Sample Church Fundraising Letters

Looking at sample church fundraising letters can help you determine the most effective approach for your fundraising goals. Samples can help you figure out the way to structure your letter and what types of phrases might reach readers. Many free church fundraising letter samples are available online.

About Church Fundraising Letters

Church fundraising needs range from encouraging tithing to raising money for church members in need or funds for building renovations. Fundraising activities are always enhanced by an effective letter. Letters are a great way to reach church members and possible community donors because they can make the difference between someone showing up for an event or taking the time to mail in a donation.

Reviewing samples of church fundraising letters can help you see what makes a letter effective and find ways to tailor a letter to an audience.

Get advice on donation thank you letters.

Types of Church Fundraising Letters

Church fundraising letters generally come in the following types:

  • Tithing and offering letter mailings: The letter may accompany a mailing of church offering envelope boxes. It may also be part of a separate mailing campaign to the congregation about the importance of tithing and quote appropriate Bible verses.
  • Holiday event mailings: Many churches plan holiday events and ask for donations as a part of a holiday offering. These letters often discuss the holiday, the religious significance of the holiday, the benefits of the event and a subtle reminder about making holiday offerings.
  • Newsletter message: Sometimes a stewardship committee asks the minister to write a short letter to congregation about the importance of church offerings and religious responsibility. The stewardship committee may also write a short letter to the congregation requesting funds for specific church needs such as funds for a new roof or donations to support a Sunday school field trip.
  • Church bulletin message: The church stewards may write a short letter to the congregation in the church bulletin reminding members about a financial need for a specific project or event. These letters are usually informal and no longer than two paragraphs.
  • Special event or project letter: Special event letters address fundraising needs for specific events or projects. These letters generally generate excitement for the event or project and details about how the event or project benefits members and the church as a whole. There is often a subtle reminder about Biblical tithing responsibility.
  • Community donor letter: The community donor letter goes out to nonmembers and generally seeks funding for events or projects sponsored by the church that benefit the entire community. These letters mainly focus on the need for the event or project and how the community donor would benefit from it. The request for funds centers on funding the event or project for the good of the community.
  • Event sponsorship letter: Some church fundraising letters are letters seeking sponsors for specific events. The sponsorship letters generally deal with the benefits of the event and how the sponsor can benefit from involvement. The letters are similar to community donor letters.

Each type of fundraising letter requires a different approach. Some are more formal than others.

Where to Find Sample Church Fundraising Letters

The Internet has a wide selection of free or affordable church fundraising letter samples. Reviewing samples of church fundraising letters can help you get your thoughts in order and outline your letter before finalizing it. The following websites have sample letters for church fundraising:

  • Urban Ministry: The Urban Ministry site has a free sample fundraising letter for churches that chan be used as a template.
  • Fund Raising Tips: The Fund Raising Tips site has advice for writing fundraising letters and a free sample church fundraising letter.
  • Church Missions: The Church Missions fundraising letter page provides a free sample letter from a mission trip.
  • USA Fundraising: USA Fundraising provides free sample fundraising letters from nonprofit and church organizations that may be helpful.
  • ezine Articles: ezine has a free sample letter from a church fundraising project for church equipment that successfully raised a substantial sum.
  • Church Letters: The Church Letters site sells professional pre-written fundraising letters to religious organizations.

Advice for Writing Church Fundraising Letters

The following advice can help you get the most out of your church fundraising letter:

  • Tailor fundraising letters to each audience. Some activities will require different versions of the letter for various audiences for maximum effectiveness. Tailoring a letter to suit an audience increases your chances of making sure the recipient reads and responds to the letter.
  • Follow the guidelines of your church. Each church generally has some sort of fundraising guidelines for approaching the congregation or community. Always ask the minister or stewardship committee chair for advice on how to write a church fundraising letter.
  • Stress the benefits of tithing rather than create a guilt trip. Nothing turns off a potential donor than a church fundraising letter designed to instill fear of God's wrath or a guilt trip of neglected tithing. Letters that stress the benefits of giving financially to the church and how much the church values its congregation get better results.
  • Take notes as you review sample letters. Taking notes on sample fundraising letters and what made each one effective can help you plan your letter.
  • Follow up a letter with a phone call. After sending out a fundraising letter, follow up with a phone call and verbally restate the important details of your letter. Phone calls can increase the chances of donation.
  • Write a thank you letter to donors for special events and project. Thank each donor with a formal thank you note. This lets church members know that their efforts were appreciated and how their funds were used for the event or project.

Learning about church fundraising and reviewing sample church fundraising letters can help you meet your fundraising goals. Explore these ideas and test them out on your next church fundraising letter.