What Should Be Included in the Attached Letter for Donations?
Depending on your purpose for writing the letter, here are some things you should include:
1. Wishes for your donation
If you are writing a letter because you want to convey specific instructions, this is the first thing you should include in your letter.
For example, you could say:
Since I was once homeless too, I would really appreciate if this donation is distributed to homeless people in and around Miami.
If you want to remain anonymous, you can say:
“I prefer my donation to be anonymous.”
or
“Please conceal my identity as a donor.”
However, keep in mind that charities often have their own protocols when handling donations. Therefore, they may not be able to meet all your requests.
2. Why are you donating?
Donations should have no reason other than a desire to help. However, if you have a specific motivation for your donation, you can include that in the letter as well.
For example, if you are making a donation in memory of someone who has passed away, you can disclose this in the letter. Let the organization know how important the charity or cause was to the deceased. You can even give some background or share an inspiring story about them.
Many charities also share these inspiring stories with their beneficiaries. This humanizes your donation, making it more memorable amongst all the donations they receive.
3. Name of the person you are sending the letter to
Obviously, your letter needs a recipient. Therefore, do not forget to include the name of the person you are sending the letter to. This could be the head of the organization or someone in charge of ranking donations. You can also call the charity first to find out who you should send your letter to.
4. Documents you may want to attach
Do you have any documents that you think will help you donate? You can include this in your letter as well.
For example, if you’re donating a luxury bag, you can also donate the accompanying certificate of authenticity. If the charity has tangible proof that this is a genuine designer bag, they can auction it off to raise more money for charity programs.
Tips for Writing a Letter to Accompany Donations
Are you ready to write your letter? Here are some tips on how to create an effective one:
1. Get the name right
This goes without saying. Whether for a donation letter or whatever letter you are writing, you must spell the recipient’s name correctly. Not only does it encourage goodwill, it also ensures that your letter reaches the intended recipient.
2. Avoid going into the details of what you donate
Unless you’re making your donation to the head of the organization or the person responsible for the donations, avoid listing what you donated in your letter. This is especially true if you are sending your donation and the person dealing with your package has access to the letter, as this can pose a security risk.
For example, let’s say you donate a watch or a luxury bag and put a note/letter detailing your message and donations outside of the box. It can make your package irresistible for thieves. And with so many stolen packages these days, there is a chance that your donation may not reach the intended recipient.
3. Thank the organization
If you have special requests that you have stated in your letter, do not forget to thank the institution in advance. Besides encouraging goodwill, it can motivate them to fulfill all your wishes, even if they seem impossible.
4. Mention donation restrictions (if any)
If there are any restrictions on your donation, you should specify them in your letter.
For example, let’s say you donate some money, but the charity can only use it for a specific purpose or after a certain date. Mentioning this in your letter will help the organization handle your donation without violating those restrictions.
Sample Letters
1. Letter for a Specific Wish
Dear (Recipient’s Name),
We are very happy to donate to your cause. Your organization makes a difference in society and we want to be a part of it. However, we do not like to be publicly associated with this donation, so we prefer our donation to be anonymous.
Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to your mission. We hope our donation will help make an impact.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
2. Donation Letter in Memory of Someone
Dear (Recipient’s Name),
Our recently deceased brother (name of the deceased) has always been a big supporter of your cause. He was a regular volunteer and always spent his holidays doing charity work. In his memory, we would like to make a donation to your association on his behalf.
We are deeply grateful for giving him the opportunity to volunteer and help others throughout his life. With this donation, let the work you do continue to live on.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
