​Fundraiser Templates

You got this! We provide outreach templates to help with ideas but encourage you to include a short, personal note. It's helpful to share a personal story about why you want to be an advocate for homelessness and why you're choosing to fundraise.

Don't be afraid to ask! Most people are happy to donate to a good cause and support your fundraising campaign. Think about everyone you know: friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. Thank you for being a champion for Family Life Shelter and our community.

Detailed Email Outreach

Dear XXXX,

This year, I am participating in Family Life’s A Night in the Cold to raise crucial funds and awareness for the homeless families and individuals in my community.

I will be braving the elements by sleeping outside for one night on November 8th in hopes of raising XXX for my personal fundraising campaign.

There are hundreds of homeless individuals in Mt. Vernon, which is why it's so important for me to support Family Life Shelter. Their shelter operates 24/7 with a dedicated staff committed to providing comprehensive resources for their guests. For the homeless that are not living full-time at the shelter, they can use the shelter as a warming center. This provides a warm shower, meals and place to freshen up.

This cause means a lot to me personally because (some examples):

• I've seen firsthand the families that Family Life Shelter has helped to get back on their feet.
• I was able to cook at the Family Life Shelter and wanted to do more to help the people I’ve met.
• I understand how many people are affected by homelessness and I want to do something about it.

This is an opportunity for my children to understand the uncomfortable circumstances the homeless families in our area experience every single day.

We all deserve the basic needs of shelter and warmth during these colder months. By supporting my campaign, you are supporting the hundreds of homeless in my community and letting them know they are not alone.

I really appreciate your support,

XXXX

Condensed Email Outreach

I am participating in A Night in the Cold on November 8th by braving the elements to raise awareness and funds for the hundreds of homeless Individuals in Jefferson County. I am hoping to raise XXX in support of Family Life Shelter.

This organization means a lot to me personally because XXX

By supporting my campaign, you are supporting the hundreds of homeless individuals in my community and helping get them on their feet. We all deserve the basic needs of shelter and warmth, especially in the colder months.

I really appreciate your support,

XXX

Junior Email Outreach

On Nov. 8th I will be giving up the comforts of my warm bed to support those who are homeless in my community. I will be braving the elements by participating in A Night in the Cold to help raise important funds for Family Life Shelter.

These proceeds will support Family Life Shelter’s efforts to get people on their feet. I think every person should have a warm place to sleep. I hope you will support my campaign and help me raise my goal of XXX.

This means a lot to me because (some examples):

• During the holidays, I don't think anyone should have to worry about sleeping in the cold
• I feel lucky to have a home and wish the same for everyone in my community

Thank you for your support,

XXX

Text Outreach

In XXX days, I will be participating in Family Life Shelter’s A Night in the Cold. See why this cause is important and how to support my campaign. All donations will help the homeless families and individuals in my community during these unbearably cold months.

Social Media Outreach

In XXX days I will be supporting hundreds of homeless individuals in my community by participating in Family Life’s A Night in the Cold. Check out my campaign to learn more. Every donation will help to provide warmth and shelter for those most vulnerable in our community: XXX[link]

I am XXX towards my goal of XXX! Please consider donating to my campaign supporting Family Life’s A Night in the Cold. I am preparing to brave the elements on Nov. 8th to raise crucial funds for the homeless in my community.

The weather forecast for this Friday is XXX degrees! Please consider supporting my campaign for Family Life’s A Night in the Cold as I give up the comforts of home to raise awareness and funds for the homeless in my community.

Preparing for A Night in the Cold: Below are some tips to help you brave the elements.

1. Avoid sleeping directly on the ground; you can use something as simple as blankets or cardboard as a barrier between your body heat and the ground.
2. Bring an extra pair of socks to change into right before you go to bed. Socks can be slightly damp from sweat if worn prior.
3. Doing a physical activity like jumping jacks before bed will increase your body heat. Nothing too extreme as you don't want to break a sweat.
4. Wear a hat to bed, 6% of the body's surface volume is on the head. A cold head can trigger the body to feel cold.
5. Layer up: one of the simplest ways to stay warm is to layer dry clothing. Fleece and down layers can add a few extra degrees of heat.