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Giving and gratitude remain the foundations of faith—but the way churches inspire generosity in recent years has evolved. Whether you’re reaching out for tithes, annual contributions, or special community initiatives, a well-written church donation letter remains one of the most effective ways to connect hearts and encourage giving.
What is a church donation letter?
A church donation letter is a personalized appeal inviting your congregation or supporters to donate financially or through volunteering. These communications may be sent via emails, printed letters, newsletters, texts, and calls.
A hybrid approach combining digital and traditional channels is essential for reaching all demographics in 2026.
Why church donation letters matter?
- Recurring giving now makes up 42% of digital donations and 57% of transactions, highlighting its growing impact as online church giving rose 8% in 2024.
- Research says organizations that use personalized donation requests generate 40% more revenue compared to other organizations.Â
- Donors who receive a prompt acknowledgment letter within 48 hours are 4x more likely to give again.
The right letter makes members feel valued and spiritually invested.
When should you write a church donation letter?
Writing a letter requesting donations must be an infrequent but important event. If church members constantly receive church donation letter requests, they might get frustrated or distance themselves from the church.
In moderation and with an excellent cause to share a fundraising request, you can encourage church members to give to an important cause or even sign up for recurring donations.
Read Also: Crafting a church communication plan that cuts through ad noise
Here are some good reasons to pick up your pen or turn on your laptop and write an excellent church donation letter:
- You want to appreciate donors: Gratitude goes hand-in-hand with giving. Appreciating your donors for supporting your cause ensures they feel valued and are more inclined to give again.
- You want to acknowledge a donation: Automated emails acknowledging every donation boost trust and reassure donors.
- You want to inform donors about tax-deductible donations: Letting them know their contributions are tax-deductible is a great reason to reach out.
- You want to encourage recurring donations: Educate church members about the spiritual and practical benefits of ongoing giving or tithing.
- Request for future donations: Write a donation request when there’s a specific initiative or goal—such as building renovations or a new community project.
Sample church contribution letters for all these situations are provided in the following sections and can be customized for your fundraising outreach.
Common types of church donation letters
We already know by now that church donation letters are excellent means of asking members to consider giving and encourage it. They are also used to communicate several things about church gifting. Butthere are different types of church donation letters, for different situations, let’s see:
| Type | Purpose | When to Use |
| Church donation request letter | To ask for member support for a specific initiative | New fundraising campaign |
| Fundraising for a specific goal letter | To rally collective contributions toward targeted projects | Church renovations, mission trips |
| Donation acknowledgment letter | To thank and confirm a donor’s contribution | Immediately after receiving a donation |
| Monthly or recurring giving appeal | To encourage members to commit to ongoing contributions | Time-bound campaigns or sustained funding |
| Year-end or tax statement letter | To summarize yearly contributions and provide tax acknowledgment | Every January-February |
Each type fosters a unique relationship between your church and its members by mixing gratitude, inspiration, and purpose.
Read Also: Donor Acknowledgment Letter: Tips To Be Highly Engaging
How to write an effective church donation letter (Step-by-step guide)
1. Start with a personal greeting
Use names rather than generic openings. “Dear Alex” is more effective than “Dear Member”
2. Open with scripture or a story
Begin with a meaningful verse or a brief story of church impact.
Scripture: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion.” Or
Story: Share a real-life story that connects emotionally.
3. Explain the cause clearly
Tell donors exactly what their contributions will support, e.g.:
“Your gift of $50 helps provide school supplies for 10 children in our community outreach program.”
4. Make a specific ask
Give concrete examples of how gifts will help:
- $25 covers Sunday school materials
- $50 sponsors a teen’s mission trip
- $100 supports pastoral care
5. Include a clear call to action
Direct recipients to donate online, by mail, via website, or provide a link within the message, and highlight these options prominently.​
6. Express gratitude
Every letter should end with a warm thank you—even if the recipient hasn’t given yet.
Read Also: Crafting The Best Year End Donation Thank You Letter
Church Donation Letter Templates for 2026
1. Church donation request letter template
Dear [Church Member Name],
Our church family has been blessed by your support and fellowship. As we begin a new project this year—[Project Name/Description]—we invite you to help us continue our mission.
Through your generosity, we can [name what the donation will achieve, e.g., “provide meals for families in need,” “renovate our children’s space”].
Please consider making a gift of $25, $50, or any amount that God places on your heart. You may give online at [church website] or DONATE to 45454 to get the donation link.
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ in our community!
With gratitude,
[Your Name],
[Title]
2. Donation letter for church fundraising for a specific goal
Dear [Church Member Name],
Our church is embarking on an exciting new journey: [Describe Project, e.g., “building our youth center,” “expanding outreach efforts”].
This project will [briefly explain benefit: “create a safe space for our youth,” “help families access food and resources”]. Our goal is to raise $[amount], and every gift brings us one step closer.
Can you partner with us by donating $50, $100, or any amount you feel led to give?
Visit [donation link] or drop off your gift at our office. For questions, contact [Name/Phone/Email].
Together, we build the future of our church community!
Sincerely,
[Your Name],
[Title]
3. Donor acknowledgment letter template
[Church Name]
[Church Address]
[Date]
Dear [Donor Name],
We gratefully acknowledge your generous gift of $[amount] received on [date]. Your support helps us [impact statement, e.g. “provide for families, fund youth programs, maintain worship services”].
No goods or services were provided in exchange for your donation. Please keep this letter for your tax records; our church is a registered nonprofit (Tax ID: [number]).
Thank you for faithfully supporting our mission.
With appreciation,
[Your Name],
[Title]
[Contact Information]
4. Monthly giving appeal church donation letter template
Dear [Church Member Name],
You have been a steadfast supporter of our church—thank you! As we plan for the future, ongoing gifts help us sustain ministries, care for those in need, and grow our outreach.
Would you consider joining our “Monthly Miracle Makers” program by giving $25, $50, or $100 each month? Your regular support makes lasting change possible.
Sign up online at [website] or contact [office contact].
Every contribution builds a legacy of compassion and service.
Gratefully,
[Your Name]
[Title]
5. Sample church donation letter for tax purposes
[Church Name]
[Church Address]
[Date]
Dear [Donor’s Name],
Thank you for your generous contributions to [Church Name] during 2025. Your support enables us to continue serving our community and sharing God’s message through outreach, worship, and care ministries.
Total Donations Received: $[Total Amount]
Dates of Donation(s): [Month/Period]
No goods or services were provided in return for your contributions, except for intangible religious benefits. Please keep this letter for your tax records in accordance with IRS guidelines.
We are grateful for your generosity and faithfulness. May God bless you abundantly in the year ahead.
With appreciation,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Church Name]
Read Also: Free 501(c)(3) Donation Receipt Template for Your Nonprofit
| Compliance reminder to include in donor acknowledgment letters: Church name, address, and contactDonation date and amountStatement confirming no goods/services exchangedSignature from an authorized individualTax-deductibility notice (per IRS or local guidance) |
Final takeaway
A thoughtful church donation letter in 2025 builds trust, gratitude, and stronger community ties. When every message feels personal, transparent, and purposeful, you don’t just raise funds—you deepen faith.
Keep your congregation inspired year-round with genuine storytelling and consistent communication. For more tips on engaging your members effectively, explore the A-Z Guide to Church Announcements from CallHub.
It’s the perfect next step to help your church craft announcements that inspire action and connection.
FAQs on church donation letter
1. Where to find free sample church donation letters?Â
Yes, there are many free, customizable church donation letters online through trusted sources like FundraisingLetters and VanCo. Always tailor them to your church’s story and current goals to maintain authenticity.
2. What is an example of a short donation message?
“Your gift today helps us share God’s love and blessings with those in need. Every contribution makes a difference!”
3. How to ask church members for donations?Â
Start with appreciation, explain the cause, quote an inspiring verse, provide suggested amounts, and clearly direct readers on how to give—online or via mail.
4. What is an in-kind donation letter from a church?
An in-kind donation letter acknowledges non-monetary gifts (like food, supplies, or service hours) and specifies what was given, when it was received, and that no monetary value or goods were exchanged.
Feature Image Credit: MART PRODUCTION
