Year End Appeal Letter Template

by Julia Frisbie and Cesie Delve Scheuermann — please copy and adapt!

Dear _________,

Our church is alive! In spite of a global pandemic, a country grappling with racism, wildfires across the west, and a divisive election season, I’ll say it again: our church is alive! Because of your continued generosity, we’re still doing the work of God in our community. [List some examples of the impact your church makes in your community and beyond.]

[Insert your own reflection about responding to God’s generosity with gifts of our own, or use the paragraph that follows.] At the end of this difficult year, our Creator meets us once again with the gift of a Holy Child. Ever since the first Christmas, God’s people have been moved to make gifts in response to the precious gift of Jesus. Mary showed up and gave her labor. Joseph gave his loyalty. Angels provided song, and Shepherds brought their awe and vigilance.

Your gifts are so important. I invite you to join me in making a year-end gift to [church name]. Your support allows us to [refer to you congregation’s impact again]

And, there’s some exciting news. The CARES ACT has created some temporary incentives for charitable giving. I’ve attached a handout so you can learn whether they might benefit you. There's no way to know whether these incentives will be available beyond 2020, so if you're able to take advantage of them by making a year-end gift, it's a smart idea. These are good for you and -- if you choose to give -- they’re good for the church too.

As I thank God once again for the gift of the Christ child, I also give thanks for you, and for your commitment to our community and our shared mission. Please know that your gift is sincerely appreciated by me, by this church community, and by the One who provides for all of us. Thank you for your generosity to the church!

[your favorite signoff]