Need a solicitation letter sample?

Inside our group coaching calls, the details of writing a good year-end solicitation letter has been an on-going conversation. 

So I put together a sample solicitation letter inspired from a letter I received years ago.  It is one of my favorite solicitation letters.

In the link here, I not only share a fantastic year-end ask letter, but eight top points as a checklist to review in writing your letter.

Solicitation Letter SAMPLE

Here is the solicitation letter sample:

Let’s break down some of the key components of the solicitation letter sample:

#1 Personalize your Letter.

In the salutation, use the donors’ first name if that’s how you address them. Certainly, never say, “Dear Friend.”

#2 Share a Transformation Story.

Absolutely, begin with a story and describe the transformation. Telling a story is one of the most powerful ways to get your donors’ attention and get your message across. 

No doubt, a story reconnects the donor to your cause and reminds them why they connected with the mission in the first place. When you give details in your story (like the names under my feet) you often take them back to a scene they know so well. 

#3 State Your Problem.

Above all, be clear on the problem or need. Then address why the problem/need is important to address. 

#4 Share your Solution & Impact

. Additionally, state how you are addressing the problem or need and how the donor’s gift is part of the solution. Allow the solution to unfold as part of the story. Also, consider providing additional impact information with statistics. 

#5 Ask for Specific Amounts.

Make an Ask clearly defined by asking for specific dollar amounts. Indeed, the best ask language to use is, “Would you consider . . .”

#6 Thank your Donors in Advance.

Tell them again why their support is so important in addressing the need or problem. For one, they don’t know if you don’t tell them!

#7 Always include at least one Post-Script.

Post-scripts are often where the donors’ eyes go when first opening a letter. Often, they want to get straight to the point of the letter! So a P.S. is where to sum up your ask.

#8 Use bold fonts and white spacing.

To emphasize your points and be kind to the eyes, bold key words and phrases throughout your letter. Also, use short sentences and paragraphs. Aim for 2 – 3 sentence paragraphs. Additionally, consider using bullets to keep your letter streamlined and, again, easy on the eyes.

Takeaways of the Solicitation Letter Sample

In summary, year-end solicitation letters are important because often a third of contributions are received for a nonprofit organization at year’s end. 

The year-end is when philanthropist consider organizations they have not supported yet during the year. 

While giving for tax purposes is not the #1 reason donors give, the year-end is our giving season in the US. Starting around Thanksgiving, we embrace a “thanks-for-giving” outlook and show gratitude with our pocket books.

Nancy Rieves, Ed.D. is a fundraising coach. She provides executive and development directors with a roadmap to maximize and sustain major gift fundraising. She prepares leaders to be confident and successful in raising money. Reach her at [email protected].