14 Best Fundraising Email Templates [2024]

Updated: January 19th, 2023

14 Best Fundraising Email Templates [2024]

Being a nonprofit organization means relying on the support of donors, and sending emails are a vital part of any fundraising email campaign.

They help you engage with your supporters, encourage them to donate, and communicate often enough that you will get the results you are looking for.

With the right fundraising email templates, you can increase your chances of raising more money and become more productive and efficient when doing outreach.

Here are 14 free fundraising email templates to use in 2022 that will save you time and help you with your email marketing efforts.

What To Include In Your Fundraising Email

When it comes down to crafting your email, there are a few key elements to include:

  1. Start your email with the logo of your company. If there is a specific campaign, include your campaign hashtag.
  2. To improve your chances of getting donations and get people excited about your cause, include an emotional or appealing image in your fundraising emails.
  3. Your fundraising appeal should present the facts and proof that donors need to feel good about supporting your organization.
  4. When it comes to fundraising emails, don't overwhelm readers with too many options. Ask them to take the next step on your intended path.
  5. Your email footer can be simple, but include your organization's contact information and an "unsubscribe" link.

Fundraising Email to Local Business

title=Help us support environmental projects in [location] Hi ,

Last year your donations helped us plant over 1,000 trees in [location], which are on track to absorb thousands of tonnes of CO2 in their lifetime.

We’ve been lucky enough to have the support of companies in [location] such as [company 1], [company 2], and [company 3], and their donations played an important role in this initiative.

This year, it would be great to have onboard with us. You’ll be featured on our website and be highlighted as a supporter in our promotional materials in [location].

Would you be interested in supporting us on this?

Best,

Source

Time-sensitive donation request

title=Only [insert days] to help me reach my fundraising goal Dear [insert name],

I only have [number] days to finish fundraising for [insert fundraising cause].

If only [insert number] of people donated [insert dollar amount] to my fundraiser, I would [be able to meet my fundraising goal/make significant progress toward my fundraising goal]. Would you be able to help make this a reality?

To donate, just click the link to my fundraiser below:

[insert link to fundraiser]

It would also really help if you could share my fundraiser link with everyone you know. The more eyes on my fundraiser, the better!

I appreciate all of your support! I wouldn’t be able to accomplish [fundraising goal] without your help.

With love/Sincerely,

[Your name]

[Your contact info]

Source

Encouraging Businesses to Register as a Monthly Donor

title=Becoming a donor for [organization] Hi ,

It’s been great to see the success that has had lately — a few members of our team visited and sampled your coffee last week, big thanks to your team for the hospitality.

As your business has always been involved in local projects such as [example #1] and [example #2, I wanted to see if you’d be interested in becoming a donor for [organization].

All of our monthly donors are featured on our website, and get special mentions at events we hold throughout the year around [location].

Do you have time for a 20-minute call to discuss it this week?

Best,

[inbox.name]

Source

Donation requests for Giving Tuesday

title=Celebrate Giving Tuesday by donating to my cause Hi [insert name],

Happy #GivingTuesday! I’m raising money for [insert your fundraiser name], and I need your help on this special day to reach my goal.

I’m aiming to raise a total of $[insert amount] by the end of the day, which will allow me to [insert specific use, ex: “purchase 100 care kits for homeless women.”] The clock is ticking to make this goal a reality.

Simply click the link to my fundraiser below to read more about my cause and make a donation.

[insert link to fundraiser]

If you could also share my fundraiser link with your contacts on social media, it would help boost awareness for my cause.

I appreciate all of your support!

Best,

[Your name]

[Your contact info]

Source

The Follow Up Generosity Request

title=It was a pleasure to have you today Preview Text: We’d love to learn more about your interests

Hi Jen,

You were incredible today! Because of you, we boxed over 300 meals for San Diego elementary students.

We took some pictures at the warehouse today. If you like them, please feel free to post them on your social channels! If you want to use #FeedSanDiego our team is always looking out for new ways to highlight our amazing community of change-makers.

If you’re not already, please follow us on Instagram and Facebook. We announce exclusive events and opportunities for our volunteers around the city.

We can’t wait to see you again, Jen! Thank you for spending time with us.

Cameron and the whole Feed San Diego Team

Source

Pitch to local press

title=We're helping make the world a better place. Can you join us? Hi [insert name],

I recently saw your story about [relevant article/story name], and wanted to share my own story with you: [insert fundraiser link]

[Write two to three sentences about your fundraiser. This paragraph should be a simple overview of your fundraiser that explains why you started the fundraiser, why it’s important. It should also clarify you or your beneficiary’s relationship to the local community.]

So far, the community has raised [insert amount] to help [reiterate the cause].

Thank you for reading my story, and I’d welcome an opportunity to share more details with you.

Best,

[Your name]

[Your contact info]

Source

Personal Fundraising Ask

title=Join Me in Helping Kids! Hello!

This year, I’ve committed to helping students get the supports, supplies & technology they need to be successful in school. Children and their families need help dealing with the complex and stressful issues they are facing. With support from the community, Communities In Schools of Georgia connects students with resources and relationships to help them during difficult times. When I thought about people who might be willing to help me raise money to purchase supplies for kids, I thought of you. Would you be willing to donate and help me reach my fundraising goal?

Every dollar counts! If you’d like to help, you can visit my page and make a donation here: (Insert Your Fundraising Page Link)

You can also leave a message about why you decided to donate – I’d love to hear from you!

Thank you so much for your consideration to help me reach my goal, and for supporting students & schools. We couldn’t do it without you!

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME

Source

Email To Donor Recently Contributed

title=Thank you for your recent donation. We're going to make a big impact Dear Mary and Phil,

I hope you are safe and well. I left a voicemail earlier today and wanted to follow up by email.

I wanted to check in to see how you are doing and share some updates on how we are using your recent gift to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

As you are likely aware, we had to shut down our physical program operations on March 30. Thanks to generous gifts from donors like you, we had the funds on hand to pivot quickly to provide services to our clients through HIPAA compliant video conferencing. We are fortunate to be able to continue to provide these much-needed services as the demand for support has increased twofold due to the stressors caused by COVID-19. In March, we had 25 ongoing counseling clients and in the first two weeks of April alone, 27 new clients reach out to us for support.

Transitioning to telehealth services has cost our organization $50,000 in unbudgeted expenses associated with upgrading and purchasing technology so that our employees can work safely from home. While we had to funds on hand to purchase the equipment, we are working hard to replenish those funds needed to serve clients.

We have also had to postpone our annual fundraising event, a much-needed revenue source, and we are considering options for raising funds to fill the revenue gap caused.

I would love the opportunity to connect with you by phone or video to share more details about how we are responding to COVID-19 and to answer any questions that you may have. As a trusted donor, I would also like to get your feedback on our ideas to shift our annual fundraising event (campaign) to support our current greatest needs.

We are grateful for your support of our mission, and we look forward to continuing that vital mission work in new ways as we adapt to our current virtual environment.

I hope that you are well, and I look forward to speaking with you.

With sincere gratitude,

Tawnia

Source

The Personal Story Generosity Request

title=Will you let me share my story with you, Nathan? Preview Text: I want to tell you the moment I knew I had to work with Our Kitchen.

Hey Nathan,

You’ve shared with me how you were drawn to Our Kitchen based on your own experiences with hunger. Your generosity both in the time you spend volunteering with us and sharing your story inspired me to tell you more about my journey.

I recorded a video for you here. I think you’ll enjoy the part during 2:23, where we have a similar experience during our first volunteer visit.

I’d also like to invite you to volunteer with me next weekend. I would love to talk more about our experiences doing the thing we have in common — getting involved with Our Kitchen!

I’ll be there Saturday from 2-5pm. Can you make it? If yes, just add your name to our list.

Can’t wait to see you and thanks for listening to my story! Alejandra

Source

Motivational Email to Donors

title=We Are Helping Kids In Our Community! Hello,

This week you have blown me away with amazing commitment to my Communities In Schools of Georgia fundraiser.

We are making great strides in meeting our goal of $__. We’ve currently raised $_ which is a __% increase over last week. WOW!

I am so pleased and honored to have your support. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together to help kids across Georgia!

How Can You Keep up the Great Work? Share the link with your network to get donations.

The more we spread the word, the more impact we can have on Georgia students and families!

Thanks so much for your support,

YOUR NAME

Source

Donation request for families of military

title=Our Service Heroes need your help this holiday season Hello there,

We all know life is tough, but can you imagine if you lost your loved ones in a war?

Just think of how the world would change for you if you lost your dearest one. Sadly, several families around us suffer from the agony of losing their close ones and face the harsh reality.

[Organization Name] is committed to providing counseling to military families who have lost their loved ones. [Insert amount] is more than enough to counsel a family for a year.

Please join us in helping a family by making a small donation.

[Insert donation link]

Source

Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser During the Campaign

title=Only a few more hours left to give! Hi [First Name],

Can you believe [CAMPAIGN NAME] is almost over? With [$ AMOUNT YOU’VE RAISED] already raised for [ORGANIZATION NAME], I am proud of my impact as a fundraising champion!

I am so thankful for the support of my community throughout this campaign - but the giving isn’t over yet! Visit my fundraising page at [FUNDRAISING PAGE LINK] and make a contribution to help me reach my goal.

You can also show your support by sharing my fundraising page with your friends and family on social media!

Thank you again!

Source

Fundraiser Email to a Wider Audience

title=Can you help us hit our targets? Hi ,

If you’ve kept up with our last few emails, you’ll know that we’re hard at work raising funds for schools around [location].

The support from our community so far has been incredible, and after hundreds of donations, we’re currently just $3,500 away from our target — with four days left to go.

We’d be extremely grateful for any donations. We’ll also be hosting a few events around [location] where donors will have priority access.

If you’d like to donate, click here — it takes less than 60 seconds.

Best,

[inbox.name]

Source

General Crowdfunding Email

title=You have a heart to serve. We have a way to help you do Dear [recipient’s preferred name],

I hope that you’re doing well! [Insert a relevant or personal anecdote]. As you may have heard, I’m raising money for [cause, project, event, etc.], and I could really use your help. I’ve already raised [amount], but I’m trying to make it to [amount] by [deadline/date]. Even a small donation would help me reach my goal. I plan to use the money to [list out goals in as much detail as possible]. You can make a donation on my crowdfunding campaign page by clicking here [insert URL to campaign page]. Feel free to share my campaign on Facebook and Twitter, too! Thank you in advance for your support. Please let me know if you have any questions about my campaign, my goal, or [your cause, project, event, etc.].

Sincerely/Much love/Best/etc.,

[Your name]

Source

25 Fundraising Email Subject Lines You Can Use

Here's a list of 25 popular email subject lines you can use for your Fundraising

  • Raise $500 for a $50 Donation!
  • You're Invited to Join our Dinner Campaign
  • Thank You, ____, for your contribution to the American Heart Association's
  • Your support lifts us to new heights
  • Did you know that today is the last day of our Give Back Give Hope
  • We're doing some fundraising and I'm hoping you can support us!
  • Can you help us raise $100,000 in 24 hours?
  • Allbirds to donate $50,000 to National Park Foundation
  • School Supplies are Expensive - Don't you agree?
  • Your Fundraiser Begins Right Now (Save the Date)
  • We're so close to $500K! Now is the time for your
  • Your new mission: Send us $1 in the next 48 hours.
  • We're inviting you to our fundraising event
  • Your donation will make a difference to the kids we support.
  • Don't miss the deadline, get your donation to us by December 31st
  • Your support of the YMCA helps kids succeed.
  • The importance of giving back to our community
  • YOU have the power to make a difference...
  • If you donate $5, we'll tell your story
  • We need your help in the fight against breast cancer
  • Help Us Chase Down Breast Cancer
  • New Year. New Resolutions. New Reason To Help Bread.
  • Fundraising is tough, let's make it fun!
  • Check out this cool week-long fundraising event
  • I'll help raise money for the student council

Looking for more fundraising email subject lines? Check out our full article here

Tips For Writing A Successful Email

A well-written email can be a powerful communication tool. If you want to get your point across and have it read, write an email that is clear, concise and compelling.

Here are 6 tips to help you write better emails:

1. Keep it short.

People are busy, and they aren't going to read anything more than a few paragraphs long in their inboxes. If you have something important to say, be concise.

2. Be friendly and personable. The best emails show that their sender cares about the recipient: address them by name, make jokes and be friendly, compliment them on something they've done recently—demonstrate that you know them well enough to give them a personal touch.

3. Use bullet points or numbered lists where appropriate.

If you're making a list of suggestions or talking about multiple things, it's much easier on the reader if you use bullet points or numbers rather than listing every point out separately in paragraphs.

(Obviously this doesn't apply if you're using an email for something else entirely—such as a newsletter or informational message.)

4. Proofread your message carefully before sending it out.

Even though you may think you're a pro at typing emails, there are still some mistakes that you could be making. It's important to avoid these errors so that your message is clear and correct.

If you skimmed over the email, there is a good chance that you missed an error in the very sentence that you just changed.

Pro tip: Read your entire message out loud before hitting send. You are more likely to catch mistakes this way!

5. Be sure to include the recipient's name in the email.

This seems like an obvious tip, but it's easy to forget that we're not sending mass emails to a group of people but individual messages to each person on the list.

Your best bet is to craft your message carefully, and make it personal by using the recipient's name. It shows that you're paying attention and it also makes the email feel more personable.

6. Be clear about what you want

Be specific and don't beat around the bush. Think about what you're asking for clearly before you write anything down.

In the first line of your email, state clearly what you want and how the recipient can help.

FAQ

Below we detail the most common questions as it relates to fundraising for email.

What is the purpose of fundraising?

A fundraising event is held to raise awareness and support for an organization's mission. All events can be turned into fundraising opportunities, such as concerts, silent auctions, half marathons, neighborhood cookouts, and more.

What are the top five best methods of fundraising?

  • E-mail Marketing
  • Crowdfunding
  • Online Donations
  • Door-to-Door Solicitation
  • Grants/Partnerships/Sponsorships

What are the five biggest challenges of fundraising?

  • Lack of inspiration in partnerships
  • Relying solely on donations
  • Maintaining trust across the board
  • Donors becoming disconnected from your organization
  • Sluggish digital growth

Conclusion

As we mentioned above, it’s important to address your donor audience and make sure that you’re writing for a very specific group of people. Hence, save yourself time and get your emails out faster by using these fully customizable template options to create winning messages that will bring in more donations. For these fundraising emails, remember to always include plenty of links to your donate page, visual content (images and/or videos), and a clear call to action at the end.

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.