Silent Auction Donation Request Letter Templates (PDF)

What's included

• Local business letter: a warm, personal ask that offers to collect the item and points to a quick online donation form
• Corporate and in-kind giving letter: a formal ask with space for your EIN and 501(c)(3) status, plus logo recognition for CSR-minded companies
• Email outreach: a short, skimmable request with a clear deadline
• Social media message: a friendly direct message for businesses you already follow, framed around the exposure you can offer them
• Follow-up nudge email: a polite reminder that asks for a quick yes or no before your deadline
• Returning supporter letter: thanks a past business for last year's item and invites them back
• Thank-you and item confirmation: confirms the item, its value, how the business will be recognized and the collection details
• The pack also includes a checklist of what every successful request includes, a 60-second pre-send check and tips to lift your response rate.

How to use it

• Check first whether the business has its own donation request form or giving portal, and use it if it does.
• Personalize the bracketed fields and name the specific item you're hoping for.
• Include a phone number, email or QR code linking to your online item donation form, and offer to collect the item.
• Send the follow-up nudge a week later if you haven't heard back, and confirm every yes in writing.