Gift acknowledgement letters serve two basic purposes. First, they help to thank donors and build a relationship with them for future requests. Second, they substantiate donations if donors need their contributions documented. In fact, for contributions of $250 or more, the IRS requires public charities to send written acknowledgements that must contain the following information:

• Organization's name
• Amount of cash contribution
• Description (but not value) of non-cash contribution
• Statement that no goods or services were provided by the organization, if that is the case
• Description and good faith estimate of the value of goods or services, if any, that the organization provided in return for the contribution
• Statement that goods or services, if any, that the organization provided in return for the contribution consisted entirely of intangible benefits, if that was the case

Samples of written acknowledgements

To look for sample letters online, search the Internet for keywords “sample nonprofit gift acknowledgement letter.” While reviewing other nonprofits' letters can be instructive, they are specific to the organization that wrote them and may not be appropriate for your nonprofit's situation. Think about who your donors are and the message that ou want your acknowledgement letter to convey.

See also our related Knowledge Base articles:

- Where can I find examples of gift acceptance policies?
- How can I find corporate sponsorship? Where can I find examples of sponsorship levels?

More articles on fundraising»

Selected resources below may also help.