Pledge cards are a great way to boost revenue and acquire new donors. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of pledge cards and provide nine different templates to ensure you send out the right ones for your organization.
Requesting donations from your supporters can be a daunting task. It can be uncomfortable to ask for more from donors or volunteers who have already contributed so much to your nonprofit. However, your organization relies on fundraising to help its beneficiaries and fulfill its mission, so encouraging donations is important. If you’re looking to improve your donor outreach, consider using pledge cards.
Pledge cards are a tool nonprofits use to simplify donation asks and encourage more donations. To make the donation pledge request process even easier, we’ve provided some pledge card templates and best practices to help you develop pledge cards that align with your nonprofit and its goals.
Pledge cards invite current and potential donors to pledge a donation to your cause. They include information about your current fundraising initiatives and provide space for donors to fill in their contact and payment information. Instead of donating right away, donors use pledge cards as a promise to contribute to your organization.
There are several reasons why pledge cards are important. Pledge cards:
Pledge cards must contain certain elements so you can successfully request a donation and follow up on that request. All pledge cards should include:
Standard Pledge Card Template
Event-a-thon Pledge Card Template
Annual Appeal Pledge Card Template
Capital Campaign Pledge Card Template
Corporate Sponsorship Pledge Card Template
Church Pledge Card Template
Animal Shelter Pledge Card Template
College or University Pledge Card Template
Major Donor Pledge Card Template
[Organization Name]
At [nonprofit’s name], we’re committed to [explain your organization’s mission]. Your contribution would allow us to propel our mission forward and continue giving back to our community.
I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:
I would like to pay by:
Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________
Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________
Your financial commitment to [nonprofit’s name] has a huge impact on our community. Take a look at these examples of how your gift can truly change lives:
After we receive your donation, we will email you a receipt for your own records. Additionally, please make all checks payable to [nonprofit’s name].
Thank you so much for your support!
[Organization’s Name]
[Fundraising Point of Contact’s Name]
[Organization’s Contact Information]
Be sure to personalize your pledge cards to your nonprofit. For example, feel free to reword any sections to more clearly capture your typical branding and voice. Additionally, add any statistics or examples that illustrate how past donations have helped to propel your mission forward.
It’s also important to ensure your pledge card is easy to follow. The premise of the pledge card is simple, and the layout of yours should reflect that. Clearly label each section, leave enough space between sections, and limit the text to only what’s essential.
Lastly, consider including a matching gifts section on your pledge cards. You can have donors indicate whether their employer matches donations and add their employer’s contact information. That way, you can send them a matching gift request form for them to fill out so your organization can earn even more revenue.
[Organization Name]
We are so excited to have your support for [event name]! With your contribution, you can cheer on your sponsored participant and help us reach our fundraising goal.
I pledge to contribute:
I would like to pay by:
Participant Name: _________________________________________________ Sponsor Name: ___________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________________
State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________
Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________
This year, we’re hoping to raise [fundraising goal amount] in support of [explain your mission]. Check out how your contribution can help:
Please look out for an email receipt for your donation. Additionally, make all checks payable to [nonprofit’s name].
Thank you so much for supporting our participants and our organization!
[Organization’s Name]
[Fundraising Point of Contact’s Name]
[Organization’s Contact Information]
Did you know that “84% of event fundraising pledges are fulfilled”? With a strong pledge card, you can raise a ton of money for your next fundraising event. Plus, pledge cards are perfect for event-a-thons specifically because donors can pledge a certain amount of money per lap walked, book read, or hours danced. Just make sure it’s clear how the event and subsequent pledging will work.
For example, if you’re hosting a walkathon, explain to your donors that they will be sponsoring participants for every lap they walked over a week-long period. That way, donors can get an idea of how much money they’ll be contributing ahead of time.
It’s also good practice to include an option for a flat donation. If your donor doesn’t want to leave their donation amount in the participant’s hands, then they can provide a donation of their choice. Additionally, some donors may want to pledge per metric and add on a flat donation, allowing you to raise even more for your cause.
[Organization Name]
This year at [nonprofit’s name], we’ve been fortunate enough to [summarize what your organization has accomplished in the past year]. It’s because of donors like you that we’ve been able to make such an impact, and we hope to accomplish even more with your continued support in the new year. Please help us reach our fundraising goal of [add fundraising goal dollar amount for the new year]!
I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:
I would like to pay by:
Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________
Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________
Your contribution to [nonprofit’s name] will change lives. Here are some examples of how your donation can make an impact:
We’ll email you a receipt once we receive your contribution. Please make all checks payable to [nonprofit’s name].
Thank you so much for your support! Let’s make [new year] the best fundraising year yet!
[Organization’s Name]
[Fundraising Point of Contact’s Name]
[Organization’s Contact Information]
Most organizations send out an annual appeal ahead of the new year. If your nonprofit chooses to do so, lean into the prospect of holiday season giving. Remind donors that it’s the perfect time to pay it forward and show your generosity just in time for the holidays.
Also, if you’re sending a pledge card to a recurring donor, personalize your ask. Include information about their previous donations and explain exactly what those donations allowed your organization to accomplish. That way, you can make the impact section of your pledge card more powerful and show donors you care about them as individuals.
[Organization Name]
Our team at [nonprofit’s name] is ecstatic to announce our upcoming capital campaign! [Explain what the capital campaign is raising money for]. We hope you’ll join us in reaching our fundraising goal of [add fundraising goal dollar amount].
I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:
I would like to pay by:
Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________
Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________
Your support for this campaign will make a huge impact. Here are some examples of how your contribution will add to our cause:
If your payment spans several years, we will provide pledge reminders and updates about how your generous contribution is being used. Please make all checks payable to [nonprofit’s name].
We are so grateful for your support and can’t wait for this campaign to take off.
[Organization’s Name]
[Fundraising Point of Contact’s Name]
[Organization’s Contact Information]
Capital campaigns can last anywhere from one to five years. To reflect this longer engagement, allow donors who are making multiple pledges to do so over an extended period of time. That way, you can receive their support throughout your campaign.
Additionally, provide updates about how donors’ contributions are being used in the context of your campaign. Being specific about how funds are helping you achieve your overarching goal can incentivize donors to continue contributing to your cause.
You’ll also want to send out pledge reminders so people remember to contribute. Ask donors whether they’d prefer to receive reminders by email or direct mail.
Lastly, while you may want to provide predetermined ask amounts for other pledge cards, stick with an open-ended ask for capital campaigns. This allows major donors to feel less inhibited and contribute exactly how much they’d like to. As a result, you’ll earn more money for your cause.
[Organization Name]
Our team at [nonprofit’s name] is dedicated to [explain your organization’s mission]. We would love to partner with your business to give back to the community together!
On behalf of [space to insert business’ name], I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:
I would like to pay by:
Organization Name: _______________________________________________ Main Point of Contact Name: _________________________________________
Company Address: ________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________________
State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________
Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________
Your financial support of [nonprofit’s name] will truly change lives in our community. Here are some examples of the impact your gift will make:
After we receive your donation, we will email you a receipt for your own records. We will also add you to the corporate sponsor section of our website and feature your logo in future event and campaign marketing materials. Please make all checks payable to [nonprofit’s name].
Thank you so much for your support! We look forward to working hand in hand with your organization to [reiterate your mission].
[Organization’s Name]
[Fundraising Point of Contact’s Name]
[Organization’s Contact Information]
When you’re reaching out for a corporate sponsorship, address the business owner or point of contact by name if possible. Research the correct person to contact ahead of time to maximize your chances of gaining the organization’s support.
Since these will be larger-scale donations, you’ll want to be specific about the projects and initiatives they’re going toward. Try to connect your work to the company’s priorities to make your pledge card more personal.
You’ll also want to let corporate sponsors know how they’ll be acknowledged for their contribution. In exchange for their donation, you can promote your corporate sponsors on your website or through your marketing materials.
Lastly, be sensitive to the types of businesses you’re reaching out to. For example, if you’re contacting a small business, you may want to lower the dollar amounts for your statements in the impact section. Consider asking for in-kind donations instead if relevant.
[Church Name]
We are so grateful to have you as a member of our community at [church’s name]. To continue providing congregants like you with the best experience possible, we’d love to have your support.
I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:
I would like to pay by:
Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________
Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________
Your contribution to our [church’s name] community will make our congregation an even better place. Take a look at what your donation will enable us to accomplish:
We’ll email you a receipt once we receive your contribution. Please make all checks payable to [church’s name].
Thank you so much for your support! We’re honored to have you as a member of our community.
[Church’s Name]
[Church Leader’s Name]
[Church’s Contact Information]
Churches will primarily send pledge cards to their congregants. Since these are members of your community, make sure you emphasize the communal benefit of their contributions. Let congregants know how their donations will actually serve to benefit them and their fellow members.
It’s also good practice to use a more personable tone for church pledge cards. Again, these are people that you know, so you can be more casual and talk to them as you would in person.
[Animal Shelter Name]
Our team at [animal shelter’s name] loves nothing more than helping our cats and dogs find their forever homes. To take care of our animals and prepare them for adoption, we need support from generous members of our community like you.
I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:
I would like to pay by:
Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________
Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________
Your financial commitment to [animal shelter’s name] can significantly improve the lives of our cats and dogs. For example, each contribution will help pets like [insert name of animal in shelter] have the best possible experience in the shelter and prepare them for adoption:
After we receive your donation, we will email you a receipt for your own records. We’ll also send you updates on the pets your donation has helped. Additionally, please make all checks payable to [animal shelter’s name].
Thank you so much for your support! Please feel free to visit us anytime and volunteer with our furry friends!
[Animal Shelter’s Name]
[Fundraising Point of Contact’s Name]
[Animal Shelter’s Contact Information]
As an animal shelter, your animals are your biggest advantage. When people can connect their donation to a real animal, they’ll be more likely to give. Consider including a story about a pet in your shelter. Explain how donations helped you nurse that pet back to health and provide them a forever home.
It’s also important to include pictures of animals in your shelter. Pictures will bring your work to life and add a personal touch to your pledge cards.
[College or University Name]
Remember when you were a student at [college or university name]? The professors, the late nights in the library, the football games, the lifelong friendships. It wasn’t all that long ago, but now there are new students looking for that same college experience you had. Show them the [college or university name] way and help ensure our next classes of students have everything they need to succeed.
I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:
I would like to pay by:
Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________
Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________
Your donation is a great way to give back to your [college or university] community. Take a look at what your contribution will allow us to accomplish for our students:
We’ll email you a receipt once we receive your contribution. Please make all checks payable to [college or university’s name].
Thank you so much for your continued participation in the [college or university] community! We’re thrilled to have you as a member of our bustling alumni network, now [number of people in your alumni network] strong.
[College or University’s Name]
[College President’s Name]
[College or University’s Contact Information]
Invoke nostalgia for your alumni by reminding them of their own college experience. When you mention specific traditions and places on your university’s campus, you can transport alumni back to college and show them what they can help provide for the next generation of students.
When you’re contacting alumni for pledged donations, make sure to consult your donor database to send pledge cards based on giving history. For example, it might be a waste of resources to send pledge cards to young alumni who have just recently graduated from your college and may not yet have the capacity or propensity to give.
[Organization Name]
It’s with the help of donors like you that [nonprofit’s name] is able to [explain some details of your organization’s work]. We are so grateful to have your support and hope you’ll consider giving back at this time.
I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:
I would like to pay by:
Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________
Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________
As you know, your financial support of [nonprofit’s name] has a huge impact on our community. Here are some examples of the impact your gift will make on our current initiatives:
Once we receive your donation, we’ll send a confirmation email and receipt for your records. Please make all checks payable to [nonprofit’s name].
Thank you so much for your continued support! We are so grateful for your generosity.
[Organization’s Name]
[Fundraising Point of Contact’s Name]
[Organization’s Contact Information]
When you’re dealing with major donors, it’s important to show your gratitude for their generous contributions. Ensure that major donors continue to feel motivated to give to your organization by showing appreciation and that their funds are being put to good use.
Make sure you tell major donors exactly what their money is going toward. You may also want to give an update on their last gift to show that you’re using their donations responsibly.
Like with the capital campaign pledge cards, leave donation asks open-ended. That way, major donors can give what they want to and don’t have to be confined by the suggested amounts you share with other donors.
FundraisingLetters.org is a project put together by Nexus Marketing and ECardWidget as a way to help individuals and organizations across the world effectively communicate with supporters. Feel free to use our fundraising letter templates for your organization.