Writing a fundraising letter
If you're writing letters to local clubs to support your fundraising, look no further for some inspiration. Written by one of our amazing alumni, it's full of great ideas for crafting your own fundraising letters.
Take a look at this handy sample fundraising letter, giving you some great ideas of how to persuade the community to invest in your Outward Bound course.
I'm looking foward to arriving at Anakiwa
Hello, my name is Ella*.
I am currently 17 years old and am about to complete my last year of high school at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls before beginning tertiary studies in 2017. I live at home with my parents and long-term exchange students and hold a part-time job at The Cheesecake Shop in Rototuna which I work at after school and on weekends.
This year I have made the decision to enrol in a life-changing Outward Bound course in order to become a stronger, more confident young adult, as I want to be leaving high school a more focused and capable individual.
I am fundraising throughout the year to raise the $4100 course fee, and am seeking any possible funding support to make my Outward Bound goals a reality in January 2017.
The course I have enrolled in is a 21-day course called the Mind Body Soul, located in Anakiwa, 25 minutes from Picton, at the top of the South Island. It is designed for 16-18 year olds looking to build self-confidence and leadership skills.
I have enrolled in this course because I know I would benefit hugely from taking time to focus on my goals for my future, and to be cut off from everyday distractions. I have struggled with self-confidence throughout high school and believe that completing this course will make me stronger mentally, so I can be more confident and ready to take on challenges in life.
Each day I will complete activities that push me physically, mentally and emotionally, helping me come away from my 21 days in Anakiwa a more resilient person. I hope this course will help me to become less shy, more outgoing and to feel comfortable in myself.
Taking in a sunset on the Cutter is just one amazing Outward Bound experience I'm hoping to enjoy.
My fundraising initially includes savings from my current job, at which I work about 14 hours a week. I am making money from selling items on Trademe, hopefully holding various quiz nights at my school and the school where my dad works. I plan to hold movie screening fundraisers throughout the school year, and raise funds through selling museil bars.
I aim to raise $1000 from these bars through selling them at schools, workplaces and other places with honesty boxes. I am aiming to hold 3 movie nights before December at local Hamilton cinemas with profits going to my course fees. As I become aware of other fundraising opportunities I will look into these also. I hope to save about $800 from my part-time job, and hopefully gain some sponsorship help. I am also looking into Neighbourly which may be able to provide some jobs in my area which I can complete to put funds toward my course.
I would like to thank you for taking the time to look into my request and considering it. I would be extremely grateful for any support you can offer, even advice or ideas to help me in achieving my fundraising goals. Should the opportunity arise I would be happy to come and talk to your organisation about my experience and what I learned at Outward Bound.
*Name changed to protect privacy.