Table of contents
Table of contents
Email is the preferred communication method for more than 33% of donors, yet many nonprofits aren’t taking full advantage of it. While 74% of nonprofits send email fundraising campaigns, they’re often infrequent or limited to quarterly appeals.
Your donors expect to hear from you, and that’s your opportunity to keep them informed, inspired, and connected to your cause. But consistently coming up with fresh emails can feel overwhelming. So how do you keep up the momentum?
Use these fundraising email templates to shortcut your way to effective, engaging communications with your supporters. Explore our favorite free templates—plus our best advice on how to create captivating fundraising emails.
10 fundraising email templates you are welcome to steal
You don’t have to start from scratch every time you want to send a compelling message to your audience. With Givebutter’s free nonprofit marketing software, you can create supporter segments, save email templates, and schedule personalized messages, so you always reach the right people at the right time.
Customize these expert-crafted emails to use in your fundraising campaigns now and in the future.
1. Rapid response email appeal template ⏳
Need help fast? Use a rapid response email template to mobilize your supporters to give straight away. Whether it’s to support a disaster relief effort, a time-sensitive funding challenge, or an unexpected need, this template can help you bring in the funds you need.
Subject line: [REFERENCE CURRENT EVENT]—we need your support!
Preview text: [FIRST NAME], can you make a donation today?
Body of email:
Dear [FIRST NAME],
The [CURRENT EVENT] has [SHARE SPECIFIC OR POTENTIAL IMPACT ON YOUR COMMUNITY]. Here at [ORGANIZATION NAME], we’re doing everything we can to [HOW YOU ARE RESPONDING].
Right now, we urgently need your support to address [IMMEDIATE NEEDS].
Please consider making a donation today to help us [WHAT FUNDS WILL SUPPORT].
[INSERT “Donate Now” BUTTON HYPERLINKED TO YOUR GIVEBUTTER FUNDRAISING PAGE, DONATION FORM, OR WEBSITE DONATION LANDING PAGE.]
Your support truly makes a difference. Thank you for standing with us during these challenging times.
Sincerely,
[FULL NAME]
[TITLE, ORGANIZATION NAME]
[PHONE NUMBER]
[WEBSITE]
2. Matching donation request email template ✔️
A donation matching partner can help you unlock extra financial support for your fundraising campaign. Use this email template to ask a company or major donor to be a matching donation sponsor for your upcoming campaign or event.
Subject line: Can [COMPANY NAME] help us double our impact?
Body of email:
Dear [POINT OF CONTACT AT COMPANY],
Hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out on behalf of [ORGANIZATION NAME], a nonprofit dedicated to [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION’S MISSION]. I’m getting in touch today with an important proposal as we prepare for our upcoming fundraising campaign.
As we gear up to launch [CAMPAIGN NAME] to help us raise [CAMPAIGN GOAL AMOUNT] for [CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES], we’re seeking support from corporate partners with shared values to help us reach our goals.
Given [REASON COMPANY IS RELEVANT TO YOUR CAUSE], I’d love to invite [COMPANY NAME] to join us as a matching sponsor for this campaign. Your support would allow us to double the impact of every contribution made by our supporters, showcasing [COMPANY NAME]'s commitment to our community.
For every dollar raised during our campaign, we hope to offer a matching donation opportunity where [COMPANY NAME] would match donations up to a total of [$ MATCH AMOUNT].
In recognition of your support, we’d be delighted to feature your logo on our [ALL PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES; E.G., WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS, PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS, ETC.], highlighting [COMPANY NAME]'s role in driving positive change.
Will you help us make a difference?
[INSERT CTA BUTTON LIKE “Become a sponsor” AND HYPERLINK TO DONATION PAGE OR SPONSORSHIP FORM.]
If you’d like to discuss this opportunity further or explore other ways to collaborate, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [PHONE NUMBER] or [EMAIL].
Thank you for considering this partnership opportunity. Together, we can make a difference!
Warm regards,
[FULL NAME]
[TITLE, ORGANIZATION NAME]
[PHONE NUMBER]
[WEBSITE]
3. Fundraising event invitation template 🎉
Events can contribute heavily to the amount of funding you secure every year, and an attractive event invite can help encourage people to book tickets. Use these templates to get your audience excited about your fundraising event so they can’t wait to show up and support you.
Subject line: Save your spot for [EVENT NAME] to benefit [WHO OR WHAT YOUR FUNDRAISER WILL SUPPORT]
Preview text: [FIRST NAME], I hope you’ll join us!
Dear [FIRST NAME],
[DRAW THE READER IN WITH A BRIEF STORY, QUESTION, FACT, OR OTHER HOOK ABOUT YOUR WORK THAT MAKES THEM WANT TO CONTINUE READING.]
Please join [ORGANIZATION NAME] for [EVENT NAME] to [YOUR GOAL AND WHY IT MATTERS]. We’ll have [LIST OF ACTIVITIES, ITEMS FOR SALE, SPEAKERS, AND OTHER EVENT DETAILS YOU WANT TO HIGHLIGHT].
It’s all happening on [EVENT DATE]—so take a moment to save your spot today!
Date: [FULL EVENT DATE(S) AND TIME(S)]
Location: [VENUE ADDRESS OR SHORT VIRTUAL EVENT LINK]
Tickets: [PRICE FOR EACH TICKET TYPE]
[ADD A CTA BUTTON LIKE “GET TICKETS" AND LINK TO YOUR EVENT REGISTRATION PAGE.]
Can’t make it to the event? You can still contribute to our fundraising effort by [LIST PAYMENT OPTIONS, LIKE DONATING ONLINE OR MAILING A CHECK].
Be sure to follow [YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES] for updates and reach out to [YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION] with any questions.
Looking forward to seeing you on [DATE OF EVENT]!
[FULL NAME]
[TITLE, ORGANIZATION NAME]
4. Year-end appeal template 📆
Year-end campaigns can generate significant revenue, with nonprofits raising up to a third of their online revenue in December alone. Supercharge your year-end giving season with emails designed to convert.
Subject line: Be a part of the change for [YEAR]
Preview text: [FIRST NAME], can you make a donation before the ball drops?
Dear [FIRST NAME],
What a successful year! The past 12 months have been a time of growth and impact for [ORGANIZATION NAME]—and it’s all thanks to your support.
In [YEAR], we were able to:
- [OUTCOME 1]
- [OUTCOME 2]
- [OUTCOME 3]
This time of year is critical for nonprofits like ours. I’m writing today to ask for your support one more time before the ball drops, so we can keep building on this momentum in the months ahead.
Can you contribute [$ SUGGESTED DONATION AMOUNT] to our year-end campaign?
You can make a donation of any amount here: [LINK TO CAMPAIGN PAGE OR DONATION FORM] or [OTHER DONATION DETAILS; E.G., WHERE TO MAIL A CHECK].
Our goal is to raise [$ AMOUNT] by Dec 31. Your donation will help ensure we can [OUTCOME]. We’re so grateful that you continue to stand up for [MISSION]. We truly couldn’t do this without you.
Here’s to an action-packed [YEAR]!
[FULL NAME]
[TITLE, ORGANIZATION NAME]
5. Welcome email series 👋
A curated welcome email sequence can transform casual donors into long-time supporters. Use this welcome email template to help you create a series that draws subscribers into your inner circle.
Email #1: Welcome
When to send: Immediately after supporters join your email list
Subject line: Welcome to the [ORGANIZATION NAME] community, [FIRST NAME]!
Preview text: We’re so glad you’re here.
Body of message:
Dear [FIRST NAME],
You’ve successfully subscribed to [LIST NAME]!
Welcome to our vibrant community dedicated to [ORGANIZATION’S MISSION].
In the past year, we’ve been able to successfully [METRIC ON IMPACT MADE WITHIN THE PAST YEAR].
Below, please find [FREE RESOURCE] to dive deeper into our [AREA OF WORK OR ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES].
Thank you so much for joining our incredible community.
[FULL NAME]
[TITLE, ORGANIZATION NAME]
P.S. Stay up to date with our work on social media at [LINK TO YOUR TOP SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS].
💪 Pro tip: With Givebutter Plus workflows, you can automate an entire welcome email series for new supporters so no one ever falls through the cracks. The rest of the sequence is included in our bundle of welcome email templates.
6. Monthly giving outreach template 📅
Your monthly donors contribute significantly more than one-off donors, with an average yearly donation of $288 compared to $115. It pays to encourage as many people as possible to join your monthly giving program, and these email templates can help you do just that.
Subject line: A powerful way to support [ORGANIZATION NAME]
Preview text: Can you make a monthly contribution, [FIRST NAME]?
Body of email:
Hi [FIRST NAME],
Thank you for being a loyal member of the [ORGANIZATION NAME] community and for your recent donation towards [PROGRAM/BENEFICIARY].
With your support, we’ve been able to [A SPECIFIC IMPACT YOU’VE BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE IN THE PAST YEAR]. We couldn’t have accomplished any of this without your generosity.
We have big plans for [UPCOMING SEASON, YEAR, ETC.], and to ensure we continue to make a difference for [COMMUNITY YOU SERVE], we’re inviting our community of supporters to join our monthly giving program, [PROGRAM NAME].
Making a monthly contribution is one of the most rewarding ways you can move our mission forward, and [PROGRAM NAME] offers a convenient way to support our work consistently and sustainably. Our members are known as [PROGRAM MEMBERS’ NAME] in recognition of [REASON THAT ALIGNS WITH WHY YOU CHOSE THAT NAME FOR YOUR MEMBERS].
Every month, donations from [PROGRAM NAME] enable us to:
- [OUTCOME OF DONATION; E.G., DISTRIBUTE BOOKS TO SCHOOLS AROUND THE COUNTRY]
- [OUTCOME OF DONATION; E.G., CONTINUE TO RUN OUR POPULAR PROGRAM]
- [OUTCOME OF DONATION; E.G., SUSTAIN OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR BENEFICIARIES EVERY MONTH]
- [OUTCOME OF DONATION; E.G., PLAN IMPACTFUL PROGRAMS INTO THE FUTURE]
Becoming a member is easy. Simply sign up at [CAMPAIGN URL] and choose the amount you’d like to give every month. You can easily change your monthly donation amount and pause donations at any time.
Once you’ve joined us as a [MEMBERSHIP NAME], your donation will be automatically collected each month and used to help us reach our goal of [ORGANIZATION GOAL] for as long as you remain a member.
Thank you for continuing to support our mission to [MISSION] and for being part of our journey!
Warm regards,
[FULL NAME]
[TITLE, ORGANIZATION NAME]
7. Giving Tuesday Countdown ⏱️
Giving Tuesday is a major day in the fundraising calendar, and it’s worth getting your supporters hyped in advance with a series of engaging emails. Here’s an example of an initial campaign countdown email.
Email #1: Campaign teaser/countdown
When to send: One week before Giving Tuesday
Subject line: Giving Tuesday is approaching… ⏰
Preview text: Can we count on your support, [FIRST NAME]?
Body of message:
Dear [FIRST NAME],
Giving Tuesday is just one week away, and we want to take this moment to thank you for your support so far. Your impact has allowed us to [DETAILS] and [SUCCESS STORY HIGHLIGHT].
With this global day of giving just around the corner, we invite you to support us once again as [ORGANIZATION NAME] takes part. Our goal this year is to raise [$ AMOUNT], and we’ll be [LIST OF ACTIVITIES].
We’re looking forward to your support on Giving Tuesday.
Thank you for being a part of our caring community!
The [ORGANIZATION NAME] team
8. Donor-advised fund (DAF) outreach email template 💰
Interest in donor-advised funds is on the rise, and DAF giving is proving to be a valuable way to engage with supporters. If you’re launching a DAF campaign, this email template can help you attract more interest.
Subject line: Did you know you can support [NONPROFIT NAME] with donor-advised funds?
Preview text: DAF giving is easier than ever.
Dear [FIRST NAME],
You’re an essential part of our community here at [NONPROFIT NAME], and I’m writing to let you know about a new opportunity for our supporters to contribute to our mission more easily through donor-advised funds (DAFs).
Without supporters like you, we could never [NONPROFIT MISSION]. In the past, your gifts have helped us [PROGRAM SUCCESS], [PROGRAM SUCCESS], and [PROGRAM SUCCESS].
Right now, we’re raising funds for [NONPROFIT PROGRAM DETAILS AND EXPECTED IMPACT], and we’re excited to share that donating through your DAF is now just as easy as paying with a credit card or Venmo.
Have an existing donor-advised fund? Please consider making a contribution from your DAF directly on our Givebutter campaign page (just select DAF as your payment option!): [LINK TO GIVEBUTTER DONATION FORM].
Interested in learning more about DAFs? Check out what it’s all about and how DAFs can benefit you and support our organization at the same time. Please reach out if you have any questions at all.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
[FULL NAME]
[TITLE, NONPROFIT NAME]
[EMAIL]
[PHONE]
9. Grant funders outreach template 🤝
Grant funding can be a valuable way to increase your funding, but the way you approach potential partners can make a huge difference. Use this grant funder outreach template to introduce your nonprofit and encourage a partnership.
Subject: Partnership with [NONPROFIT NAME]
Dear [FUNDER NAME],
I want to share a story with you that touched my heart—and will perhaps touch yours too.
Meet [BENEFICIARY'S NAME]. [SHARE A SHORT STORY THAT ILLUSTRATES A SPECIFIC CHALLENGE THEY FACED AND HOW THEY WERE ABLE TO OVERCOME THIS ADVERSITY WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION’S SUPPORT.]
[NONPROFIT NAME] aims to rewrite the narrative for individuals like [BENEFICIARY'S NAME]. Over the past [NUMBER OF YEARS IN OPERATION], we've transformed the lives of [NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES]—and we’re only getting started.
I believe that a partnership with [FUNDER’S ORGANIZATION] could spark even greater change for [SPECIFIC COMMUNITY YOU SUPPORT].
Would you be open to a brief conversation about our vision for [NONPROFIT NAME]’s future?
Thank you for your time.
[FULL NAME]
[TITLE, NONPROFIT NAME]
[EMAIL]
[PHONE]
Get on the radar of potential funding organizations and captivate them with your story using this collection of free email templates.
10. Pledge reminder 🚨
Donation pledges can help you hit your fundraising goals in the moment, but you still need to collect those pledges later on. Prompt your supporters for their pledge payment in a simple, friendly way with this easy email letter template.
Subject line: Friendly reminder to fulfill your pledge! 💛
Dear [FIRST NAME],
We want to express our deepest gratitude for your commitment to supporting [NONPROFIT NAME] and our mission to [MISSION OR KEY INITIATIVES]. Your contributions have [IMPACT], and we couldn't be more grateful.
We're reaching out today to remind you that your upcoming payment deadline of [DATE] is approaching.
Here are the payment details for your convenience:
- Pledge amount: [$ AMOUNT]
- Payment due date: [DATE]
- Payment options: [INFORMATION ON HOW TO MAKE THE PAYMENT; E.G., ONLINE USING SECURE PAYMENT LINK, WHERE TO MAIL A CHECK, ETC.]
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to our team at [EMAIL AND PHONE NUMBER].
Once again, thank you for being a valued member of [NONPROFIT NAME]. Together, we’re making a positive difference in the lives of [BENEFICIARIES OR COMMUNITY MEMBERS], and it wouldn't be possible without supporters like you.
All the best,
[FULL NAME]
[TITLE, NONPROFIT NAME]
[EMAIL]
[PHONE]
6 creative fundraising email examples
Once you’ve picked your go-to template and personalized it with your info, it’s time to focus on the email aesthetics. Here are six creative fundraising email samples to inspire you.
1. Gala event email sample 🎩
New York-based Jericho Project used Givebutter Plus’ intuitive drag-and-drop visual editor and template library to promote their annual gala event, Celebrate! 2025. They created a compelling email design to attract interest.

⭐ Standout feature: Easy-to-use template customized with the organization’s branding and colors
2. Team fundraising email example 🤝
The Lady Josephine Foundation also used a Givebutter Plus' template to rally their community around a peer-to-peer campaign during American Heart Month. Their email was designed to inspire supporters to team up and take action in support of pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS) awareness and research.

⭐ Standout feature: Bold, eye-catching CTAs that guided readers to take immediate, meaningful action
3. Family fundraising event email 👪
This fun run template is perfect for school-based fundraising events like a 5k walk/run or other family-friendly “a-thon.”

⭐ Standout feature: Fun illustration elements you can customize with your details and send by email or direct mail
💪 Pro tip: With Givebutter’s free email editor, you can build engaging emails directly in Canva—no need to leave the platform!
4. Bright fundraising event sample email ⭐
Don’t have any photos to add to your fundraising event email? No problem! Use this simple, illustrated design from Canva to encourage your supporters to get involved with your next event.

⭐ Standout feature: Bold text and a fun color palette you can use for both email and paper invitations
5. Fundraising report email example 📝
Transform a plain-text email into something eye-catching with this Canva report email template. It's ideal for sharing the highlights of your fundraising event, campaign, or year.

⭐ Standout feature: A modern take on a traditional impact report
6. Welcome fundraising email sample 👋
This Canva welcome email template is styled here for an online store, but it works beautifully for nonprofits, too! Use the space to share a warm welcome, who you are, what you do, and how new subscribers can get involved.

⭐ Standout feature: Soft illustrations and enough space for you to introduce your mission.
How to write a fundraising email
Ready to get started? Here’s what every effective fundraising email should include:
- Subject line ✏️ Hook your readers with a short, interesting subject line that reflects what’s inside—whether it’s an opportunity to donate, buy fundraising event tickets, become a corporate sponsor, etc.
- Greeting 👋 If possible, go beyond the generic “Hello” or “Hi there” in your salutation. Use Givebutter's personalization tools to customize your email blast with your recipient's name.
- Fundraising appeal 💸 Use the body of your email to ask for donations. Incorporate active language, compelling stats, testimonials, and more to connect with your audience and inspire giving.
- How to donate 💪 This is your main call to action (CTA). Include a compelling donate button that links directly to your donation or fundraising page—e.g., “Donate now,” “Give $30 now,” or “Save a life today.”
- Other important details 💡 Are you hosting a livestream? Are gifts tax-deductible? Is there a theme? Add relevant info like date and time, event theme, livestream links, and anything else your supporters should know.
- Contact information ☎️ Make it easy for recipients to reach out with questions. Include your phone number, email address, and social media handles at the bottom of the email.
Now, let’s talk about how to elevate these basic email components and stand out in your supporters’ inboxes.
8 fundraising email best practices
Before you hit send on your email or schedule your welcome series, check your planned broadcast against these email best practices.
1. Write an irresistible subject line 📣
Questions, statistics, numbered lists, and emojis are all proven ways to capture attention in a subject line. Create a sense of urgency so donors don’t put your message in the “maybe later” pile.
Here are some example fundraising email subject lines:
- 1 day left to get these cats to a good home!
- Angela, how will you change the world today?
- $50,000 donation match for the next 48 hours
- 1 in 5 children go hungry—but you can act now to make a difference
Feel free to get creative, but be sure your subject line accurately reflects your email content. No one likes to feel misled.
💪 Pro tip: Track your campaign performance using Givebutter's message analytics. You can view email open rates, bounce rates, and unsubscribe rates in your built-in reporting dashboard to see which subject lines resonate most with your audience.
2. Don’t forget the preview text 👀
The preview text (also called the preview line or preheader text) is the text that appears below your subject line before someone opens the email. It’s usually pulled from the first sentence of your message.
It may be short—often under 100 characters—but it’s mighty. Craft something inviting that gives a quick, enticing snapshot of what’s inside.
3. Personalize your email campaign ✍️
Email personalization can increase open rates by 26%. Fundraising email personalization can be as simple as using a potential donor’s name in the subject line or greeting. You can also try using other unique details, like:
- Their last gift amount
- The number of years they’ve supported your cause
- Their specific interests
You can even tailor your CTA to match a particular donor segment. For example, ask past corporate donors to “Show up for their community” and everyday donors to “Show their support.”
💪 Pro tip: Givebutter’s built-in donor management software lets you use merge tags to personalize emails automatically, so each message feels like a personal note from your team.
I’ve used CRM and fundraising software for 15+ years, and Givebutter is hands-down the easiest one I’ve worked with. It’s truly all-in-one—CRM, email, events, auctions, reporting, and more—all in one place, and it just works. Everything is simple to use, whether you’re brand new or more advanced. — Stephanie F., Givebutter user
4. Speak volumes with images 📸
Visual elements like photos, graphics, and videos aren’t just pleasing to the eye—they can evoke emotion and convey a more powerful story than words alone.
Images also help your email recipients quickly absorb information. Even the busiest reader can skim the content, feel a connection, and make it down to your donate button. Charts, graphs, and infographics are especially useful for sharing complex but important data, like new statistics about your cause.
A word of caution: Many spam filters flag fundraising emails with too many images. Keep your ratio to 50% images or less to avoid delivery issues.
5. Segment your readers 🏷️
Segmentation, or dividing your audience into different categories based on certain traits, is one of the simplest ways to boost donations and engagement. The better your segments, the more you can tailor your content, and the more it will resonate with each potential donor.
Here are a few smart ways to categorize your donors:
- Giving levels: Small donors, mid-level donors, and major donors
- Supporter type: One-time donor, recurring donor, volunteer, business, nonprofit, board member, community member
- Generation: Gen Zers, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers
- Geographic location: East Coast, West Coast, urban, rural
You don’t need an entirely unique fundraising email for every demographic. Small but meaningful changes—like different images, subject lines, or featured stories—can make a big difference.
💪 Pro tip: With Givebutter's all-in-one fundraising platform, segmenting existing and new donors has never been easier. Track response rates and send targeted follow-up messages to donors, volunteers, supporters, and other key audiences within your community.
6. Focus on the reader’s impact 💪
One of the best things you can do to boost donations is to communicate to supporters the real-world impact of their gift. The “value” of the donation should be specific, tangible, and realistic.
Take a look at these two example fundraising requests:
- Example #1: Contribute $15 now to forever change a young student’s life.
- Example #2: Contribute $15 now to provide a Garland student with books and school supplies for the whole year.
Which one would you give to? Example #2 is the clear winner. It entices people with an immediate and achievable outcome. Many donors are concerned that their gift will disappear into the void. Connecting the ask to something concrete gives them confidence that their donation truly makes a difference.
💪 Pro tip: Use Givebutter to track messaging ROI, allowing you to see which emails lead to an increase in donations or ticket sales. That means your fundraising strategy can be backed by data, not just your gut instinct.
Givebutter has been a game-changer for us! We LOVE the email product. We previously had been sending emails from a personal email address (not compliant and not trackable! and quite tedious). I love the SMS capabilities too. — Emily G., Givebutter User
7. A/B test, test, test 🧪
What’s the most effective subject line to capture your readers' attention? What’s the best time to send your fundraising emails? How many links should you include? A/B testing holds the answer!
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose one email element to test (e.g., subject line, send time, number of links)
- Create two different emails: version A and version B
- Send each version to a similar audience segment
- Evaluate the results, like open rates, click rates, and conversions, to determine which version performed better
This simple process allows you to understand how your audience is reacting to your messaging, make fast improvements, and maximize your fundraising efforts.
8. Keep your email list clean 🧼
Our last email fundraising tip is to scrub your nonprofit email list on an annual basis and to maintain good data hygiene. As the years go by, it’s exciting to see your subscriber pool grow. But a contact list of 150,000 is only useful if all those people are still actively engaging with your fundraising emails and communications.
💪 Pro tip: Givebutter Plus offers advanced data validation tools to keep your list clean—no extra effort on your part.
Take the next step with Givebutter's marketing automation platform 👈
You have the templates—now all you need is a platform to help you take your email marketing to the next level. With Givebutter, it’s easier than ever to send beautiful, personalized fundraising emails that actually get results.
And with Givebutter Plus, you can take your engagement to the next level with advanced marketing features, workflow automation, and hundreds of eye-catching email templates designed for nonprofits.

Send targeted emails with free marketing software
🚀 Sign up for your free Givebutter account and start sending smarter fundraising emails today!