Church donation letters are one of the most personal ways to ask for support. Whether you’re trying to raise money for church building repairs, mission trips, or local outreach, a simple letter can help you share your message with honesty and care. Nearly 65% of church donations result from direct communication, such as letters, emails, or verbal appeals
This guide walks you through how to write these letters, what to include, and a few sample donation letters for the church for you to use readily. You’ll also learn how to launch a campaign online with tools built for churches.
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What Are Church Donation Letters?
Church donation letters are written requests for financial or in-kind support.. They’re sent by mail, email, or handed out during services. You can use them to raise money for a church building, youth ministry, food bank, or holiday drive.
These letters aren’t just about asking for money. They’re a way to connect with people, share your mission, and invite them to be part of something meaningful.
Letters connect hearts, and an online fundraiser helps turn that connection into real support. Start your church fundraiser with WhyDonate today!
Why Is a Donation Request Letter for Church Important?
Not everyone gives online. Not everyone sees your social media updates. A letter is slower, but it’s more personal. It shows care and intent.
Churches have long traditions. Letters fit that tradition. They give members something to hold, read, and consider. They give people time to pray and reflect before giving.
Letters also let you explain the need clearly. Pairing them with practical church fundraising ideas makes your appeals even stronger. Instead of asking for donations with just a few words, you can tell a story. You can show what’s happening and what you need help with.
When people see their name and feel included, they’re more likely to give.
How to Write a Church Donation Letter?
You don’t need to be a writer to draft a perfect church donation letter. You just need to speak from the heart. Here’s a clear way to structure your letter.
1. Start with a Greeting
Use their name. “Dear Sarah” feels better than “Dear Member.” If you’re sending letters in bulk, tools like Word’s mail merge can add names for you.
2. Share a Story or Your Mission
Write a few sentences about your church’s mission or something recent that happened. Share a moment that shows why your church matters.
Example:
“Last week, a young family walked into our church for the first time. They were looking for hope, and they found it here.”
3. State the Need
Be honest. What do you need? Why now?
Example:
“Our roof is leaking. We’ve had to move Bible study from the fellowship hall because of water damage. We need to raise $15,000 for repairs before winter.”
4. Ask for Support
Be clear. Don’t hint. Ask directly.
Example:
“We’re asking each household to give what they can. Even $20 helps us get closer.”
5. Say Thank You
Always thank people. Thank them for past support, their prayers, their time, not just money. Don’t only thank people who give
6. Add Contact Info
Let people know how to ask questions. Include a phone number, email, or office hours.
Get more detailed tips in our blog on How to Write a Donation Request Letter
Examples of Church Donation Letters
Here are a few examples of a donation letter for the church you can adapt.
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General Church Donation Letter
Dear Beth,
Our church has grown this year. We’ve welcomed new families, launched a food pantry, and helped three teens attend a faith retreat.
To keep growing, we need support. We’re raising $5,000 to cover program costs for the next quarter.
Can you give today? Every dollar helps.
With gratitude,
Pastor Aaron
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Holiday or Event-Specific Letter (Christmas)
Dear Sarah,
This Christmas, we want to give warm meals to 60 local families.
A $25 gift feeds a family of four. Can you help by December 15?
Blessings,
Outreach Ministry Team
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Emergency Church Fundraising Letter
Dear Mark,
The storm last week flooded our Sunday School rooms. We need $3,200 to replace supplies and clean the space.
Can you give today to help us reopen the classrooms?
Thank you for being part of this church.
Pastor Lynn
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Thank You Note for Donation to Church
Dear Karen,
Thank you for your gift last month.
Your support helped us send 25 care packages to military families.
We’re so grateful for your kindness.
God bless,
Pastor John
Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Church Donation Request Letters
When writing a church donation request letter, it’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to know what to include. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your message clear, kind, and effective:
- Making the letter too long
- Using the same message for everyone
- Skipping the actual ask
- Forgetting to say thank you
- Using unclear language
- Sounding too formal or too casual for your church’s style
Avoid writing like a business. Don’t fill the page with numbers. Use real words. Be direct and kind.
AI Prompt to Draft and Improve Your Church Donation Letter
Use this tried & tested prompt with any AI writer to generate on-brand, high-converting letters in minutes. This prompt guides structure (story → need → ask → impact → CTA → gratitude) and keeps tone warm, not guilt-driven.
Write a 150–200-word church donation letter for [church name] asking for support with [purpose, e.g., building repairs, mission trip, Christmas outreach].
Tone: warm, respectful, and faith-centered.
Include:
1) A personalized greeting
2) A short story or scripture opening
3) The clear need and fundraising goal
4) A direct ask with suggested gift amounts
5) Impact of donations
6) Gratitude and blessings in the close
7) A P.S. with a deadline reminder
Format it as a donation request letter for a church that feels personal, inspiring, and easy to act on.
This prompt is a quick solution for churches that struggle with where to begin. It gives you a ready-made framework so you can draft a heartfelt, polished church donation letter in just minutes, saving time while keeping your message authentic and inspiring.
Launch Your Church Fundraiser with WhyDonate
If you’re ready to take your church fundraising online, WhyDonate is a simple-to-use solution. It helps you:
- Set up a page in minutes
- Accept one-time or recurring donations
- Share your fundraiser by link, email, or QR code
- See who donated and follow up with a thank-you
Thousands of churches already use WhyDonate to raise money for building funds, mission trips, youth groups, and outreach programs.
You don’t need tech skills. You just need your story. Start Your Church Fundraiser Now
