It will be easier for me to just post my letter that I have sent out. I got the base of my letter off of here and changed it to fit our needs and it has worked for us.
Some hints that I learned on here which worked for us, "Hit up" your states Sports teams. We were lucky enough to have the Peoria Rivermen and Chicago Wolves (Hockey) donate tickets, and the Peoria Chiefs sent box seats to a baseball game. Chicago Cubs sent autographed picuters.
Dear .....
Today, I am writing to you on behalf of Oakland Park School PTO located in (State your town). Our school has 245 students and the PTO provides money for field trips, cultural arts assemblies, classroom supplies and other educational material to enhance our students education.
This year we are we are working together to enhance our traditional 20 year old playground equipment to include access and usability for all children.
At present time, we have many children who because of disability limitations are not able to access our equipment and must stay in their wheelchairs on the sideline watching the other children at play. The number of children with limitation has been steadily rising. We would like our project to benefit children with and without disabilities by providing opportunities for all children to play together side by side.
We are including a picture of the playground design we are working towards for the children. We are trying to raise $43,200 for this accessible playground. We have been successful in raising $5,000 to date!
We hold several events throughout the year including a craft fair, breakfast with Santa, catalog fundraisers and other fun family events to raise funds for these activities and supplies. Oakland Park PTO needs everyone’s help in making our accessible playground vision a reality.
We would love the opportunity to introduce The (State Business naem) to our colleagues, their family and friends. Would you be willing to donate to our school this year? Our organization is a non-profit organization under Section 501C (3) for the Internal Revenue Code, so your donation is fully tax-deductible.
If you are able to donate , please send the donation and the estimated retail value to the following address. We are having a craft fair on November 20th, Breakfast with Santa on December 10th and many more on-going fundraisers until we obtain all the monies needed for the handicapped useable playground.
Thank you for your time,
Name
address
phone
contact person
I am not one of those who say PLEASE E-MAIL ME THE LETTER, I'D LIKE A COPY, etc. I'd rather write my own letters. However, I am a little stumped. I'm writing companies for our annual silent auction but am stuck beyond "please let this letter serve as a request for anything you may be able to donate." How specific do I state what the money will be used for (which is education programs, hospitality programs, etc.)? Does anyone include budget or what they hope to raise? Does anyone come right out and ask for an item i.e. if you're writing ABC Puzzle Company, you ask for 10 puzzles? Have you found that the general company address is better or looked on a website for a more specific name/address? Thanks for any input you may be able to provide.
