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. Over the last three years, we've raised more than $15,000 through this event, and we know that this year we'll make an even greater impact!

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

Copy, paste, and personalize the templates below to help you get others involved!

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 Bethany House of Northern Virginia - a nonprofit that provides safe, short-term housing and trauma-informed services to women and children escaping domestic violence.

On Saturday, March 9, I will be sleeping in my car for their One Night Homeless event to raise awareness and funds for those fleeing abuse. 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; women and children who are homeless due to domestic violence do not.  We all deserve the basic needs of safety and shelter, especially during these cold months.  By supporting my campaign, you support the dozens of women and children in my community who come to Bethany House for help, and you 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. Bethany House gives women in their programs the tools they need to rebuild their lives after abuse and to 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 volunteer, and I see the way that the lives of the women and children at Bethany House are changed.
• This is an opportunity to educate myself about what women fleeing abuse go through to get the help they need.

Here is the link to my fundraising page [insert page link].  You can join my fundraising team for $25 and get a t-shirt, or you can simply donate to the cause!  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 Bethany House of Northern Virginia - a nonprofit that provides safe, short-term housing and trauma-informed services to women and children escaping domestic violence.

On Saturday, March 9, I will be sleeping in a car for their One Night Homeless event to raise awareness and funds for the women and children fleeing abuse.  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; women and children fleeing domestic violence do not. 

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

Bethany House gives the people in their program the tools they need to rebuild their lives after abuse and to become independent.  This cause and organization mean a lot to me personally. 

Here is the link to my fundraising page [insert page link].  

You can join my fundraising team for $25 and get a t-shirt, or you can simply donate!  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 Saturday, March 9, I will be sleeping in a car to help raise money and awareness for Bethany House of Northern Virginia with their One Night Homeless event.  They're a nonprofit that helps provide shelter and services to women and children escaping domestic violence.  I know it will be hard, but I have a choice to give up my warm bed for one night; women and children running from abuse 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 safe and loving home and want to do what I can so everyone in my community can have a safe home.

Here is the link to my fundraising page [insert page link].  You can join my fundraising team for $25 and get a t-shirt, or you can just donate.  I hope you can help, any amount will help make a difference!

Thank you,

[insert your name]

JUST FUNDRAISING AND NOT SLEEPING OUT OVERNIGHT:

Hi [insert first name],

I'm reaching out to tell you about a unique fundraising event I am participating in to support Bethany House of Northern Virginia - a nonprofit that provides safe, short-term housing and trauma-informed services to women and children escaping domestic violence.

On Saturday, March 9, many Bethany House supporters will be sleeping in their cars for their One Night Homeless event to raise awareness and funds for the women and children fleeing abuse.  Although I will not be able to spend the night outside, I still wanted to help this great cause by starting a fundraising team.

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

Bethany House gives the people in their program the tools they need to rebuild their lives after abuse and to become independent.  This cause and organization mean a lot to me personally. 

Here is the link to my fundraising page [insert page link].  

You can join my fundraising team for $25 and get a t-shirt, or you can simply donate.  I hope you can help, 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 domestic violence survivors for Bethany House's One Night Homeless. 🌙 I’m getting close to reaching my goal 👏 and hope you can help!  All the proceeds help women and children fleeing abuse.  Here is the link to my fundraising page [insert page link] – any amount is appreciated!