When someone dies, family and friends may want to honor their memory by supporting a cause that mattered to them. A thoughtful donation request can help make that possible—whether contributions will fund a memorial, assist the bereaved family, cover funeral-related expenses, or benefit a charity.
Writing such a letter can feel difficult while grieving. The best approach is usually simple: explain who the person was, why you are asking, how donations will be used, and how people can contribute. This guide offers practical tips and a copy-ready sample solicitation letter you can adapt.
Important: Be transparent about where the money is going. If donations are not being collected by a registered charitable organization, do not describe them as tax-deductible. Tax rules vary by location, so donors should consult the relevant tax authority or a qualified professional.
What Is a Donation Solicitation Letter?
A donation solicitation letter is a written request inviting people to contribute money or other support. After a death, it may be sent to relatives, friends, colleagues, community members, or a broader audience.
Common purposes include:
- Supporting a charity or nonprofit the deceased cared about
- Helping the family with immediate expenses
- Funding a memorial or community project
- Establishing a scholarship or other lasting tribute
- Collecting contributions for funeral or related costs
The purpose should be stated clearly so that potential donors understand what their gift will support.
What to Include in the Letter
A considerate letter does not need to be long. Include the following details where relevant:
-
The person’s name and a brief introduction
Share a few words about the deceased and their connection to the recipients. -
The reason for the request
Explain the need or memorial purpose without pressuring readers. -
How donations will be used
Specify the recipient, fund, organization, or expense. If the final use is still being decided, say so and explain how donors will be updated. -
How to contribute
Provide clear, verified instructions, such as an organization’s donation page, mailing address, or contact person. Avoid including sensitive financial information in a widely circulated letter. -
A deadline, if necessary
Include one only when the fundraiser or memorial has a genuine time limit. -
A note of thanks
Acknowledge that condolences, practical help, and simply remembering the person are also meaningful forms of support.
Sample Solicitation Letter for Donations After a Death
The template below is suitable for a printed letter, email, or community announcement. Replace the bracketed text with accurate details and remove any sections that do not apply.
[Your name or family name]
[Address, if appropriate]
[Email or phone number]
[Date]
Dear [Name / Friends and Family / Community Members],
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of [full name], who died on [date]. [Name] was [brief description—for example, a devoted teacher, a caring neighbor, or a longtime volunteer] and was especially passionate about [cause, organization, or community].
In memory of [Name], we are inviting those who wish to do so to make a donation to [organization, fund, or stated purpose]. Contributions will be used to [explain specifically how the donations will be used].
You may contribute by [include clear instructions, such as visiting a verified donation page or sending a check payable to the organization]. If you are donating through an organization, please use [memorial name or reference, if applicable] so the gift can be properly associated with the tribute.
There is absolutely no obligation to contribute. Your kind words, memories, and support are deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping us honor [Name] in a way that reflects [his/her/their] values.
With gratitude,
[Your name or family name]
[Optional: service or memorial details]
[Optional: donation contact or link]
Short Email Version
For a brief message, you can use this version:
Subject: In memory of [Name]
Dear [Name],
We are remembering [Name], who passed away on [date]. In honor of [his/her/their] commitment to [cause or organization], we are inviting anyone who wishes to make a donation to [recipient or fund].
Donations may be made at [verified link or instructions] and will support [specific purpose]. There is no obligation to give; your condolences and kind memories mean a great deal to us.
Thank you for remembering [Name].
Warmly,
[Your name]
Tips for Writing with Care
Keep the tone warm and direct
A bereavement letter should sound like a human message, not a sales pitch. Use plain language, and avoid urgent or guilt-inducing wording such as “you must donate” or “we are counting on everyone.”
Be specific about the destination
“Please donate in memory of [Name]” may leave readers unsure where to give. Name the organization or fund and provide reliable instructions. If contributions are being collected by an individual, explain who is handling the money and what it will cover.
Protect the family’s privacy
Only share personal, medical, or financial details with the family’s permission. A donation request does not need to explain the circumstances of the death or disclose private information.
Make giving optional
People may be unable to contribute financially, or they may prefer to offer support in another way. Acknowledge that there is no obligation to donate.
Check the details before sending
Verify names, dates, links, payment instructions, and the stated purpose. If the letter names a charity, confirm the organization’s official donation page and any memorial-gift instructions directly with the charity.
Tax and Fundraising Considerations
Donation rules depend on where the donor and recipient are located and on the legal status of the organization receiving the money. A contribution made to an individual or family is generally not the same as a donation made to an eligible charitable organization. Do not promise a tax deduction unless the recipient organization confirms that the gift qualifies and can provide the appropriate receipt.
For charitable gifts in the United States, the Internal Revenue Service explains that deductions generally depend on giving to a qualified organization and meeting applicable recordkeeping requirements. In the United Kingdom, Gift Aid has specific eligibility and declaration rules administered by HM Revenue & Customs. Donors should check the rules that apply in their jurisdiction.
How to Download and Use the Template
To make a reusable copy of the sample:
- Copy the letter into a word-processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
- Replace each bracketed placeholder with verified information.
- Remove any wording that does not apply.
- Save or export the finished letter as a DOCX or PDF file.
- Review the final version with the family or organization responsible for the request before distributing it.
If you are creating a downloadable file for a website, label it clearly—for example, “Memorial Donation Solicitation Letter Template”—and state whether it is an editable Word document or a PDF.
Conclusion
A donation request after a death should honor the person while giving readers clear, honest information about how they can help. Keep the message personal, make the purpose of the donations explicit, provide verified contribution instructions, and make participation entirely voluntary. A simple, sincere letter can invite support without taking attention away from what matters most: remembering the person who has died.
Sources
- Internal Revenue Service, “Charitable Contributions”: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/charitable-contributions
- HM Revenue & Customs, “Claiming Gift Aid as a charity or CASC”: https://www.gov.uk/claim-gift-aid
- Federal Trade Commission, “Charity Scams” (guidance on checking charitable solicitations): https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/charity-scams