430+ Fundraising Email Subject Lines (That Work!)

Pat Walls

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Updated: May 13th, 2021

If you're looking to boost your email open rates and increase sales, your email subject line is the first (and most important) step in achieving those goals.

Did you know that 33% of email recipients open emails because of an engaging subject line?

That's why it's critical to craft a catchy email subject line that will get you the traffic and conversions you deserve.

We've put together a list of 430+ fundraising email subject lines (that work!).

Some are proven examples from other successful campaigns, and some are creative ideas to inspire you.

Creative Email Subject Line Ideas

Fwd: Seismic Blasts
Today is the day
Last call for clean water
“First name,” I have a question.
Risk of severe hunger – please read
Your tax-deductible gift to MoMA
Make Your Tax-Deductible Gift to Nature
Your support can change lives
It’s so beautiful. And it’s worth protecting in 2021.
Invest in families on #GivingTuesday
Make change possible
What’s Happening at WMCHealth!
Only two days remain to triple the value of your gift
Be a Hero for Trees
Think outside the box this holiday
Celebrate #GivingTuesday!
48 hours left: Be the light
Help “organization name” deliver hope this season
Where did you spend your Thanksgiving?
Steve, your December newsletter: help _____ stop bear baiting for good
There is still time to make your 2021 donation!
With your help, we can reach thousands of families
Beat the Shot Clock
Be a Hero Like Albert!
A few last minute ideas…
Downton Abbey, The Final Season
Today Only: Your Gift TRIPLED
Today is #GivingTuesday!
Three days only: All donations matched 2 to 1!
FREE 2-day shipping – ends at midnight.
Your search is over!
‘Tis the season!
Help _____ Deliver Hope to the Philippines
Deadline: Midnight
Last-minute holiday ideas
Five Days Left to Make a Tax-Deductible Donation
Last Day for Free Shipping
Sharing Our Husky Holiday Spirit
Thank you!
“First name” – review your donation
Deadline Tonight: Unclaimed Funds Expire at Midnight
Surprise! 20% Member Savings + Free Shipping
When was the last time you made someone smile?
FWD: I now help others in the fight because of LIVESTRONG
Friend, FINAL chance to DOUBLE your GOOD!
I have a job for you
Before you ring in the new year...
Finish off 2021 with healing & hope
Next Week in Charleston: Offshore Wind Meeting
Your last chance to give in 2018
Your Gift Matched Dollar for Dollar
Just hours left to join our Year-End Drive
last minute
Steve, will you help?
_____: An Excellent Choice
Steve
You’re invited to our Community Candle Lighting on Wed., Jan. 20
Holiday greetings from the sea
One Day Left to Make a Tax Deductible Donation
Puppy Left to Suffer with Broken Legs
Be the light
Almost out of time
A worthy tradition
Last call: Deadline’s just a few hours away
Your gift by 12/31 helps youth learn and earn
Your year-end gift helps others find life after cancer.
We’re so close - will you help us reach the finish line?
The best New Year’s resolution you’ll make!
This can’t keep happening to dogs!
You make #GivingTuesday possible
Quick favor
❗❗ Hours left to DOUBLE your tax-deductible gift ❗❗
Take one last action in 2021
Join us in the _____ challenge
Happy New Year’s from the Charleston Symphony
Multiply your good – we’ll match your gift until Dec. 31
Do you believe in human rights? Open this
Still Looking for the Perfect Gift?
Last day to help birds 3x as much
Close out your year with clean water
Newtown, we are with you.
What’s Your New Years Resolution?
why I’m emailing you
☑ A or ☒ B
It’s been a great year at “organization name”
Free shipping ends Monday
Last-minute gift
full potential
Today Only: Your Year-End Gift will be Matched!
Only hours left to give in 2021
Today is your chance
Action needed by 12/31
Today Only: Free Shipping + 20% Member Savings
This is your last chance
US Plea Bargains | Nelson Mandela
Steven — our last email
Give Strength
Five minutes can change lives
Year-End Drive starts today — don’t miss out
Steven — please read a personal appeal from _____’s founder
Peace and Joy
The year in photos:
Help us improve more lives in 2021.
Double your gift: help two animals with one donation
Make your 2021 Year-End Gift Before MIDNIGHT
Hurry! It’s Not Too Late
Shop $50 or more, get a free membership!
Make an impact with your IRA
Wow, Steve, there’s a last-minute match
Giving Tuesday
Your donation will change lives
Celebrating the Season Together as One Family
Your new title
Hours left to give in 2021
It’s Been an Awesome Year at _____ and _____
Give _____ your support on #GivingTuesday
Steve, you could save Jodi.
Last Chance: Up to 40% off _____-Inspired Gifts
Campaign update: still ______ from our goal
next year
Come to the Cabaret! Stork Club: One Night Only
Don’t let this year pass you by
’tis the season for sea turtles
Deadline: Your help still needed by 12/31
Claim Your Calendar Before December 31st
Thank you for being a friend to the BMA
“First name,” can I have a moment?
The perfect gift? Search no further.
I now help others in the fight because of LIVESTRONG
Member Previews Start Tomorrow
Don’t think you have enough to make a difference?
____ reasons to give
Grateful to be alive
This Holiday, Deliver Safe Birth to Women
Tax deductible gift for 2021 — last chance
As you requested
Share a world of discovery
How Sherlock Changed the World
On this #GivingTuesday and EVERY DAY
Receive Monthly Developments Magazine
A special thank you from _____
Vote For Your #1 Nature Photo by Midnight
Exclusive Gift Offer Enclosed
An unprecedented year
Happy Christmas from Team _____
Last-minute gift ideas
Last chance!
Double your impact and help save lives
NestWatch eNewsletter: An intimate look at nesting roadrunners, and why some birds go all out
BREAKING: Your gift matched until 12/31
Give the gift of the ocean
Your Year-End Contribution Doubled Right Now
An ocean of a deal for you!
NEEDED: Warm Hearts, Warm Homes
Steven – Review Your 2021 Donations
Last Member Shopping Days Of The Year STARTS TODAY
Make your gifts count in 2021
Help your local homeless shelter, arts programs, and animal rescue–all at the same time
TODAY ONLY: Your gift is doubled & rewarded!
8 Incredible Things You’ve Done This Year
Invest in One Family
DEADLINE: Just 1 more day to order custom-printed cards
So many people benefit from your kindness today
Let’s go!
Tomorrow is the Big Day!
gorgeous. (and a triple match!)
I wish I had done more
Giving Tuesday: Good deeds and good deals
Apollo set the standard. We follow his lead.
Tax Deadline Just Days Away
Make the holidays brighter for sick children — every gift doubled!
Bearer of good news
Urgent Match Deadline
Ring in the New Year in New York and Vienna
48 Hours Remain: Make a difference before 2021!
We cannot stop {problem} without you, {First Name}
Your gift will be matched 2-for-1 today
Act Now: Nature Needs You in South Carolina
Urgent: What if _____ disappeared?
We can’t afford to fall short
The best gift you can give today
Maximize your tax credit by the December 31 deadline
Hours left: but still short of our goal
Hurry! It’s Not Too Late!
Free Holiday Shipping until December 16
Last chance: DOUBLE your dollars!
Make a Gift, Change a Life
Fwd: Steven - Review Your 2021 Donations
One simple way to make a difference
Re: Your tax-deductible gift
The Greatest Gift
Snow storms, tropical rains, and you
One click can change lives
RE: Urgent deadline: all gifts DOUBLED!
Countdown for our children
Kona’s Happy Ending
How can you help on Giving Tuesday?
Just one day left to make your tax-deductible gift
We’re almost there!
News from _____ – December 2021
Fwd: simply put
Here’s to you!
Steve, campaign update: Wildlife crime takes centre stage at London’s City Hall
Giving Tuesday: Make a Difference for Animals
39 hours
A gentle but urgent nudge – please give today!
Think out of the box this holiday season
3 days left to change a life
Enter to win
almost there
Warm Holiday Wishes From _____
The Day Has Come
Find the Perfect Gift on Cyber Monday
Why I’m writing to you on a Saturday
48 hours
Almost out of time
Reminder: Go behind the scenes at _____
You Can Make More Moments Like This Possible!
Coming to a close
Status of your support - pending review
Final email of 2021: Match is ending
Six Days Left to Make a Tax-Deductible Donation
There is still time for you to give the gift of love to an animal at the _____
Just 48 hours left to make a difference this year
Tax Deadline Just Days Away
One day left, three more reasons
Happy Holidays!
So many ways to say THANK YOU, we couldn’t pick just one.
FW: thought you’d want to see this
Double your year-end gift.
Support Children’s Hospital on #GivingTuesday!
Today is the last day
Time to be bold
A remarkable year
Great Things Happen!
We’re so close!
Steve, your gift will be MATCHED
Time is almost up to make your tax-deductible gift
Important: Three Days Left!
You won’t believe this
Double Your Impact
DEADLINE: Make your tax-deductible gift by midnight
Great gift ideas + free shipping!
This is it
You Make an Incredible Difference in South Carolina
TODAY ONLY—Your gift for animals doubled
Relying on you
3 important facts
[48 hours left] Make TWICE the difference
Merry Christmas from Breezy and all the Animals at the _____
Change isn’t easy – but that doesn’t stop you
A very special video for you from the animals at the _____
The minimum wage isn’t cutting it.
Happy Holidays from _____
Make a gift, change a life
The best gift
Only hours left to double your impact
Can you help me out?
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
Happy New Year from the _____
How are you celebrating the holidays?
Drumroll please…
Race Ricky Bobby
Closing the books
We have a gift for you
Gifts that wow and change lives – inside
The gift of the season
Ricky Bobby would have never walked again
Be a part of our special night!
URGENT: year-end deadline
What’s Happening at _____!
It’s never too late to make a difference
Don’t open this email
Help free another human rights hero
1 day left; 5 reasons to give
Your tax-deductible donation
Consider your holiday shopping finished.
one last thing
I have a great role for you
_____ Annual Gathering: Violence Prevention
Last chance to have your gift triple-matched
_____ Has A Gift For You
Will you help “beneficiary’s name”?
Cyber Monday ONLY: All Unwrapped gifts matched!
FW: Help us improve more lives in 2021
What we need next year
Giving thanks this #GivingTuesday
Deadline extended! Custom-printed cards available until midnight
Steve, there’s still time to take action on mega-dairies
Last chance to support nonprofits nationwide with a single gift…
Holiday greetings from “organization name”
Double your impact – one day left
Happy New Year!
LAST DAY: Your tax-deductible gift does 2x the good
All I want is some truth
Still looking for gift ideas for your family?
A sleepless vigil
{First Name}, will you help us reach our goal?
Give clean water one last time this year
You Can Invest in Opportunity Today
It’s Not Too Late to Help!
Keep fighting
Don’t wait: Unwrapped cards are going in the mail at midnight!
We were ready
Urgent: tax deadline approaching
for our kids
Act now to protect birds and biodiversity
There’s still time
Help us reach our goal before midnight
A very special video for you from the animals at the _____
Watch the incredible things we’ve done this year
It’s not too late to make a 2021 gift!
We need you to continue the fight
You make our discoveries possible
In memory of his five-year-old sister…
They were in their pajamas
How you can be a hero, {First Name}
Urgent: Armed militias terrorize civilians in human rights hotspot
Your thoughts?
Last day to triple your impact! Make your year-end gift today.
You still have time to make a 2021 gift to Ottawa’s animals
Can You Make It By Midnight?
When journalism is a crime
Thanks to you, all of this happened.
Our gift to you this holiday season
An update on 2021 at _____
GBBC eNews: The 2021 Poster, Tricky Finches, and New Video
Save the Date- Girls’ Night Out!
JUST RELEASED: Triple MATCH!
Happy Holidays!
TODAY: Your support DOUBLED!
Urgent deadline: all gifts DOUBLED!
Huge
[Response needed]
Match increased: Offer ends tonight
Make Your Tax-Deductible Gift to Nature
Thank you and Happy New Year!
Donate today and your name could appear on KDKA-TV!
Imagine 2021
TODAY: Last chance to double your gift
You will want to support this. But you have less than 48 hours to do so
Time is running out
Deadline: Only hours left
Don’t let 2021 end without being a part of this
We’re THIS close!
WATCH: 5 Reasons We’re Celebrating
Would you like to change a life in 2021?
Steve, the ocean needs our help
I believe in Amnesty: Here’s why
Can’t argue with the math
Did you forget someone on your holiday list?
________’s story is so inspiring
2 Days to Make Your Year-End Donation
One more name for your gift list
Thank You
Steven - Review Your 2021 Donations
Match deadline is here—make it count.
Match Deadline: Just Hours Left
Just Two Days Left
New Ways to Give and DOUBLE your Donation
Nature Needs You! Give by MIDNIGHT!
Your gift will be matched 2-for-1 today
Add your name to our holiday message for sick kids
[Match] Quick - don’t let 2021 end without being a part of this
URGENT: 48 hours left to have your gift matched
Call the Midwife Holiday Special
Free shipping. Plus, a free personalized greeting card.
Following up
It’s December 24 — is your shopping done?
Less than 24 hours to double your gift
48 hours to...DOUBLE your dollars!
This Holiday, Remember the Trees
Your donation status
As you requested
incredible! triple match.
Make a Gift to Help Stop the Spread of Disease - Right Now
Steve, A Great Way to End 2021
Important News
$1 Becomes $2 and Changes More Lives
FWD: HURRY! Just a Little Time Left
Early Investments Give Kids a Shot
⏰ Friend, the clock is ticking - will you help? ⏰
Be a Fan with Publix and P&G
Give the gift that keeps on giving
Procrastinators Unite
Last Chance
Think outside the (gift) box
Uphill battle
Help cancer survivors like me
Every gift doubled – make twice the impact
Thank you!
Putting clients first in India
LAST DAY: We need you
Before the ball drops
Get in the Holiday Spirit, Little Macy, Very Special Music
The Greatest Gift
No More Time – Help Us Now
I hear sleighbells…
Ready?
Two more days
Important news
_____ eNews: Read Our Review of the Top Binoculars of 2021
Global update: What we’ve accomplished together in 2021
The clock is ticking
With 48 Hours to go, stakes just got higher
Sea this email
Hurry - just 2 days left
No Justice for Braveheart After Kitten’s Killer to Serve No Jail Time
An early Christmas gift
Don’t wish you had done more this year
Children flogged in Syrian secret prisons
Be the light
Stellaaaaaaaaaa
Steve: Make a difference before 2021 ends
Last chance to renew in 2021!
Only hours left to give in 2021
Today is the Day!
When soldiers rape, where do you turn?
FWD: Refugees are struggling to stay warm
FWD: We can’t do it WITHOUT YOU!
Today is the last day of the _____ Challenge: Thanks for your support!
We couldn’t have done it without you
Hottest Year Ever...Again
The secret to our success
Off the Sidelines: Help Us Reach x2 as many athletes!
How many lives can you save with $50?
Thank You and Happy New Year!
Imagine being told you wouldn’t make it to your 18th birthday
Honor Your Loved Ones This Holiday Season
Help us celebrate the New Year
This week, help protect the ocean
Very Last Chance to Make a 2021 Tax-Deductible Gift
_____ December News
We can’t afford to fall short
The first to respond
Re: Your gift to “organization name”
Give the Gift of Typhoon relief: Your chance to double your impact ends Monday
Click. Print. Give the perfect last minute gift.
Your last tax-deductible day
Help birds 3x as much
Re: Take one last action in 2021
Last chance to give the best. gift. ever.
Annual _____ Membership Renewal
Help. My name is TODAY.
Only days left
They came back
Reminder – _____ Online Event – Disaster Ignored – December 4th
See? We couldn’t have done it without you
Only 3 days left to give in the year
Just hours left — please hurry!
Today is the last day
Yes!
Last Chance: Stand Up for Forests Today
You still have a few hours to make a 2021 gift to _____’s animals
_____’s Campaign Update: Still $3,000 from our matching gift goal
This is your last chance
Great holiday gifts from only $10
I know you’re not thinking of ignoring this message
We’re almost out of time
Help Us Face the Challenges in the Year Ahead - Right Now
_____ Celebrates the Holidays
End 2021 on a positive note
Membership Happenings – December 2021
Gifts that make a difference: double your impact
“First name,” I have great news
Your gift today helps twice as many children
10 million reasons to say thank you
This year, all the crops died - help now
Give hope to grieving families on #GivingTuesday
This doesn’t happen often:
Procrastination
Philanthropy Matters December 2021
24 hours left to support {population served} in need
Help birds!
Thank you!
We couldn’t do this without your support
Shop meaningful gifts no one will want to return
You were there for me
hey
Before midnight
Make a Gift So We’re There When We’re Needed - Right Now
Double your impact
LAST CHANCE—PLEASE HELP!
_____ hаs а Gift fоr Yоu
Join ______ for #GivingTuesday and have your gift doubled
Breaking: New Match Gift Challenge
Be part of our heroic history
Double Your Impact Today!
Give The Gift That Lasts A Lifetime
Be a hero like “donor name”
Steve, will you help Baby Yolee?
We couldn’t do it without you
Will you help us reach our goal, Steve?
Help us reach out!
Five days left – show your support now
What Will You Do Before Midnight?
Lives are on the line
Donate by midnight to help transform lives
Last chance to make a gift in 2021!
Great Places: A Message of Thanks
CRC Appeal Update
Home for the Holidays
Last chance: The best way to solve the worst problems is in this email
Last Chance: Holiday Shipping Deadline
Help us raise {$ amount} to support {population served}
Only A Few Hours Left To Create Opportunity This Year!
Act Now: Nature in South Carolina Needs You
He risked everything. Show him it was worth it.
There’s Still Time!
⏰ Time is running out - will you help? ⏰
After 1 Year, this Bundle of Joy Is Home
simply put
Now Is The Time.
Go behind the scenes at _____
The best gift
Circling back on the Arctic
We can’t do it WITHOUT YOU!
Hours left to meet our match deadline
December e-newsletter: Our New Year’s Resolution!
What’s your resolution?
At this very moment
2021 Is Coming To A Close
Last Chance: Give by Midnight Tonight
There’s still time to reduce your taxes & double your impact!
Let’s do it!
Five reasons why you should support _____
New Year’s Eve Gala/Performance and more
A gift that lasts decades? Find out how
Urgent: Steve, Just Hours Remain
FWD: HURRY! Just a Little Time Left
Hours left: why your support counts
Save the rainforest. Save tigers.
Celebrate the Holidays with the _____
The last day to give
Driven to drug use in a ‘treatment’ center

GUIDE: How To Write A Great Subject Line

As we mentioned above, crafting a catchy subject line is critical to the performance of your email campaign.

While just a few words may seem like a small piece of your overall message, this is the first impression your audience will have before they decide whether to open your email.

If your subject line isn't engaging or appealing enough, there's a chance it could get buried in your reader's inbox.

Let's go over the proven tips on how to craft a subject line that boosts engagement:

What makes a great subject line?

First, let's discuss the fundamentals of creating a great subject line:

Spark interest and curiosity
A clear and urgent call to action
An offer/intriguing discount
Personalization (this can be done by sending out different versions of emails to subscribers based on their preferences)
Relevance - make sure your subject line covers the current trends and topics within your industry

5 Tips To Crafting a Great Subject Line

Now, let's dive into the specifics of how to create a great subject line for your next campaign:

1. Use a familiar sender name

Although this may seem obvious, it's a piece many marketers miss the ball on.

Your readers want to feel like your email is coming from a human and not a corporation or automated system.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is by changing the sender's name to YOUR name or someone in the company that is well known.

Here's a great example of this from Marketing Examples

Pro Tip

Avoid the "no-reply" sender name at all costs. This makes your email feel unfamiliar, unapproachable, and less personable.

2. Keep your subject short and to the point

If your subject line is too long, it will get cut off, which could impact your reader's chances of opening your email.

The rule of thumb (for both mobile and desktop) is to keep your subject line under 50 characters.

3. Add personal touches to your subject line

If you have access to information about your subscriber (ie. name, location, etc), you can use this to benefit your subject line and catch your readers attention.

It's important not to go overboard here, but adding even the simplest touch such as their name can build trust and rapport.

Here's a great example of a personalized email + offer I received from BarkBox with my dog's name in the subject line:

4. Avoid making any false promises

Your subject line makes a commitment to your reader, so it's important you don't stretch the truth just to simply get more opens and clicks.

In the grand scheme of things, making false promises will end up hurting your open rate as your readers will lose trust in you.

5. Give them a sneak peek of what's inside

Telling your subscriber what is inside helps with open and clicks.

For example, if you're providing your reader with a free guide or e-book, consider making your subject line something along the lines of:

"Your FREE marketing e-book awaits!"

Conclusion

If you want your email campaign to perform well, it all starts with your subject line.

Think about the emails you receive in your inbox and what makes you click vs what gets buried - odds are, the same habits go for your customer.

We hope you enjoyed our guide + list of 430+ fundraising email subject lines (that work!).

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meet the author

Pat Walls