A Night in the Cold 2025

You've got this! We're 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.


WHO SHOULD YOU ASK? 

Start by thinking about the people in your world—family, friends, coworkers (past or present), neighbors, and social media connections.

Make a list of names that come to mind. Don’t worry if you haven’t been in touch lately—many people are happy to reconnect and support a cause that’s important to you.

As you build your list, consider:

  • Would they open a message from me?

  • Would I want to hear from them if they were passionate about something?

  • Could they care about this cause too?

Organizing your list into small groups can make it easier to personalize your outreach and feel more confident when reaching out.

And remember—many people are looking for meaningful ways to make a difference. You might be giving them just the opportunity they’ve been waiting for.


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 - a nonprofit in Morris County that helps those who experience homelessness get back on their feet.

On Friday, December 5th, I will be sleeping outside for their A Night in the Cold event to raise awareness and funds for those who are unhoused. 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; families without housing do not.  We all deserve the basic needs of shelter, especially during these cold months.  By supporting my campaign, you support the hundreds of men, women, and children without housing 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 those who are unhoused – which includes children - experience every single day.

Here is the link to my fundraising page [insert page link].  I hope you can help, any amount will 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 - a nonprofit in Morris County that helps families experiencing homelessness get back on their feet.

On Friday, December 5th, I will be sleeping outside for their A Night in the Cold event to raise awareness and funds for those without housing.  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; people struggling with homelessness 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 make a difference!

Thank you,

[insert your name]


JUNIOR EMAIL OUTREACH:

Hi [insert first name],

I am raising funds to help the those who struggle with homelessness, and I hope you can help me reach my goal of [insert goal amount]!

On Friday, December 5th, I will be sleeping outside to help raise money and awareness for Homeless Solutions with their A Night in the Cold event.  They're a nonprofit near me that helps people who are unhoused 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; families without housing 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 those who struggle with homelessness and an organization I believe in, Homeless Solutions. 

You may recall from last year they are a nonprofit in Morris County that helps get unhoused families and individuals 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 5th, 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; those without housing 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 be sleeping outside to help raise money and awareness for those without housing 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 families and individuals in my community who are experiencing homelessness.  Here is the link to my fundraising page [insert page link] – any amount is appreciated!