Giving Tuesday started in 2012 as a day to give to charitable causes worldwide. It is held yearly on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Last year, Giving Tuesday generated over three billion dollars in donations in the United States alone, with over 30 million Americans donating. This year, it is expected to generate even more donations.
Are you considering running an email campaign to target donors this coming Giving Tuesday?
In this blog post, you will find 15 Giving Tuesday email templates to boost your email marketing efforts. You can use these email templates to:
- Build anticipation and drive early donations
- Introduce your campaign to new donors or recurring donors
- Drive donations on D-day
- Thank your donors
Using these templates will reduce your workload and ensure the success of your campaign. Whether you are a rookie or a veteran email marketer, you will find them helpful.
Ready? Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Discover why Giving Tuesday is crucial for nonprofits and how to make the most of it.
- Learn the art of crafting personalized emails that resonate and inspire action.
- Explore essential email templates—from save-the-date to thank-you—that drive results.
- Uncover strategies to double your donations with matching gifts.
- Find out why timely thank-you emails are your secret weapon for future success.
General Guideline on Writing Your Giving Tuesday Emails
Here are the best practices to write Giving Tuesday email templates that stand out in crowded inboxes.
Subject line
- Keep it clear and concise, aiming for 35-45 characters.
- Be creative with a compelling subject line.
- Use words that make it easy to stand out and invoke potential donors’ attention.
- Use personalization: add the potential donor’s name or their organization name.
Greeting
- If it’s a recurring donor, reflect your appreciation for them in the greeting and introduction.
- Make one-time or new donors feel welcomed and valued right from the start. One way to do this is to personalize the email with the recipient’s name or organization.
Opening line
- A fundraising campaign requires a different email strategy from other email campaigns. Your subject line must reflect your goal and let potential donors know what you are trying to achieve and why it matters to you so you can draw them in to read the rest of the email.
- Be warm, friendly, and specific. This will set the tone for the rest of the email.
Body
- Make your donation emails easy to read. Include information on what you want to raise funds for, your donation goals, the nonprofit’s mission and fundraising progress from the previous, and a link to your donation page.
- Include essential campaign details, relevant images, and a progress bar to ensure transparency and build trust.
- Use relevant hashtags like #GivingTuesday to increase visibility.
Call to action
- Your call-to-action should be immediately noticeable once a recipient opens your email. There’s no need to hide it. Choose designs that make your CTA easy to see. If you need examples of effective CTAs, check out these email templates for inspiration.
- Ensure your CTA guides your recipients on what they should do next. Do you need them to save a date for an event? Then, use those exact words to avoid ambiguity.
Closing
- Thank the recipient or express your anticipation for their support.
- Use an appropriate sign-off (e.g., Best regards, Sincerely).
Signature
- Include your name, title, and contact information.
- Ensure your signature is professional, including your name, title, and contact information.
Now that you have a general knowledge of how to write a great email, let us look at how you can write various Giving Tuesday emails and some templates that you can personalize for your own Giving Tuesday email campaigns.
Let’s take a detailed look at writing each.
Enhance Your Email Marketing
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Save the Date Giving Tuesday Email Templates
Imagine being excited about an event only to realize you’ve accidentally scheduled something else at the same time.
It’s a common issue during the busy holiday season. To prevent this from happening, you should send out save-the-day emails to your donors weeks before Giving Tuesday. Sending save-the-date emails early ensures your donors are prepared and more likely to attend. This type of email also helps you build awareness for your next campaign if sent at the right time.
Here are tips for creating the best ‘save the date’ emails that stand out in crowded inboxes, engage your audience, and ensure they mark their calendars for your event.
Be creative
Save the formality for the invitation letter; save-the-date emails should be creative and exciting. You should aim to stand out in a sea of emails that will never get opened.
Use puns, rhymes, and other creative touches to make your email stand out. Don’t stop there—include their names in the email’s subject line to give them a sense of belonging.
Plead for your cause
Everyone is busy balancing work, family, and other commitments.
So why should they take the time to attend your event or donate? Find an answer to that question, and once you do, help your email recipient see it, too. Your save-the-date email should convince them that you have a worthy cause and that they should help you achieve it. You can do this by telling stories that elicit strong emotions.
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Give details
Tell your email recipient when it is happening, and if you already have a location, you should include it.
You can include a link in the email that recipients can click on to add the event directly to their preferred calendar application, such as Google Calendar, Outlook, or Apple Calendar. When doing this, ensure that the CTA button is conspicuous and the link works well.
Now, let’s explore some effective examples of Giving Tuesday emails.
Why it works
- The email clearly states the goal the organization set out to achieve and their progress.
- They include the link to their donation community forum where recipients can join and begin to donate monthly ahead of Giving Tuesday.
- It contains a link for recipients to see their work, which helps build trust.
- They included their social media handles
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Save the date Giving Tuesday email templates
Here are some Giving Tuesday email templates to kickstart your email marketing campaign
Template 1: Basic save-the-date Giving Tuesday email template
| Subject Line: [Name], skip a cup of coffee and save a life! |
| Hey [Name],
You can give young children quality education for the cost of a cup of coffee. We are hosting a special event on [Event Date] to ensure every child can access quality education, but we can’t do it without you. Join us in making a difference! Mark your calendar and prepare for a purpose and impact-filled day. Your presence can change lives. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for these kids. Cheers, [Your Organization] |
Template 2: Email with calendar invite options
| Subject Line: [Name], Let’s Make it a Purrfect world |
| Hey [Name],
Do you consider yourself a cat purr-son? Our furry friends need your help to stay off the streets and find a loving family. Join us at our fundraising event on [Event Date] at [Event Location]. We promise you’ll have a purr-fectly wonderful time! Don’t fur-get to save the date. Okay, enough cat puns. We can’t wait to see you! Click [here] to add it to your calendar Cheers, [Your Organization] |
Get inspired with more email templates from EngageBay’s email template library.
Read more: Nonprofit Email Marketing: Tips, Tools, and Best Practices
Campaign Announcement Giving Tuesday Email Templates
People give to charitable causes because they hear about them and are convinced to do so. Convincing donors involves invoking their emotions and making them believe in your cause.
This is equally important for recurring donors and potential donors.
Therefore, when planning a Giving Tuesday campaign, send campaign announcement emails informing them about the event and why they should be interested. This sounds like an arduous task, but it doesn’t have to be.
Follow these easy steps, and you will be writing great announcement emails in no time.
Start with a story
Stories are great for pulling people in and making them buy into your campaign.
Telling the story of those your project caters to is an excellent way of educating the donors about why the cause is important and why they should go towards it. Get personal, tell specific stories, and include names and, if possible, pictures. This will make the story more relatable and move your donors to act.
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Show past success
From my experience working with charitable organizations and hosting fundraising events, I know that people are likelier to donate to you if you have proof of past successes. This is not to say that people would not donate to your charitable cause if you are just starting.
However, donors are more easily convinced if you show them what you have done about the problem in the past. If your organization has been involved in a similar cause, add some information that makes sense to your email.
Show them what their donations will be used for
Many donors are apprehensive about donating to charitable organizations. Their apprehension is not entirely unfounded, given the many famous charity scams that have happened recently.
To quell your donors’ fears, you must include details on how you intend to use the money they donate. This way, you can inform your donors and present your organization as transparent and trustworthy.
Let us look at this Giving Tuesday email example and why it works.
Why it works
- They add an authentic element to the match by showing how many meals each donation category can provide. This makes the recipient visualize the impact of their donation on real people.
- They appreciate those who have given and urge them to share with their friends and family, and this is a great way to increase campaign visibility and donations.
Giving Tuesday announcement email templates
Feel free to steal these email templates for your next Giving Tuesday email campaign.
Template 1: Campaign introduction emails
| Subject Line: 🌟 Exciting News! Our Giving Tuesday Campaign is Here! 🌟 |
| Dear [Recipient’s Name],
The countdown to Giving Tuesday has begun, and we couldn’t be more excited to share our campaign with you! This year, we’re focusing on a cause close to our hearts: [Brief Description of the Cause]. Here’s Why It Matters: [Share a compelling story about someone directly impacted by the cause. For instance: “Meet Max, a young cat who found a new lease on life thanks to the support of people like you. Max was abandoned and in desperate need of care, but thanks to our previous campaigns, he received the medical attention and loving home he deserved.”] What’s Next? This Giving Tuesday, we’re aiming to [Briefly State the Campaign Goal, e.g., “raise $10,000 to provide shelter and medical care for unsheltered and abused cats”]. Your support can help make a real difference! Stay tuned for more details and ways you can get involved. Together, we can create more success stories like Max’s! Thank you for your continued support. Warm regards, [Your Name] [Contact Information] [Website URL] |
Template 2: Detailed emails explaining the use of funds
| Subject Line: How Your Generous Donations Will Transform Lives This Giving Tuesday |
| Dear [Recipient’s Name],
Thank you for your enthusiasm about our upcoming Giving Tuesday campaign! We want to take a moment to share exactly how your donations will make a significant impact. What Your Contribution Will Achieve: [Specific Use of Funds #1] [Description, e.g., “Your donation will help cover the cost of veterinary care for rescued cats, ensuring they receive the treatment they need to thrive.” [Specific Use of Funds #2] [Description, e.g., “Funds will be allocated to providing safe and comfortable shelters for cats who have been abandoned or are living on the streets.”] [Specific Use of Funds #3] [Description, e.g., “We will also invest in our community outreach programs to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and prevent future cases of neglect.”] Your Impact: Every dollar you contribute helps us reach our [State the Total Fundraising Goal] goal. With your support, we can continue providing life-saving care and support to those most need it. How to Get Involved: [Include a call to action, e.g., “Click here to make your donation now and be a part of this life-changing mission.”] Thank you for being a vital part of our community. Together, we’re making a real difference! With gratitude, [Your Name] |
Here is a graphic email template from EngageBay’s template library:
This Giving Tuesday email template has a clear layout and easy-to-use buttons for quick action. The design adapts well to different devices to reach more people effectively.
Read also: Engaging eCommerce Email Templates to Boost Sales in 2024
‘Day of Giving’ Tuesday Email Templates
Giving Tuesday is finally here, and you want to ensure you reach your campaign’s goals. You know who will attend your event if you have done the underground work (sending save-the-date and announcement emails).
While emailing everyone on your original mailing list doesn’t hurt, focusing on those interested in attending the event would be more sensible.
Because they have shown interest in your event and saved the date on their calendars, they are likelier to participate in the event and donate to your cause.
Morning email
Start by sending out an early morning email to kick off your Giving Tuesday event.
This email should be clear and direct. It should remind the recipients of their commitment to attending the event and then invite them to donate.
For example, your subject line could read: Hey [recipient name], Giving Tuesday is finally here; it is time to act! Or, Hey [recipient name], it’s Giving Tuesday, and the ball is in your court.
The email should be clear and concise. Emphasize the call to action and ensure it is immediately visible when your recipient opens it. Consider using a contrasting color to make it distinct.
Template 1: Giving day morning kick-off email template
| Subject Line: Hey [Recipient Name], Giving Tuesday is finally here; it’s time to act! |
| Hi [Recipient Name],
The day we’ve all been waiting for is here—Giving Tuesday! 🎉 Today is the perfect opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the [cause] we care so much about. Your commitment to attending our event means the world to us, and now it’s time to take the next step. Click the button below to donate and help us reach our goal: [Donate Now] Your support is crucial, and every contribution counts. Together, we can make an incredible impact! Thank you for your generosity, [Your Name/Organization Name] |
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Midday email
Send an email also around midday to target those who check their emails during lunch hours.
Many email recipients may not give earlier during rush hour, but this doesn’t mean they don’t want to give. It could mean that they haven’t had the chance to. A reminder during launch hours will be the nudge they need to move in the right direction.
As with the morning email, ensure that the midday email contains few words and makes it easy for them to donate.
Template 2: Midday Giving Tuesday email template
| Subject Line: Hi [Recipient Name], a quick reminder: Giving Tuesday is in full swing! |
| Hi [Recipient Name],
We’re halfway through Giving Tuesday, and your support has already made a huge impact! 🌟 If you haven’t had a chance to donate, there’s still plenty of time. During your lunch break, take a moment to help us make a difference for [cause]. Click the button below to donate: [Donate Now] Remember, every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal. Let’s keep the momentum going! Thank you for your continued support, [Your Name/Organization Name] |
Template 3: Last chance email template
Sometimes, work can get very busy, and people barely have time to eat lunch, let alone check their emails.
Based on this understanding, you need to cater to those people who cannot check their emails until after work hours.
Beyond catering to those email recipients who were busy all day, these last-chance emails also create urgency and hasten the decision to donate. Consider adding a countdown timer to drive the point home when writing these emails.
| Subject Line: [Recipient Name], the clock is ticking—let your money count! |
| Hi [Recipient Name],
The day is almost over, but there’s still time to make a difference on Giving Tuesday! ⏳ If you’ve been busy all day, now’s the perfect moment to take action. Your support is crucial in helping us reach our goal for [cause]. Click the button below to donate before time runs out: [Donate Now] Let’s end this day on a high note and make a lasting impact together. Thank you for your incredible generosity! With gratitude, [Your Name/Organization Name] |
Read more: Nonprofits CRM – Using Your CRM for Fundraising and More
Matching Gift Giving Tuesday Email Templates
Matching gift campaigns are an efficient fundraising strategy because they essentially double the impact of each donation.
You encourage your donors to give more when they know an employer or another contributor will match their donations. This feeling that their donation is worth twice as much might boost their overall contributions and engagement.
Nonprofits benefit from gift matching since it raises the donor’s initial gift, improving the organization’s revenue.
Furthermore, employees who ask their employers for matching donations give the nonprofit free advertising and fundraising support. They are promoting the nonprofit and asking for donations on its behalf, which is an essential win for your non-profit organization.
Here are some strategies to ensure a successful matching gift campaign on Giving Tuesday:
- Educate donors: Inform your donors about matching gift opportunities and how they can participate.
- Simplify the process: Provide clear instructions on how donors can submit matching gift requests.
- Highlight impact: Emphasize how matching gifts can double their impact and contribute to the cause.
- Use multiple channels: Promote matching gift opportunities across various platforms, including email, social media, and your website.
- Acknowledge matching donors: Publicly thank donors whose gifts are matched. This will reinforce the value of their contribution.
Read more: The Strategies & Tools Guide To Email Marketing for Nonprofits
Matching gift email templates
Here are some matching gift email templates to kickstart your next donation email campaign.
Template 1: Announcing matching gift opportunities
| Subject Line: Hey [recipient name], we will double every dollar you give! |
| Hi [Recipient Name],
We have exciting news! Thanks to the generosity of our matching gift partners, your donation to [Organization/Cause] can go twice as far. This Giving Tuesday, every dollar you donate will be matched, doubling your impact and helping us reach our goals even faster. This is a fantastic opportunity to make an even more significant difference in the lives of [beneficiaries]. How to Participate:
Click the button below to donate and double your impact: [Donate Now] Together, we can achieve great things. Thank you for your continued support! With gratitude, [Your Name/Organization Name] |
Template 2: Progress updates on matching campaigns
| Subject Line: We’re Halfway There—Help Us Reach Our Matching Gift Goal! |
| Hi [Recipient Name],
We’re thrilled to share exciting news about our matching gift campaign for [Organization/Cause]. Thanks to the fantastic support from donors like you, we’re already halfway to our goal! But we still need your help to reach the finish line. Remember, every dollar you donate will be matched, doubling your impact and making an even more significant difference for [beneficiaries]. Here’s how you can help:
Click the button below to make your donation and help us reach our goal: [Donate Now] Thank you for your incredible support and generosity. Together, we can achieve amazing things! With appreciation, [Your Name/Organization Name] |
Read also: Corporate Email Templates to Nail Your Business Communications
Giving Tuesday Thank You Email Templates
Sending a thank you message shows that you appreciate the efforts of your donors.
When you send a thank you message, it makes your donors understand that you value their contribution, and this will go a long way to reinforce their decision to support your cause and encourage future involvement. Your thank you email should come immediately after your donor contributes; do it later, or they might feel like you do not value them.
Consider automating the process and using thank you email templates to send prompt thank you emails. This will save you time and also reduce your workload.
Here are some tips for personalizing thank-you emails:
- Use recipient’s name: Addressing the donor by their name adds a personal touch and shows that the message is specifically for them.
- Reference their donation: Mention the amount or specific details to make the acknowledgment more personal and specific.
- Share impact: Include details on how their donation is making a difference. This could be through impact stories, progress updates, or plans made possible by their generosity.
- Be genuine: Express your gratitude in a warm, conversational tone. Avoid generic phrases and make the message as personal and specific as possible.
Giving Tuesday thank you email templates
Use these Giving Tuesday email templates to show appreciation for your donors and make them repeat donors.
Template 1: Immediate thank you email post-donation
| Subject Line: Thank you, [Recipient Name]! Your support means the world |
| Hi [Recipient Name],
We are thrilled to thank you for your generous donation of [Donation Amount] to [Organization/Cause]! Your support is making a significant impact on our mission to [Briefly State Mission or Goal]. Here’s how your donation is helping us:
Your contribution helps us bring positive change and create lasting impacts. We are incredibly grateful for your support and look forward to sharing more updates. Thank you once again for making a difference! Warm regards, [Name and Email Signature] |
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Template 2: Follow-up thank you email with impact stories
| Subject Line: Look What We’ve Accomplished Together—A Special Thanks to You! |
| Hi [Recipient Name],
Thanks to your incredible support, we’ve made great strides in [Cause/Project]! We’re excited to share some fantastic news with you. [Impact Story #1, e.g., “Meet Max, a brave little cat who now has a cozy home and the medical care he needs, all thanks to donors like you.”] [Impact Story #2, e.g., “Your donation has helped fund our latest outreach campaign, reaching over 500 families and raising awareness about responsible pet ownership.”] Here’s how your generosity is creating change:
Your support is crucial in helping us continue our work. We are deeply grateful for your commitment and look forward to updating you on our progress. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission! With heartfelt thanks, [Name and Email Signature] |
Conclusion
Planning a Giving Tuesday campaign can be a significant task. This is because several parts make up the whole. To ensure your campaign is successful, you must learn how to write emails, which can be challenging.
This is where Giving Tuesday email templates come in. With the email templates in this article, your success is guaranteed.
Feel free to browse EngageBay’s free email library and choose from over 1,000 HTML email templates to create and send stunning, conversion-boosting emails. You can choose from different categories, such as industry, email purpose, and seasons, making your search easy and efficient.
If you need to send campaign emails in bulk and do a lot of other marketing work, check out the unbeatable features of EngageBay CRM.
It allows you to streamline your marketing efforts on a single platform, making managing your campaigns and tracking your results more accessible. Additionally, you can reduce marketing costs by up to 82% when you sign up for EngageBay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to send Giving Tuesday emails?
Try to send your first email between 8 and 9 AM to get the attention of those just starting their day.
Send a follow-up email between 12 and 1 PM to people who check their mailbox during lunch breaks. In the late afternoon, between 4 and 5 PM, send a reminder to reach them before they stop their workday.
Finally, aim for the 7-9 PM evening for a last-minute push, appealing to people who check their emails after dinner. Remember to consider time zones and experiment with different send times to see what works best for your audience.
2. How can I personalize my Giving Tuesday email templates effectively?
The first step in successfully personalizing your Giving Tuesday email templates is to address recipients by first name, which immediately provides a personal touch.
Refer to their prior exchanges or contributions to further personalize and make the communication relevant.
Additionally, use dynamic content to divide your audience into groups according to their involvement level, donation history, or preferences so that each recipient gets relevant material.
3. What are the most important metrics to track for Giving Tuesday campaigns?
The most important metric to look out for is the amount donated, which gives you an accurate idea of the overall financial impact.
Next, track the number of distinct donors in addition to this to get a sense of the range of support.
Measure the average donation amount as well, as this indicates the generosity of donors and aids in determining the efficacy of your appeals.
Examining email open and click-through rates is crucial since these data reveal how well your messaging and calls to action work. Platforms. Lastly, the effectiveness of any matching gift initiatives should be evaluated, as these have the potential to increase donation totals significantly.
4. What common mistakes should be avoided in Giving Tuesday email campaigns?
First, avoid generic messaging since it can make consumers feel unimportant. Instead, use tailored content to establish a deeper bond with your audience.
Secondly, don’t send emails too soon or late; timing is essential, so organize your schedule to maximize engagement on the big day. Furthermore, make sure your call to action is engaging and noticeable; imprecise or concealed CTAs might result in lost opportunities.
Also, remember that many recipients will read your emails on their phones, so ensure your design is user-friendly and responsive.
5. How can I create a sense of urgency in my Giving Tuesday emails?
Use attention-grabbing subject lines in your Giving Tuesday emails, like “Only Hours Left to Double Your Impact!” to establish a sense of urgency.
Then, in the email body, prominently display the deadline or limited-time offer and stress how every second matters in reaching the objective. Use visual indicators or countdown timers to indicate the amount of time left, as this can visibly increase the sense of urgency.
Additionally, give your call-to-action buttons strong, direct phrasing, like “Donate Now Before Time Runs Out!” Also, send follow-up emails to the recipients to emphasize the urgency and remind them there isn’t much time left to make a difference.
👉 Have you tried our email templates? Share your experience in the comments below, and let us know how they worked for your campaigns!
