...this letter has yielded some great prizes for charity auctions and prizes...
I've parenthetically pointed out some key components within the letter.
A KEY to the success of such a letter is WHO you send it to. Marketing Directors/Coordinators at large companies seem to be more responsive than their counterparts in Community Relations Departments.
here's the letter...
Date
Name
Org
Address
City State Zip
Dear NAME:
I am writing to you on behalf of [Organization Name] to request a donation from your business for our upcoming silent auction. [One sentence to describe your mission.] [One sentence describing the problem you are solving.] [One sentence describing who is impacted by the problem you are trying to solve.] [One sentence about why it should matter to the rest of us.]
We are pleased to be working with [Celebrity or Well Known Organization] (if applicable) once again this year. [Celebrity name or Well known Organization] has teamed with us to raise funds and awareness for describe your mission. On [June 16th], the [Organization Name] will be hosting the [Event Name]. As part of the event we plan to hold a silent auction and were hopeful you could donate: (make sure the date and event name is in bold)
NAME A SPECIFIC ITEM (eg. 4 Tickets to a game, A set of gift certificates, etc...)
Our tax exempt # is [XX-XXXXXXX]. Should you require a copy of our Federal Tax Group Exemption letter, which establishes that we are a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization please feel free to contact me. You may fill out the enclosed “Auction Donation” sheet and return it with your donation or you may call me anytime at [(555) 555-5555 x 55] should you have any questions. We thank you in advance for you consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Name
Title
Event Name
Organizaton
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