or benefiting the lives of the people. Attach a brochure and
include pictures or examples of your success. The accomplishments or success should be highlighted
on the brochure. If you have a positive newspaper article that should be attached also. Make the
request letter short and succinct (at least one page). People don’t have a lot of time to read page
upon page of information. That’s where good writing skills come in.
Example:
Good Statements: The Help the Homeless is a 501c3, grassroots organization that has provided
shelter to more than 500 homeless families within the past two years. Help the Homeless was created
as a result of a 30 percent increase in the homeless population within our community.” More
information about our organization can be reviewed on the attached brochure.”
Poorly written Statements: The name of my organization is “Help the Homeless” which I started two
years ago when I noticed that there were many homeless people out on the streets. I helped people
like Jerome Jones who had nowhere to go when he lost his job and he could no longer receive
unemployment. He and his family eventually lost their home and turned to our organization for help.
Once we helped him, several other people realized what we were doing and we ended up helping
countless numbers of people find shelter.
Once you have described your organization, provide information on why your non-profit is asking for
funding from the organization, and what will be accomplished if a donation is received.

2. Example:
“In reviewing the Home Depot Foundation’s website, Home Depot provides grants to create
affordable housing and assist at risk youth ages 12 to 18. Help the Homeless would like to continue
our mission by specifically focusing on assisting families who have youth between the ages of 0 to 18
years old. Currently, we have raised $15,000 to purchase and rehabilitate a shelter facility that will
house up to 250 families with children. Help the Homeless would like to make a request for Home
Depot to match our funds by providing an additional $15,000 enabling us to purchase the facility at
$30,000.”
After making the request, thank the organization for reviewing your request and provide them with
information on exactly who and where the funding should be provided. Always give an actual physical
address instead of a P.O. Box.
Write your name and number within the contents of the letter as the person to be contacted if there
are questions regarding the request.
Never send out a request letter without first having someone else to review and proofread it for you. If
need be, enclose a paid self addressed envelope with paid postage, so that the organization can
contact you back free of charge.
Feel free to check out these websites to get information on organizations that provide donations.
http://www.lancewinslow.org/resources.shtml
http://dir.yahoo.com/society_and_culture/issues_and_causes/philanthropy/organizations/grant_makin
g_foundations/