Donor thank you letters

25+ Donation Thank You Letter Examples for Nonprofits to Appreciate the Support

TL;DR

Donation Thank-You Letter Guide

A great donation thank-you letter keeps the momentum going after a gift. It helps donors feel valued, see their impact, and stay connected to your mission. Done right, it sets the tone for long-term giving.

Find 29 donation thank-you letter examples by giving level:
1. Entry level
2. Sustainer level
3. Mid level
4. Major donor level
5. Planned/legacy level

To keep that momentum going, you can use RallyUp, an end-to-end fundraising platform. It helps you send personalized thank you messages instantly, track every donor interaction, and maintain strong engagement without adding extra work.

Spoiler: a great donation thank-you letter does way more than say thanks. It makes donors feel seen, connected to your mission, and excited to give again. 

Research found that first-time donors who received more than one thank-you phone call within 90 days were retained at 58.21%, compared with 33% for donors who received no call.

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But the problem is that most nonprofits default to stiff, transactional language that reads more like a receipt than a real conversation. Donors who feel like a line item on a spreadsheet don’t stick around.

These donation thank-you letter examples cover every donor type, from first-time givers all the way up to legacy and planned. Just swap in your details and hit send.

Your donors showed up for you. Here’s how to show up for them.

Why your donor thank-you letter matters

In 2024, new donor retention was just 19%, according to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project. That points to a major stewardship challenge: nonprofits need stronger first-gift follow-up, clearer impact communication, and more intentional retention strategies after a donor’s first contribution.

Additionally,  research by Penelope Burk found that first-time donors who received a personal thank-you within 48 hours were four times more likely to give again.

Think about it from your donor’s perspective – they chose your cause, pulled out their card, and clicked confirm. That moment comes with a genuine emotional high. Wait two weeks, and that feeling is gone; they’ve moved on, and some have forgotten they gave at all.

A great donation thank-you letter isn’t an admin task you power through after a campaign wraps. It’s your single highest-return touchpoint. The templates below make it easy to get it right, every time.

Want to nail the ask, too? Check out our donation letter guide

Essential elements of an effective donor thank-you letter

Before you dive into the templates, here’s what every single donation thank-you letter sample has baked in. Keep these in mind when you customize:

  • Donor’s name: Never “Dear friend.” Nobody feels special being called that, and donors who don’t feel seen don’t come back.
  • Specific gift amount: Show them you actually noticed what they gave. It signals that their contribution was received and valued, not just processed.
  • Tangible impact: Tell them what their money does in the real world. Vague phrases like “put to good use” don’t mean anything to anyone.
  • “You” over “we”: This letter is about them, not your org. Donors give more and stay longer when they feel like the hero of the story.
  • Warm, human tone: Write like a real person talking to another real person. Stiff, corporate language is the fastest way to lose someone who just did something generous.
  • A real signature: From a named person, not “The Team.” It shows a real human took the time to say thank-you.
  • No ask: Save that for later; this moment is purely about gratitude. Sneaking in another appeal kills the goodwill you just built.

Get these right, and you’re already ahead of most nonprofits out there.

Understanding donor giving levels: Where do your donors fit?

Before you pick a donation thank-you letter template, it helps to know exactly which level you’re working with.

We’ve organized all 29 donation thank-you letter examples below by these five levels. Find yours in the table, jump to that section, and you’re good to go.

Donor level Typical gift pattern Thank-you approach
First-time donor First gift of any size Warm welcome, impact-focused message, next-step invitation
Small-dollar donor One-time or occasional gifts under your major-gift threshold Personal but scalable thank-you
Mid-level donor Larger recurring or one-time gifts, such as $500–$999 or $1,000+ depending on your organization More personalized stewardship and impact reporting
Monthly donor Recurring gift at any amount Emphasize reliability, community, and cumulative impact
Major donor High-value gift based on your organization’s threshold Highly personalized thank-you from leadership
Planned/legacy donor Donor has included the nonprofit in estate or long-term plans Legacy-focused stewardship and relationship-building

One important note: there’s no dictionary definition of a mid-level donor, and the same goes for every other level. A major donor at a small community nonprofit might give $5,000 while a major donor at a large national organization gives $100,000. 

Use these ranges as a starting point and adjust based on what’s right for your org. Now, let’s get into the donation thank-you templates!

29 donation thank-you letter examples

Just fill in the [bracketed placeholders], add a personal detail or two, and hit send. Don’t strip out the “you” language, though. It’s what makes these feel like a real thank-you rather than a formal letter.

Entry level

These donors are at the highest risk of not giving again, so your thank-you here does a lot of heavy lifting. Make it count.

1. First-time donor

Dear [First Name],

Welcome, and thank you. Your first gift to [Organization Name] means more than you might realize, and we want you to feel that from the very first word of this letter.

Because of your generosity, [specific impact, e.g., “a child in our after-school program will have the materials they need this semester”]. That happened because of you.

We hope this is just the beginning of a relationship that means as much to you as it already does to us. Please reach out anytime. We’d love to hear what brought you here.

With real gratitude, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

2. One-time/occasional donor

Dear [First Name],

Life is busy, and yet you took a moment to give. We don’t take that lightly. Thank you so much for your gift of [amount].

Your contribution is going toward [specific use], and the people we serve will feel the difference directly. It adds up to something real.

We’re grateful you thought of us, and we hope to stay in touch.

Warmly, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

3. Event donor

Dear [First Name],

It was so wonderful to have you at [Event Name]. Thank you for being there and for your generous gift of [amount].

Together, everyone who gave that evening helped us raise [total raised/impact]. Your part in that matters.

We hope you had a great time, and we look forward to seeing you again at [next event or opportunity]. Keep an eye out for our updates!

With thanks and warmth, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

4. In-kind donor

Dear [First Name],

Your donation of [description of items/services] was such a thoughtful and practical act of generosity. Thank you.

Gifts like yours go straight to work. Your contribution will be used for [specific purpose], making a real difference for [beneficiaries].

You’ll receive a separate donation acknowledgment for your tax records. We’re so grateful for the way you showed up for us.

With appreciation, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

5. Lapsed donor (returning)

Dear [First Name],

We were genuinely glad to hear from you again. Your gift of [amount] made our day, and it’s a reminder of why we love what we do.

A lot has happened since we last connected. [One or two sentences on a recent milestone or program update.] Your renewed support will help us keep building on that.

Thank you for coming back. It means a lot.

Warmly, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

6. Peer-to-peer fundraiser

Dear [First Name],

You didn’t just give. You went out of your way to rally people around a cause you believe in, and that is something else entirely. Thank you for fundraising on behalf of [Organization Name].

Because of the campaign you ran, [specific impact, e.g., “X people donated who had never heard of us before”].

We’re so grateful to have someone like you in our corner. Please don’t be a stranger.

With real admiration and thanks, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

Make it easy for supporters to fundraise for you. Try RallyUp

7. Volunteer donor

Dear [First Name],

You already give us your time, which means the world to us. And now you’ve given financially, too.

Your gift of [amount] will go toward [specific use], adding to the impact you’re already making every time you show up to volunteer. Together, it all adds up to something we’re incredibly proud of.

Thank you for showing up for us in every way you do.

With warmth and gratitude, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

Sustainer level

More than donating, they’re also betting on you consistently, month after month. These templates reflect that.

8. New monthly/recurring donor

Dear [First Name],

You just did something that genuinely changes things for us. You committed to giving every single month. 

Monthly donors like you are what allow us to plan ahead, respond quickly, and keep our focus on [mission area] without worrying about gaps. You’re giving us stability, and that is a gift in itself.

Every month, you’ll hear from us with updates on how your support is being used. We hope it feels good, because it should.

With deep gratitude, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

Want more donors like this? Learn how to set up recurring donations

9. New member/society member

Dear [First Name],

Welcome to [Member Society Name]! We’re so excited to have you officially on board, and we want you to know this is so much more than a membership. It’s a community of people who care deeply about [mission area], and you belong here.

Your support of [amount] makes you a real part of what we’re building. You’ll be hearing from us soon with details on everything your membership includes, but in the meantime, thank you for saying yes.

We’re glad you’re here.

With excitement and gratitude, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

10. Long-term sustainer

Dear [First Name],

You’ve been with us for [X years/months], and we don’t ever want to let that go unacknowledged. Thank you, truly.

When we look back at what you’ve helped make possible over that time, [brief cumulative impact], it’s humbling. Your loyalty has been a gift to everyone our mission touches.

We’re so proud to have you as a partner in this work, and we don’t take a single month of your support for granted.

With lasting gratitude, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

11. Pledge donor

Dear [First Name],

Your pledge of [amount] to [Organization Name] gives us something invaluable: the confidence to move forward. Thank you.

Knowing you’ve made this commitment allows us to [specific benefit, e.g., plan a program, hire staff, begin a project]. We’ll be in touch with a reminder schedule as agreed, and please reach out anytime with questions.

We’re honored by your trust.

Warmly, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

Mid level

Mid-level donors are often the most overlooked segment, but they’re also some of your best prospects for long-term major giving. A little extra warmth and personalization here goes a long way.

12. Matching gift donor

Dear [First Name],

You didn’t just give once. You doubled it. Your personal gift of [amount], matched by [Company Name], means [Organization Name] received [total matched amount] in total.

That kind of thoughtful giving goes above and beyond, and the people we serve will feel the full impact of what you made possible. Please pass along our gratitude to your team at [Company Name] as well.

Thank you for making your gift work harder.

With warmth, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

13. Annual fund/campaign donor

Dear [First Name],

Year after year, you show up for us, and this year is no different. Thank you so much for your gift to our [Campaign Name/Annual fund].

Your consistency is what keeps [Organization Name] strong. It’s because of annual fund supporters like you that we can [specific annual impact].

We’re grateful for your faithfulness and your belief in our mission.

Warmly, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

14. Alumni donor

Dear [First Name],

Once a [School/Organization Name] [alumni/member], always a [alumni/member], and your gift of [amount] proves it. Thank you for giving back to the place that gave so much to you.

Your contribution will go toward [specific use, e.g., scholarships, programs, facilities], helping the next generation of students experience everything you did and more.

We’re proud to call you one of our own, and even prouder that you continue to show up for us.

With appreciation, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

15. Memorial/tribute donor

Dear [First Name],

What a meaningful way to honor [Name of Person Being Honored]. Your gift of [amount] in their memory, or in celebration of them, is a beautiful tribute, and we are deeply grateful.

This contribution will support [specific use], carrying forward the kind of impact that [Name] stood for. Gifts like yours remind us why this work matters so much.

Please know that [Name] is being honored in the most meaningful way possible – through real, lasting change.

With heartfelt thanks, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

Major donor level

Major donors deserve a personal, thoughtful letter, ideally signed by your Executive Director or CEO. The tone here shifts from warm to deeply personal. Every word should feel like it was written specifically for them, because it should be.

16. First-time major donor

Dear [First Name],

I’ll be honest: when your gift arrived, we had to take a moment. This is the most generous contribution you’ve made to [Organization Name], and we are deeply, genuinely moved.

Your gift of [amount] is making [specific initiative or program] possible in a way that simply wasn’t before. This is a new chapter for our relationship, and we want you to feel that.

I’d love to connect personally to share exactly how your gift is being put to work. Please don’t hesitate to call me directly at [phone number].

With profound gratitude, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name] 

[Direct phone number]

17. Lapsed major donor (returning)

Dear [First Name],

We won’t pretend we didn’t notice you were gone, because we did. And we won’t pretend we aren’t over the moon that you’re back,  because we are. Thank you for your gift of [amount].

A lot has happened since we last connected. [Two to three sentences on meaningful progress or milestones.] Your renewed investment will help us take that even further.

We’d love to catch up personally and fill you in on everything. Please reach out whenever you’re ready –  we’d be honored to reconnect.

With warmth and gratitude, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

[Direct phone number]

18. Board member donor

Dear [First Name],

You already give so much to [Organization Name] – your time, your expertise, your leadership. And now this. Your personal gift of [amount] means more than we can say.

Board members set the tone for everyone else. Your commitment signals to every donor, every partner, and every community member that the people closest to this mission believe in it deeply. 

Thank you for showing up for us in every possible way.

With deep appreciation, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

19. Challenge gift donor

Dear [First Name],

Your gift of [amount] isn’t just generous on its own; it’s also going to inspire others to give too. A multiplying impact like this is rare, and we are so grateful you made it possible.

Because of your challenge gift, every dollar raised between [start date] and [end date] will be matched up to [match amount]. 

We’ll keep you updated on how the challenge is going. Something tells us it’s going to be a great story.

With immense gratitude, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

20. Capital campaign donor

Dear [First Name],

You’re helping us build something that will outlast all of us, and that is an extraordinary thing to be part of. Thank you for your gift of [amount] to our [Campaign Name].

Because of contributions like yours, we are now [X% toward goal/specific milestone]. What you’ve invested here will serve [beneficiaries] for generations.

I’ll keep you updated on our progress, and when the time comes, I hope you’ll join us in person to celebrate.

With immense gratitude, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

21. Naming/transformational gift donor

Dear [First Name],

There are moments that change everything, and your gift is one of them. I’m not sure words are fully adequate, but I want to try.

[Named space/fund/program] will carry your name forward, and every person who benefits from it, now and decades from now, will do so in part because of your vision and your belief in what we’re building together.

I would be deeply honored to speak with you personally about next steps and to celebrate this moment the way it deserves. Please call me directly at [phone number].

With the deepest admiration and gratitude, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

22. Corporate/foundation donor

Dear [First Name],

On behalf of everyone at [Organization Name], thank you for [Company/Foundation Name]’s generous support of [amount]. This partnership genuinely matters to us.

Your funding will go directly toward [specific program or initiative], and we’re committed to keeping you fully informed on how it’s being used. I’ll be in touch shortly to share impact reporting and to schedule a time to connect.

We’re proud to have you as a partner and look forward to growing this relationship.

With sincere appreciation, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

Make corporate giving seamless for every partner. See how RallyUp does it

23. Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) giver

Dear [Donor Name],

Thank you for recommending a grant of [amount] from your donor-advised fund at [DAF sponsor]. We’re grateful for your support of [mission/program].

Because this gift was made through a donor-advised fund, this letter is intended as a thank-you and stewardship acknowledgment, not as a tax receipt for a new charitable deduction. No goods or services were provided by [Organization Name] in exchange for this grant.

With gratitude,

[Name]

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

Planned/legacy level

These donors have made a decision that goes far beyond a single gift. They’re thinking about the future of your mission. Match that gravity with a tone that’s personal, unhurried, and genuinely moving.

Planned gifts can include:

  • bequests in a will
  • beneficiary designations on retirement accounts or life insurance policies
  • charitable gift annuities
  • charitable remainder trusts
  • charitable lead trusts
  • other estate or long-term giving arrangements

The thank-you should focus on the donor’s legacy, values, and long-term commitment rather than treating the gift like a standard cash donation.

24. Bequest/will donor

Dear [First Name],

Learning that you’ve included [Organization Name] in your estate plans is one of the most meaningful things we can ever hear. We are genuinely moved and deeply honored.

Your bequest will carry our mission forward in ways neither of us can fully imagine today, touching lives long into the future because of a decision you made right now. 

We would love to welcome you into our [Legacy Society Name] and celebrate your gift in whatever way feels right to you, entirely on your terms. Please reach out whenever you’re ready.

With profound gratitude and respect, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name] 

[Direct phone number]

25. Charitable gift annuity donor

Dear [First Name],

Thank you for establishing a charitable gift annuity with [Organization Name]. This is a generous and thoughtful arrangement, one that benefits you now and ensures our mission continues long into the future.

As agreed, you’ll receive [annuity payment amount] on a [quarterly/annual] basis beginning [start date]. Our team will be in touch to make sure everything is set up smoothly, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

We are so grateful for your trust.

With warm thanks, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

26. IRA/QCD donor

Dear [First Name],

Thank you for your qualified charitable distribution of [amount] from your IRA to [Organization Name]. This is a generous and savvy way to give, and we’re so glad you chose us.

For your tax records: [Organization Name] is a 501(c)(3) organization, and no goods or services were provided in exchange for this gift. Our EIN is [EIN Number].

Your contribution will go toward [specific use]. Thank you for thinking of us.

Warmly, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

27. Stock/securities donor

Dear [First Name],

Thank you for your generous gift of [number/type of shares] of [company/security name], received on [date].

Your contribution will support [specific program or fund]. For your tax records, the gift value is based on the mean of the high and low stock prices on [transfer date].

Thank you for this thoughtful and generous way of giving. It makes a real difference.

Note: For tax purposes, please consult your tax advisor to determine the fair market value of this noncash contribution.

With appreciation, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

28. Cryptocurrency donor

Dear [First Name],

Thank you for your generous gift of [amount and type of cryptocurrency], received on [date]. You’re ahead of the curve in more ways than one, and we’re so glad you thought of us.

Your contribution will go toward [specific use], and for your records, no goods or services were exchanged for this gift. Our EIN is [EIN Number]. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the treatment of your crypto donation.

We’re grateful for your generosity and your forward-thinking approach to giving.

Warmly, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name]

29. Real estate donor

Dear [First Name],

Your gift of real estate to [Organization Name] is one of the most generous and impactful contributions we have ever received. We are truly humbled.

A gift like this takes thought, planning, and a deep belief in what we’re doing. The proceeds from [property description] will go toward [specific use], creating a legacy that will be felt for years to come.

I would love to connect with you personally to express our gratitude and walk you through the next steps. Please don’t hesitate to call me directly at [phone number].

With the deepest gratitude, 

[Your Name], 

[Title] 

[Organization Name] 

[Direct phone number]

How to send your donation thank-you letter for nonprofits

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The best channel depends on the donor, the gift, and the relationship.

best channel depends on the donor

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Email: Fast, trackable, and great for entry-level and sustainer donors. Send within 24 hours and make sure it looks like a real email, not a newsletter.
  • Printed/mailed letter: A physical letter carries weight that email can’t. Donors hold it, put it on their fridge, and show their family. Best for mid-level, major, and planned giving donors.
  • Handwritten note: The gold standard. Even a short handwritten card tucked alongside a printed letter goes a long way. Best for major donors, transformational gifts, and long-term sustainers.
  • Phone call: Not a letter, but worth mentioning. A quick personal call within 48 hours of a significant gift hits differently than anything written ever could. Best for major donors and first-time donors you really want to convert.

When in doubt, go higher than you think you need to. Donors never complain about feeling too appreciated.

7 best practices for writing a donation thank-you letter 

Writing a great donation thank-you letter for nonprofits isn’t complicated, but there are a few things that set the ones donors remember apart from the ones they recycle.

Writing a great donation thank-you letter for nonprofits

Here’s what to keep in mind every time you sit down to write one.

1. Be specific about impact

Vague language like “your gift will be put to good use” doesn’t mean anything to anyone. The best donation thank-you letter examples always connect the gift to a concrete outcome:

  • “Your $50 will provide school supplies for five kids this semester.”
  • “Because of your gift, we can keep our food pantry open an extra day each week.”
  • “Your support helped us reach 200 new families last month.”

The more specific you are, the more real the impact feels, and the more likely they are to give again.

2. Use “you” more than “we”

Read through your donation thank-you template and count how many times you use “we” versus “you.” If “we” is winning, rewrite it. 

Donors want to feel like the hero of the story, not a passive bystander to your organization’s achievements. Phrases like “because of you” and “you made this possible” keep the focus exactly where it belongs.

3. Match the tone to the giving level

A first-time donor who gives $25 and a major donor who gives $25,000 should never receive the same letter. Knowing how to say thank you to donors at different levels is its own skill. 

  • Entry-level donors need warmth and welcome. 
  • Mid-level donors need specificity and personal outreach. 
  • Major and planned giving donors deserve a letter that feels genuinely one-of-a-kind, ideally from your Executive Director. 

Let the size and nature of the gift guide how much time and care goes into the acknowledgment.

4. Personalize beyond the name

A great donation thank-you letter sample goes beyond just swapping in a first name. Here are some ways you can personalize beyond your donor’s name:

  • Reference the specific campaign they responded to
  • Acknowledge how long they’ve been giving 
  • Mention the program their gift supports 
  • Pull from your CRM and use what you know

One personal detail, even just a line, transforms a template into something that feels like it was written just for them.

With RallyUp’s donor profiles, personalization is easy. See how it works

5. Have a real person sign it

Donors should always know who they’re hearing from. A letter signed by a named staff member, ideally someone senior, carries far more weight than one signed “The Team at [Organization Name].” 

For major and legacy donors, that signature should come from your Executive Director or CEO. A handwritten signature or a personal P.S. adds an extra layer of warmth that donors genuinely appreciate.

6. Follow up beyond the letter

A thank-you letter is the start of the relationship, not its end. The best nonprofits follow up with impact reports, personal check-ins, and invitations to events that keep donors feeling connected year-round. 

A donor who hears from you only when you need something will eventually stop giving. But a donor who feels like a genuine partner in your mission will stick around for years.

7. Keep the tax receipt separate from the thank-you letter for a better donor experience

This is a small thing that makes a big difference. Combining your tax acknowledgment and thank-you letter into a single document makes the whole thing feel like a receipt, not a genuine expression of gratitude. 

Send your warm, personal donor thank-you letter first, then follow up with the formal tax acknowledgment separately. Your donors will feel the difference.

What nonprofits need to know about donation thank-you letter compliance

Gratitude is the goal, but there’s a legal side to donation thank-you letters that nonprofits can’t afford to ignore.

This section summarizes general U.S. federal acknowledgment rules for charitable contributions. It is not a complete legal or tax compliance guide. 

State charitable solicitation and disclosure rules may also apply, and many states require specific disclosure language on written solicitations or gift acknowledgments.

Gifts over $250 require a written acknowledgment by law

This one isn’t optional. The IRS requires donors to have a written acknowledgment for any single gift of $250 or more before they can claim a charitable deduction on their tax return. If you don’t send one, your donor loses their deduction.

Technically, it’s the donor’s responsibility to request it, but in practice, every nonprofit should send one proactively.

For U.S. federal substantiation purposes, a written acknowledgment for a gift of $250 or more should include the organization’s name, the amount of any cash contribution, a description of any noncash property contributed without assigning a value, and a statement about whether the donor received goods or services in exchange for the gift. 

Donor name, EIN, and gift date are commonly included as best practice.

Quid pro quo gifts have their own rules

If a donor receives something in return for their gift, such as a gala ticket, a tote bag, or a dinner, that’s called a quid pro quo contribution, and the rules change. 

For quid pro quo gifts over $75, you’re legally required to provide a written disclosure that includes a good-faith estimate of the fair market value of what they received. 

The donor can only deduct the portion of their gift that exceeds that value. Skip this disclosure, and your nonprofit might face IRS penalties.

Never assign a dollar value to non-cash or in-kind donations

If a donor gives physical items or property, acknowledge the gift as a noncash contribution by describing the property without assigning a value. Valuing non-cash gifts is the donor’s responsibility, not yours. If a donor asks you to confirm the value in writing, politely decline. 

You can describe the items, but assigning a value puts your organization in a difficult position if the IRS ever disputes it.

For larger noncash gifts, donors may have additional substantiation requirements. For noncash donations over $5,000, donors generally need to attach IRS Form 8283 to their tax return, and the nonprofit usually signs Part V of Section B unless the donated property is publicly traded securities. 

The nonprofit’s signature acknowledges receipt of the property; it does not confirm the donor’s claimed appraised value.

Volunteer services and unreimbursed expenses

Do not acknowledge the dollar value of donated services as a charitable contribution. Volunteer time itself is generally not deductible.

However, unreimbursed expenses directly connected to volunteer service may be deductible in some cases, so nonprofits may provide a separate confirmation of the volunteer activity or expense details when appropriate.

DAF donors already have their receipt

If a gift came through a donor-advised fund, the sponsoring organization, like Fidelity Charitable or Schwab Charitable, has already issued a tax receipt to the donor. You don’t need to include tax language in your acknowledgment. A warm, genuine thank you is all that’s needed here.

Want to attract more DAF donors? Read our guide to securing more DAF funds

Your EIN should be on every acknowledgment

Make it easy for your donors at tax time. Including your Employer Identification Number on every acknowledgment letter means donors have everything they need in one place without having to track you down for it.

While there are no direct IRS penalties to your nonprofit for failing to send a written acknowledgment, the consequences are still real. Without one, your donor loses their tax deduction, and a donor who can’t claim their gift because you didn’t follow up will lose trust in your organization fast. 

When in doubt, send it. 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Tax rules can change – always consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your organization.

Your donation thank-you letter examples are ready – now put them to work

You’ve got 25+ donation thank-you letter examples, best practices, and compliance tips. The hard part is done. Now it’s just about showing up for your donors the way they showed up for you.

Pick the right template, make it yours, and send it while that feeling is still fresh.

But if you want to take it a step further, RallyUp, an end-to-end fundraising platform, automatically sends donors a personalized thank-you the moment they give. 

We’re talking custom subject lines, donor names, impact images, videos, event info, and links to your store and social media – all in one message your donors will actually remember.

Ready to make every donor feel like a VIP? Start fundraising with RallyUp today

FAQs on donation thank-you letter examples

How do I thank a donor?

Send a personalized donation thank-you letter within 48 hours of receiving the gift. Use their name, mention the specific amount, and tell them exactly what their contribution makes possible.

How do you write a short and sweet thank-you note?

Keep it to three things: acknowledge the gift, share one line of impact, and close with genuine warmth. A great donor thank-you doesn’t need to be long; it just needs to feel real.

What is an example of a donation message?

A donation thank-you letter example is: 


“Dear [First Name], your gift of $50 means three kids in our program will have school supplies this semester. Thank you for making that happen.” Simple, specific, and donor-centered.

What is a good sentence for donation?

“Because of your generosity, [specific impact]. That would not have been possible without you.” Lead with impact, end with gratitude.

Now that you’ve seen it in action, are you ready to start fundraising?
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Katie Jordan

Katie Jordan is a Fundraising Specialist at RallyUp. Katie has many years of experience working for and with nonprofit organizations. After her time working at a food bank in Dallas, Texas, Katie joined the team at RallyUp. As a Fundraising Specialist, Katie enjoys helping nonprofits maximize their fundraising efforts. Katie provides customers with personalized support to help them navigate the RallyUp platform and strategize their upcoming fundraisers.