When asking for monetary donations, it’s important to answer the following questions:

• Why am I raising money for this cause?
• Why is it important to me?
• How will donations benefit my cause?

It’s also important to ask your supporters to help by donating and spreading the word.

Sample letter

Dear friends and family,

Every night as I briskly walk home to get out of the Boston winter weather, I walk past a homeless man whose face is chapped from the cold and who has emptiness and hopelessness in his eyes.

He’s not alone.

According to a study by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, between 2.3 and 3.5 million people experience homelessness. It’s not getting any better either, especially with the recession in full swing: The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates 1.5 million will be forced into homelessness over the next two years.

I can’t walk past this gentleman anymore without taking action, and I need your help! No matter how big or small, please consider making a contribution to my fundraising page:http://www.firstgiving.com/yourpageaddress.

Your donations will  go to a wonderful Boston-area nonprofit, the Pine Street Inn. I’ve witnessed their good work firsthand when I volunteered this year serving dinner to those less fortunate. The Pine Street Inn provides a comprehensive range of services, including permanent supportive housing, job training, emergency shelter, and street outreach to over 1,300 homeless men and women each day. Founded in 1969, Pine Street is the largest resource for homeless men and women in New England.

Please help me fight homelessness - we can do it one donation at a time. Again, my fundraising page is at:http://www.firstgiving.com/yourpageaddress.

Love,
Your Name