OHS Sample Letter

A personal note to potential donors goes a long way toward successful fund-raising. Here’s a sample letter — feel free to tailor it and share it widely.

Dear family and friends,

Next month, as part of my Masters swim club, I will participate in the One Hour Swim, a national challenge in which I will swim as far as possible in, you guessed it, an hour. My club, Team New York Aquatics, uses OHS as an opportunity to raise money for causes that affect the LGBT community, and I’m hoping you’ll consider a donation to this year’s worthy beneficiaries, which I’ve detailed below. Last year we raised more than $23,000, and we’re hoping to bring in even more this year.

I hope you’ll consider donating [specific dollar amount], or a penny for every meter I hope to swim [or ask for more!]. Donations of any size are welcome, and they do tremendous good.

You can read more about the event and make a donation here [link to your individual fundraising page or the team Razoo page]. If you have questions, please let me know or write to ohs@tnya.org.

Thank you for your support!

[Your name]

This year’s beneficiaries:

• MCCNY’s Sylvia’s Place Project The starting point for New York City’s LGBTQI youth in crisis. Integrating case management with mental health services while stressing the unique strengths and potential of each youth, MCCNY Homeless Youth Services has developed a proven method for serving LGBTQI youth.
• Alliance for Positive Change Previously the AIDS Service Center NYC, the Alliance helps New Yorkers living with HIV and other chronic health conditions get the medical care, peer support, and housing assistance they need to achieve health, happiness, and stability.
• TNYA’s Fortoul Fellowship The Paul Fortoul Fellowship Program is named in memory of our beloved late coach, swimmer and mentor Paul Fortoul (1958-2007). The primary purpose of the program is to help team members who desire to swim more frequently than their financial resources let them.