Sample - Fundraising Letter

Dear

In early December I received a call from some of Washington's political leaders urging me to seek the position of Councilman for Ward 4.  They were quite persuasive.  After much consideration, I decided to accept this challenge.

 Raised in a family that took political and community service seriously, I learned we all have to give back to the community in which we live in some way or another.  Now is my time to give back to the community of Washington.  I am hopeful that I can bring a new viewpoint and some common sense ideas from the people of Ward 4 to the City Council of Washington.

 

There are many issues facing the citizens of Washington.  Chief among them is how we manage the expansive growth that we are facing.  New homes and new businesses mean wonderful things for this community, but they also create challenges.  How those challenges are handled by the City Council will affect the quality of life in all of Washington.  It is my intention to see that the growth is managed and directed in such a way that Washington continues to have that "hometown" feel that attracts so many new residents in the first place.

 Along with new development, Washington, like all communities of this size, faces retaining businesses in existing buildings.  Sunnyland Plaza is a prime example.  There is no easy fix to this problem, but with community involvement and continuing support from the City Council a solution will be found.   Maintaining our downtown as a thriving, historic, business district is a high priority.

 As you can see, I am excited at the possibility of serving the people of Washington.  But, before I can serve I must conduct a campaign.  Although my opponent is not going to be listed on the ballot because his petitions were not filed correctly, he is intending to run a write in campaign.  Because I am a relative newcomer to this community, I need to raise awareness of who I am.  This means that I will need yard signs, mailers, door hangers and more.  I am turning to the people who have known me the longest, who know me best, and humbly inviting you to get involved in my campaign and help make a difference.   

Your early contribution, made payable to "Shipp for City Council" will give my race a tremendous boost right out of the starting block.

 

Your gift of $25, $50 or $100 will help me raise the vital "seed money" I need to successfully launch this campaign.

My goal is to raise $2000 by March 1st, and I humbly ask for your support in helping me rise to this challenge.

There is an envelope and a reply card enclosed that I hope you will use to return your personal check and help me in my journey to serve the people of Washington.

 

Thanks in advance for your encouragement and generous support.  I am grateful for your friendship.