How to Write a Fundraising Cover Letter (With Example)
Master the art of writing a fundraising cover letter with this practical guide. Learn how to clearly convey your mission, connect with potential donors, and present your appeal persuasively. A detailed example is included to guide you through each step and help you create a powerful and engaging cover letter that resonates with your audience.
Writing a fundraising cover letter can make a big difference when asking for money for your cause. This letter is often the first thing potential donors see, so it needs to be clear and persuasive. A good cover letter explains why your project or organization needs funds and how the donor's money will help.
Many people find writing these letters hard, but it doesn't have to be. With some simple tips and a bit of practice, anyone can write a letter that gets results. The key is to tell your story in a way that makes people want to help.
In this article, we'll show you how to write a fundraising cover letter step by step. We'll explain what to include, what to avoid, and how to make your letter stand out. We'll also give you an example of a good fundraising cover letter to help you get started.
Whether you're raising money for a school, a charity, or a personal cause, a well-written cover letter can help you reach your goals. By the end of this article, you'll have the tools you need to write a letter that encourages people to donate to your cause.
Fundraising Cover Letter Example
Dear Jordan Cunningham,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Fundraising position at Save the Children. As a passionate advocate for children's rights and welfare, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your organization's vital mission of improving the lives of children worldwide.
With a background in nonprofit fundraising and a deep commitment to social causes, I believe I would be an excellent fit for this role. Throughout my career, I have successfully developed and implemented innovative fundraising strategies, cultivated relationships with donors, and exceeded revenue targets for various charitable organizations.
What sets me apart is my ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with potential donors and inspire them to take action. I have a proven track record of organizing successful events, managing multi-channel campaigns, and leveraging digital platforms to maximize fundraising efforts. My expertise in grant writing and corporate partnerships has also contributed significantly to the financial growth of previous organizations I've worked with.
Save the Children's reputation for making a tangible difference in children's lives across the globe deeply resonates with me. I am particularly impressed by your recent initiatives in emergency response and education programs. I am eager to bring my skills, creativity, and passion to your team to help further these crucial efforts.
I am confident that my experience, coupled with my strong communication skills and results-driven approach, would allow me to make an immediate and lasting impact at Save the Children. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background and enthusiasm align with your organization's goals and how I can contribute to your fundraising success.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you soon about how I can contribute to Save the Children's important work.
Sincerely,
Sophia Simmons
How to Write & Format a Cover Letter Header
The header of your fundraising cover letter sets the tone and provides essential contact information. It's the first thing the recipient sees, so it's crucial to format it correctly and include all necessary details.
Your Contact Information
Begin by listing your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Align this information to the left or center of the page, depending on your preference. Ensure your email address is professional and your voicemail greeting is appropriate.
Date
Skip a line after your contact information and include the current date. Use the standard format: Month Day, Year (e.g., June 15, 2023).
Recipient's Information
After the date, skip another line and add the recipient's details. Include their name, title, organization name, and address. If you're unsure of the specific person to address, research online or call the organization to find out.
Salutation
Finally, add your salutation. Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person using "Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name]:" If you can't find a name, use "Dear Hiring Manager:" or "Dear [Organization Name] Team:"
By crafting a professional and complete header, you demonstrate attention to detail and respect for the recipient, setting a positive tone for the rest of your fundraising cover letter.
Greeting Your Potential Employer
After crafting a professional header, the next crucial element of your fundraising cover letter is the greeting. This section sets the tone for your letter and demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.
Research the recipient
Before writing your greeting, make every effort to find out the name of the person who will be reading your letter. This personal touch can significantly improve your chances of making a positive first impression.
Use a formal salutation
When addressing your letter, opt for a formal salutation such as "Dear" followed by the recipient's name. If you know the person's gender, use "Mr.," "Ms.," or "Dr." as appropriate. For example:
- Dear Mr. Smith,
- Dear Ms. Johnson,
- Dear Dr. Brown,
When the recipient's name is unknown
If you cannot determine the specific recipient, use a general greeting that addresses the hiring team or department. For instance:
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear Fundraising Committee,
- Dear Selection Committee,
Avoid overly casual greetings
Steer clear of informal salutations like "Hey" or "Hi there," as these can come across as unprofessional in a fundraising context. Your goal is to strike a balance between being friendly and maintaining a respectful, business-like tone.
By crafting a thoughtful and appropriate greeting, you set the stage for a compelling cover letter that showcases your professionalism and attention to detail – qualities that are essential in fundraising roles.
Introducing Yourself in a Cover Letter
The introduction of your fundraising cover letter is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire document and captures the reader's attention. This opening paragraph should be concise, engaging, and tailored to the specific organization or cause you're addressing.
Start with a Hook
Begin your letter with a compelling statement or statistic related to the organization's mission. This immediately demonstrates your understanding of their work and your passion for the cause.
Introduce Yourself
Briefly mention who you are and your relevant experience or connection to the cause. This helps establish your credibility and interest in the organization.
State Your Purpose
Clearly articulate why you're writing. Express your enthusiasm for the fundraising position and your desire to contribute to the organization's goals.
Mention a Mutual Connection
If applicable, reference any mutual contacts or how you learned about the opportunity. This can help create an immediate connection with the reader.
Transition to the Body
End your introduction with a sentence that smoothly leads into the main content of your letter, where you'll elaborate on your qualifications and passion for fundraising.
Remember, the introduction should be brief yet impactful, setting the stage for the detailed information you'll provide in the body of your cover letter.
Strong Example
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
As a passionate fundraising professional with over 8 years of experience in nonprofit development, I was thrilled to come across the Fundraising Manager position at [Organization Name]. Your organization's commitment to [specific cause or mission] deeply resonates with my personal values and professional goals. Having successfully led campaigns that raised over $2 million for environmental conservation projects, I am eager to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to help [Organization Name] expand its impact and reach new fundraising milestones.
Why is this a strong example?
This is a strong cover letter introduction for several reasons. First, it immediately establishes the applicant's relevant experience and passion for fundraising, which is crucial for the position. The intro is personalized by addressing the hiring manager directly and mentioning the specific organization and position, showing that the applicant has done their research. It also demonstrates alignment between the applicant's values and the organization's mission, which is important in the nonprofit sector. The introduction includes a concrete achievement (raising $2 million), which provides immediate proof of the applicant's capabilities. Finally, it expresses enthusiasm and a forward-looking attitude, indicating the applicant's motivation to contribute to the organization's success. This introduction effectively captures attention, highlights qualifications, and sets a positive tone for the rest of the letter.
Weak Example
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to apply for the Fundraising position at your organization. I saw the job posting online and thought it looked interesting. I have some experience in customer service and I think I could be good at fundraising too.
Why is this a weak example?
This is a weak example of a Cover Letter Introduction for a Fundraising position for several reasons. First, the opening 'To Whom It May Concern' is impersonal and shows a lack of effort in researching the organization or the specific recipient. Second, the introduction fails to grab attention or show enthusiasm for the role or the organization. The statement 'I saw the job posting online and thought it looked interesting' is vague and doesn't demonstrate genuine interest or knowledge about the position or company. Additionally, the applicant doesn't highlight any relevant skills or experiences specific to fundraising, instead mentioning customer service which may not be directly related. The language used is also casual and non-professional, which is inappropriate for a formal cover letter. Overall, this introduction fails to make a strong first impression or convince the reader of the applicant's suitability for the role.
Writing the Body of Your Cover Letter
The body of your fundraising cover letter is where you'll make your case for why you're the ideal candidate for the position. This section should expand on your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements, demonstrating how they align with the organization's mission and fundraising goals.
Highlight Your Fundraising Experience
Showcase your past fundraising successes, including specific campaigns you've led or contributed to. Mention the amount of money raised and the impact it had on the organization or cause.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge
Illustrate your understanding of various fundraising strategies and techniques. Discuss your experience with grant writing, major gift solicitation, event planning, or digital fundraising campaigns.
Emphasize Relevant Skills
Focus on skills that are crucial for fundraising, such as relationship building, communication, and data analysis. Provide brief examples of how you've utilized these skills in previous roles.
Show Passion for the Cause
Express your genuine interest in the organization's mission. Explain why you're passionate about their cause and how your personal values align with their work.
Mention Transferable Skills
If you're new to fundraising, highlight transferable skills from other industries that could be valuable in this role, such as sales experience or project management.
Quantify Your Achievements
Whenever possible, use numbers and percentages to quantify your accomplishments. This helps to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities and impact.
Strong Example
As a passionate advocate for social change with over five years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, I am thrilled to apply for the Fundraising Manager position at Global Hope Foundation. In my current role at Local Community Outreach, I have consistently exceeded fundraising targets, increasing annual donations by 30% through innovative campaigns and strategic donor relationships. My experience in grant writing has secured over $500,000 in funding for various projects, and I've successfully implemented a new CRM system that improved donor retention by 25%. I am particularly drawn to Global Hope Foundation's mission of providing clean water to underserved communities, and I am eager to contribute my skills to expand your reach and impact. With my proven track record in donor cultivation, event planning, and digital fundraising strategies, I am confident I can help Global Hope Foundation achieve its ambitious goals and make a lasting difference in people's lives.
Why is this a strong example?
This is a strong example for several reasons. First, it immediately showcases the applicant's relevant experience and passion for the field, which grabs the reader's attention. The content is specific, providing concrete numbers and achievements that demonstrate the applicant's success in fundraising. It highlights key skills such as exceeding targets, grant writing, and implementing new systems, all of which are likely to be valuable in a fundraising role. The applicant also shows knowledge of the organization by mentioning its mission, indicating research and genuine interest. Finally, the paragraph connects the applicant's skills directly to the potential impact they could have at the organization, showing forward-thinking and alignment with the foundation's goals. This comprehensive approach makes it a compelling and strong example of a cover letter body for a fundraising position.
Weak Example
I am writing to apply for the Fundraising position at your organization. I have some experience in fundraising and I think I could do a good job. I am a hard worker and I like to help people. I am available to start work immediately and I am willing to work flexible hours. Please consider me for this position.
Why is this a weak example?
This is a weak example of a Cover Letter Body for a Fundraising position for several reasons. First, it lacks specific details about the applicant's relevant experience and skills in fundraising. It uses vague statements like 'some experience' without providing concrete examples or achievements. Second, it fails to demonstrate knowledge about the organization or show genuine enthusiasm for the role. Third, the language is generic and could apply to any job, not specifically fundraising. It doesn't highlight key fundraising skills such as relationship building, communication, or strategic planning. Lastly, it doesn't explain how the applicant's skills would benefit the organization or contribute to its fundraising goals. A strong cover letter should be tailored to the specific role and organization, showcase relevant accomplishments, and clearly articulate the value the applicant would bring to the position.
How to Close Your Cover Letter
The closing of your fundraising cover letter is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression and propel the reader towards action. This section should summarize your key points, express gratitude, and provide a clear call to action.
Summarize Your Key Points
Briefly reiterate the main reasons why you're an excellent fit for the fundraising role. Highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, or achievements that align with the organization's mission and needs.
Express Gratitude
Thank the reader for their time and consideration. This demonstrates professionalism and courtesy, which are essential qualities in fundraising roles.
Provide a Call to Action
Indicate your eagerness to discuss the opportunity further and suggest next steps. This could include requesting an interview or proposing a follow-up call.
Professional Sign-Off
End your letter with a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name. If submitting a hard copy, leave space for your handwritten signature above your typed name.
Contact Information
Ensure your contact information is easily accessible. Include your phone number and email address below your name, even if they're already in the letter's header.
By crafting a strong closing, you leave the reader with a positive final impression and a clear understanding of your interest in the position. This increases your chances of securing an interview and moving forward in the hiring process.
Strong Example
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Organization Name]'s mission of [brief mission statement]. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my experience in fundraising and passion for [cause/mission] can help further your goals. I look forward to speaking with you soon about how I can make a meaningful impact on your team.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Why is this a strong example?
This is a strong cover letter closing for several reasons. First, it expresses gratitude for the reader's consideration, showing politeness and professionalism. It then reiterates enthusiasm for the position and the organization's mission, demonstrating genuine interest and alignment with the company's values. The closing also briefly reminds the reader of the applicant's relevant experience and passion, reinforcing their suitability for the role. By expressing a desire to discuss the opportunity further, it creates a call to action for the hiring manager. The closing is concise yet impactful, leaving a positive final impression and opening the door for further communication. The formal 'Sincerely' sign-off is appropriate for a professional context, especially in fundraising where relationship-building is crucial.
Weak Example
Thanks for your time. I hope to hear from you soon about the job. Have a nice day!
Why is this a weak example?
This closing is weak for a fundraising cover letter for several reasons. First, it lacks enthusiasm and passion for the organization's mission, which is crucial in fundraising roles. Second, it fails to reiterate the candidate's interest in contributing to the organization's goals. Third, the language is overly casual and generic, not tailored to a professional fundraising context. Finally, it doesn't include a clear call to action or express eagerness for next steps in the hiring process. A strong fundraising cover letter closing should demonstrate commitment to the cause, reaffirm the candidate's qualifications, and express genuine excitement about the opportunity to contribute to the organization's fundraising efforts.
Cover Letter FAQs for Fundraising
What is the ideal format and length for a fundraising cover letter?
A fundraising cover letter should be concise, typically one page long (300-400 words). Use a professional business letter format with your contact information, date, recipient's address, salutation, body paragraphs, closing, and signature. The body should consist of 3-4 paragraphs that introduce yourself, explain your connection to the cause, state your request clearly, and express gratitude.
What key elements should be included in a fundraising cover letter?
A strong fundraising cover letter should include: a compelling opening statement, a brief explanation of your organization's mission, specific details about the project or cause you're raising funds for, the impact of potential donations, a clear call-to-action, and gratitude for the reader's consideration. Also, include any relevant statistics or success stories that demonstrate your organization's effectiveness.
How do I personalize a fundraising cover letter for different donors?
To personalize a fundraising cover letter, research the donor or organization you're addressing. Mention any previous interactions or contributions they've made. Align your request with their known interests or giving history. Use the recipient's name and title in the salutation. Tailor the content to highlight aspects of your cause that would resonate most with the specific donor based on their values or priorities.
What tone should I use in a fundraising cover letter?
The tone of a fundraising cover letter should be professional yet warm and engaging. Strike a balance between being formal enough to convey credibility and informal enough to build a connection. Be passionate about your cause without being overly emotional. Use a confident and positive tone that inspires the reader to take action, while maintaining a respectful and grateful attitude throughout the letter.
How do I make my fundraising cover letter stand out?
To make your fundraising cover letter stand out, start with a powerful opening that grabs attention. Use storytelling to illustrate the impact of donations. Include specific, measurable goals and explain how the funds will be used. Incorporate unique or surprising facts about your cause or organization. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. End with a strong call-to-action that creates urgency. Proofread carefully to ensure professionalism and consider using high-quality stationery if sending a physical letter.