A Night in the Cold 2023

You've got this! We are here to help and want to make your fundraising easy. 

Here are some sample email messages to get you started.  We encourage you to edit them and make them your own.  Make it personal!  Share your fundraising goals and why this event is important to you.

And, don't be afraid to ask! We know asking for donations can be uncomfortable but we find people are excited about supporting this important cause. Last year we had over 1100 new donors!

Who should you ask?  Think about everyone you know: friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. And of course all the people you donated to in the past for their fundraising campaigns


DETAILED EMAIL OUTREACH:

Hi [insert first name],

I'm reaching out to tell you about a unique fundraising event I am participating in to support Homeless Solutions, Inc. - a nonprofit in Morris County that helps homeless people get back on their feet.

On Friday, December 1st, I will be sleeping outside for their A Night in the Cold event to raise awareness and funds for the homeless. I know it will be a long, cold night, but I have a choice to give up the comforts of my home for one night; homeless people do not.  We all deserve the basic needs of shelter, especially during these cold months.  By supporting my campaign, you support the hundreds of homeless men, women, and children in my community and let them know they are not alone.

I hope you can help me reach my goal of [insert goal amount]. 

This cause and organization mean a lot to me personally. Homeless Solution's motto is "a hand up, not a handout".  They give the people in their program the tools they need to rebuild their lives and become independent. I've seen the impact my support makes.  [insert personal note here – ideas below]

  • I've read a number of their success stories sharing how people show up with literally the clothes on their backs and leave with a job and a home they can afford.
  • I cooked at the shelter, met with their shelter guests, and heard their stories of falling on hard times and how they're working to graduate from the program.
  • This is an opportunity to educate my children and let them experience the reality of what a homeless person – which includes children - experiences every single day.

Here is the link to my fundraising page [insert page link].  I hope you can help, any amount will help make a difference!

Thank you,

[insert your name]


SHORT EMAIL OUTREACH:

Hi [insert first name],

I'm reaching out to tell you about a unique fundraising event I am participating in to support Homeless Solutions, Inc. - a nonprofit in Morris County that helps homeless people get back on their feet.

On Friday, December 1st, I will be sleeping outside for their A Night in the Cold event to raise awareness and funds for the homeless.  I know it will be a long, cold night, but I have a choice to give up the comforts of my home for one night; homeless people do not. 

I hope you can help me reach my goal of [insert goal amount].

Homeless Solution's motto is "a hand up, not a handout".  They give the people in their program the tools they need to rebuild their lives and become independent.  This cause and organization mean a lot to me personally. 

Here is the link to my fundraising page [insert page link].  I hope you can help, any amount will help make a difference!

Thank you,

[insert your name]


JUNIOR EMAIL OUTREACH:

Hi [insert first name],

I am raising funds to help the homeless, and I hope you can help me reach my goal of [insert goal amount]!

On Friday, December 1st, I will be sleeping outside to help raise money and awareness for Homeless Solutions, Inc. with their A Night in the Cold event.  They're a nonprofit near me that helps homeless people get back on their feet.  I know it will be hard, but I have a choice to give up my warm bed for one night; homeless people do not. 

This cause means a lot to me [insert personal connection – samples below].

  • It's upsetting to think families with kids my age are sleeping on the streets, especially during these cold nights. I want to do what I can to help.
  • I feel lucky to have a home and want to do what I can so everyone in my community can have a home.

Here is the link to my fundraising page [insert page link].  I hope you can help, any amount will help make a difference!

Thank you,

[insert your name]


ASKING FOR SUPPORT AGAIN THIS YEAR:
Hi [insert first name],

Thank you again for supporting my A Night in the Cold fundraiser last year.  Sleeping out in the cold was a very humbling and moving experience, so I am doing it again!  It felt good to raise awareness and funds for the homeless and an organization I believe in, Homeless Solutions. 

You may recall from last year they are a nonprofit in Morris County that helps get homeless people back on their feet.  Their motto is, “a hand up, not a handout” and I have seen how they rebuild lives by giving their shelter guests the tools they need to get jobs and homes they can afford.  [insert sentence with a  personal connection].

The event is on Friday, December 1st. I know it will be a long, cold night, but I have a choice to give up the comforts of my home for one night; homeless people do not. 

I set my goal this year for [insert fundraising goal].  Here is the link to my fundraising page [insert page link]. 

I hope you can help again, any amount will help make a difference!

Thank you,

[insert your name]


TEXT OUTREACH:

Hey [insert first name].  In [insert number of days], I will sleeping outside to help raise money and awareness for the homeless for Homeless Solutions' A Night in the Cold. 🌙 I’m getting close to reaching my goal 👏 and hope you can help!  All the proceeds help the homeless families and individuals in my community.  Here is the link to my fundraising page [insert page link] – any amount is appreciated!