SAMPLE FUNDRAISING LETTER
Date Dear Friend, As [neighbors, friends, library-lovers], we know you care about issues that impact you and your family. For this reason, we are asking you to join us to help keep Columbus Metropolitan Library strong. On (DATE), we are hosting a house party to raise money and recruit volunteers for Issue 4, the Communities for the Library campaign. It will be at (LOCATION) from (START) to (END) o’clock and I hope you will join us. Why is ISSUE 4 so important? CML is a vital community resource: In these times, more and more residents are turning to the library for books and programs they need daily. Over 40,000 residents use CML’s Job Help Centers and 85,000 families join Summer Reading Club each year. Funding has been cut: Due to state cutbacks and other reductions in funding, the library’s budget has been cut by $11 million since 2008. In 2010, the library was forced to cut pay, reduce staff by 160 positions, reduce book and reference materials budgets, defer maintenance, reduce hours at all locations and close branches on Sundays. With Issue 4: CML can continue to provide books, reading programs, homework help for students, internet access for job seekers and other needed services for people of all ages. Without Issue 4: The library would lose nearly half its budget forcing it to close half the branches and make huge cuts in staff, services, books, internet access and basic maintenance. We are asking our guests to contribute whatever they feel comfortable giving, however, if each guest contributes at least $(TARGETCONTRIB), we should be able to reach the goal of $(GOAL.) Columbus Metropolitan Library is a source of great pride and its local branches are important community assets. Your understanding, campaign financial support and advocacy will be vitally important to secure a win in November. Please join us on (DATE) at (TIME) to keep our library strong. Sincerely,
(Your Name) Paid for by Communities for the Library, Donald McTigue, Treasurer 550 East Walnut St., Columbus, OH 43215