Get started funding your joy

• Remember that people like to help. People want to feel like they’re doing something good in the world.
• Start with your network. People help people in their social circles.
• Be direct! People are more likely to respond to direct asks so send personal messages whenever possible.
• Make your cause clear. People are more likely to support something if they believe they’re helping solve a specific problem.
• Make it easy. Always include a link to your fundraising page along with any ask.
• Explain where the money’s going: Donors want to know how much of a difference their donation will make.
• Offer details about who will be impacted. This makes the ask more personal.
• Notify donors when you’re close to your goal. This can motivate people to donate even more.
• Post updates that celebrate even small victories. They make donors feel valued.

• Share your fundraiser on social media and ask others to do the same.
• Reach out to local media. Ask them to feature your fundraiser if it’s relevant to your area.
• Reach out to local businesses that are known for supporting the community and giving back.
• Amplify with email. Use the templates below to help you get started.

Email template: Donation request to friends and family

Dear [insert name],

You might have heard that I’m fundraising to [insert reason why you’re fundraising]. This cause is very important to me because [supply a personal reason that appeals to the reader’s emotions].

Would you be willing to make a contribution to my fundraiser? A gift of any amount would mean the world to me.
To donate, simply click the link to my fundraiser: [Insert link to fundraiser]

It would also mean a lot if you could share my fundraiser link on social media. The more exposure I get, the faster I will reach my fundraising goal. I’d love to talk to you in person about my fundraiser, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.

With love/Sincerely,
[Your name]

Email template: Pitch to local media

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 your 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]

Email template: Donation requests to local businesses

Hi [insert name],

I am fundraising to [insert reason why you’re fundraising], and I could really use the help of local businesses like yours. [Summarize why you need help in 1-3 short sentences to provide background information, and tie this into your local community].

So far, the community has raised [insert amount] toward my fundraising goal—but we still have a lot of ground to cover. That’s where your business comes into the picture.

Would you be interested in joining me on my fundraising journey by making a contribution to my cause? A gift of any amount can make a difference.

To donate, simply click the link to my fundraiser below:
[Insert link to fundraiser]

I’d love to talk about my fundraiser in more detail, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best,
[Your name]
[Your contact info]

• Provide progress updates. People feel good knowing that their money is making a difference.
• Write thank you letters. They go a long way.

Tips for writing thank you letters:

• Do it promptly as it could lead to more donations.
• Be sincere. Share how much their donation meant to you.
• Include info on how the donation will be used.
• Personalize your letter by using “you”, “I’, and “we.”
• Proofread your letter before sending it out.

Use phrases that demonstrate the impact of donations of varying sizes:

• This $10 will help me purchase school supplies for my new students.”
• “Your $50 donation gave me the funds I needed to pay for my dog’s new prescriptions.”
• “Your generous donation of $100 enabled our team moms to host an unforgettable banquet for seniors before they leave for college. ”
• “This $1,000 will buy a water purification system, allowing us to deliver clean water to over 20 families.”

Here are some templates you can start with:

Thank you letter for donation template

Dear [donor name(s)],

I want to take the time to sincerely thank you for your donation to [fundraiser name]. As you know, we started this fundraiser to [insert reason for fundraiser], and your $[insert donation amount] contribution on [insert date of donation] helps us get one step closer to our goal.

Thanks again for your generosity and support,
[handwrite your name and fundraiser name]

Thank you letter template for fundraiser event attendance

Dear [attendee name(s)],I appreciate you making the effort to come to our fundraising event for [fundraiser name]. We had an amazing turnout, and we managed to bring in $[amount] more in donations! Your attendance and support have played an important role in our event’s success—thank you.

With your contribution, we’ll be able to [insert reason for fundraiser]. Your generosity and support is an encouraging reminder of why I started this fundraiser—to help [beneficiary name].

With gratitude,
[handwrite your name and fundraiser name]

Thank you letter for sponsor template

Dear [business name],

I want to extend my sincere gratitude for [company name]’s contribution to [fundraiser name]. [company name]’s generous gift will have a major impact on helping [insert reason for fundraiser].On behalf of [beneficiary name], I want to thank you for helping us make a positive difference. Your support encourages our continued commitment to reaching our goal.

Thanks again for your generosity and support,
[handwrite your name and fundraiser name]