What are some good techniques for writing a donation letter?

Question

I want to go to this summer program/camp. You can earn college credit and looks good on my college application. It is somewhat like a "once in a high school life chance" because few are selected to take advantage of it. The only problem is ... it is about $2300. My mom won't pay for it and I can't get that much money by summer (I am going to be a junior...but right now I am 15...no job for me.....) My idea is to write to certain businesses for a donation. What are some good tips to include in my letter? Is there certain businesses that I should send my letter too? Thanks!

Answer 1

I've had experience using this method. I've fundraised about 12,000 in a matter of a couple of months.

This method is simple. You write letters. By writing formal funding requests to local businesses you can make a substantial amount of money in a short period of time. You start by creating a letter, simple as that. The first paragraph of your letter should explain the mission of your organization and how it helps the community. The second letter of your paragraph should explain what you want from the organization. Is it money, supplies, or both? At the end of t his paragraph you want to let the business owner know that you have attached additional information on a separate sheet of paper that outlines your budget and how donations can be made. The third letter of your paragraph should explain what you are willing to do for this organization or business. Will you include the names of all donors in your fall newsletter or on your website? Let them know you can provide proof of attendance, once you graduate the program you will send them the graduation certificate (or some other form of proof).
Once you have written your letter you must write your attachment. The attachment should be an itemized budget of your organization that pertains to your fund raising request. Let them see how much money and/or supplies you need. The more detailed the itemization the better. Some businesses will look at your itemization and decide to contribute all of one the funding for one item (i.e. if I donate so much money that will cover their food expenses). You should also include your contact information and who checks and donations should be made payable to. Once this component is complete you should have two pages total: one page for your funding request and one page for your itemized budget.
The next step is to compile a database of local businesses and organizations. Using an Excel file is the simplest way to perform this task. You should have Type of Business, Name of Business, Mailing Address, City, State, and a complete nine digit Zip Code. You can use your local phonebook and the internet to compile this database. It is important to start with local businesses, the home grown type. They are most likely to contribute to your nonprofit. Then move on to businesses related to your nonprofit. Once you have these two categories complete you can expand your list exponentially to whomever you think might have money to donate. Don't limit yourself, nearly every section of the yellow pages is worth considering. In addition, please do not forget your local college or university. Each department within the university should receive a letter as each department has funding to give. Remember, the more letters you send out the more money you will get donated.
You can now complete the process by sending out your funding request letters. It is important to know that your process is not fully complete. Once you receive donations you will want to keep an updated record of donors and send thank you cards. If you keep up relations with your donors you can build a relationship that will allow you to ask annually for the same donation.
This donation request method has been proven productive and efficient. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start making some money!

Answer 2

An important thing to remember is that you are pretty much trying convince someone to give you money. Things to ask yourself while writing the letter
why are you asking for the money?

what businesses may supply something to the program? Food products, computers, transportation, etc. Grocery stores, Walmart, Target, Sears, McDonalds and other fast food places have to give out money as part of their community involvement.

Are there groups you can ask for money from? Rotary Club? Church group? other youth group?

In the business world everyone always wants to know: whats in it for me? What will happen for the business or group that is giving you a donation? Can you do anything in return?

Be assertive in your letter, talk yourself up, make your needs a worthwhile reason for the person reading the letter to pass it on to the one who makes donation decisions.

Explain how the summer program is going to benefit you as a youth of today and how it will help you become a better person or help you grow.