9 Pledge Card Templates to Boost Nonprofit Donation Revenue

Pledge cards are a great way to boost revenue and acquire new donors. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of pledge cards and provide nine different templates to ensure you send out the right ones for your organization.

The Basics of Pledge Cards

Requesting donations from your supporters can be a daunting task. It can be uncomfortable to ask for more from donors or volunteers who have already contributed so much to your nonprofit. However, your organization relies on fundraising to help its beneficiaries and fulfill its mission, so encouraging donations is important. If you’re looking to improve your donor outreach, consider using pledge cards.

Pledge cards are a tool nonprofits use to simplify donation asks and encourage more donations. To make the donation pledge request process even easier, we’ve provided some pledge card templates and best practices to help you develop pledge cards that align with your nonprofit and its goals.

What Are Pledge Cards?

Pledge cards invite current and potential donors to pledge a donation to your cause. They include information about your current fundraising initiatives and provide space for donors to fill in their contact and payment information. Instead of donating right away, donors use pledge cards as a promise to contribute to your organization.

Why Are Pledge Cards Important?

There are several reasons why pledge cards are important. Pledge cards:

• Provide a way for people to commit to donating to your organization. It will make donors feel good about themselves to pledge donations, but they’re not really contributing yet. This option can appeal to donors who may not currently have the capacity to give but will in the future.
• Are a great method for encouraging recurring giving. Some donors may feel intimidated by donating a singular large sum. Pledge cards give them the option to donate a smaller amount monthly or quarterly, which can introduce donors to the idea of donating on a regular basis.
• Can help you build stronger relationships with your donors. Since pledge cards often solicit multiple donations, they can keep donors around for longer. Also, you’ll collect accurate contact information that will enable you to connect with new donors and update the information you’ve stored for returning donors.

How Do You Write A Pledge Card?

Pledge cards must contain certain elements so you can successfully request a donation and follow up on that request. All pledge cards should include:

• An explanation of the campaign. Most of the time, organizations use pledge cards to raise money for a specific campaign or initiative. Include a short statement about what the campaign is and how donors’ contributions will help your nonprofit achieve its campaign goals. Conversely, you can provide a synopsis of your organization’s work and mission for more general asks.
• The pledge amount. Next, you’ll want to ask donors for the amount they’d like to pledge. You can leave this portion open-ended or provide suggested donation amounts. You can also give donors the option to contribute once or on a recurring basis.
• Payment options. Right after the pledge amount, provide a space for donors to indicate how they’d like to pay. Typical options include by check, credit card, or a gift of stock. You can also give donors the option to receive payment reminders by mail or email.
• Donor contact information. Collect the donor’s name, mailing address, email address, and phone number. That way, you can follow up on their pledges and make sure they follow through.
• An explanation of what donations will accomplish. It can be helpful for donors to have a more tangible idea of where their donations are going. Use this section as an opportunity to expand upon the campaign’s general intent or provide specific examples of what donations of different dollar amounts will allow your nonprofit to accomplish.
• Follow-up details. Let donors know what happens after they pledge their donations. For example, you may send them an email confirming you’ve received their pledge. Additionally, provide contact information for your organization and indicate to whom checks should be payable.
• Statement of gratitude. To close out your pledge card, thank donors for their contributions. Make sure you acknowledge how important their support is to the success of your organization.

Standard Pledge Card Template

Event-a-thon Pledge Card Template

Annual Appeal Pledge Card Template

Capital Campaign Pledge Card Template

Corporate Sponsorship Pledge Card Template

Church Pledge Card Template

Animal Shelter Pledge Card Template

College or University Pledge Card Template

Major Donor Pledge Card Template

Pledge Card Template #1: Standard Template

Pledge Card

At [nonprofit’s name], we’re committed to [explain your organization’s mission]. Your contribution would allow us to propel our mission forward and continue giving back to our community.

Donation

I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:

• ___ One-time contribution $ _____________
• ___ Multiple contributions $ _____________
  • ___ Monthly
  • ___ Quarterly
  • ___ Annually
  • ___ Other

  Payment Information

  I would like to pay by:

  • ___ Check attached
  • ___ Credit card: Credit card # __________________ Type _______ Exp. Date _______
  • ___ Other _________________________________________________________

  Donor Information

  Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________

  City: __________________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________

  Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________

  Your Impact

  Your financial commitment to [nonprofit’s name] has a huge impact on our community. Take a look at these examples of how your gift can truly change lives:

  • $25 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
  • $50 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
  • $100 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
  • $250 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
  • $500 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].

  After we receive your donation, we will email you a receipt for your own records. Additionally, please make all checks payable to [nonprofit’s name].

  Thank you so much for your support!

  [Fundraising Point of Contact’s Name]

  [Organization’s Contact Information]

  Best Practices for This Pledge Card

  Be sure to personalize your pledge cards to your nonprofit. For example, feel free to reword any sections to more clearly capture your typical branding and voice. Additionally, add any statistics or examples that illustrate how past donations have helped to propel your mission forward.

  It’s also important to ensure your pledge card is easy to follow. The premise of the pledge card is simple, and the layout of yours should reflect that. Clearly label each section, leave enough space between sections, and limit the text to only what’s essential.

  Lastly, consider including a matching gifts section on your pledge cards. You can have donors indicate whether their employer matches donations and add their employer’s contact information. That way, you can send them a matching gift request form for them to fill out so your organization can earn even more revenue.

  Pledge Card Template #2: Event-a-thon

  [Event Name] Pledge Card

  We are so excited to have your support for [event name]! With your contribution, you can cheer on your sponsored participant and help us reach our fundraising goal.

  Donation

  I pledge to contribute:

  • ___ $ _____________ per [metric you’re tracking]
  • ___ $ _____________ flat donation

  Payment Information

  I would like to pay by:

  • ___ Check attached
  • ___ Credit card: Credit card # __________________ Type _______ Exp. Date _______
  • ___ Other _________________________________________________________

  Personal Information

  Participant Name: _________________________________________________ Sponsor Name: ___________________________________________________

  Address: ________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________________

  State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________

  Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________

  Your Impact

  This year, we’re hoping to raise [fundraising goal amount] in support of [explain your mission]. Check out how your contribution can help:

  • $25 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
  • $50 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
  • $100 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
  • $250 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
  • $500 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].

  Please look out for an email receipt for your donation. Additionally, make all checks payable to [nonprofit’s name].

  Thank you so much for supporting our participants and our organization!

  [Fundraising Point of Contact’s Name]

  [Organization’s Contact Information]

  Best Practices for This Pledge Card

  Did you know that “84% of event fundraising pledges are fulfilled”? With a strong pledge card, you can raise a ton of money for your next fundraising event. Plus, pledge cards are perfect for event-a-thons specifically because donors can pledge a certain amount of money per lap walked, book read, or hours danced. Just make sure it’s clear how the event and subsequent pledging will work.

  For example, if you’re hosting a walkathon, explain to your donors that they will be sponsoring participants for every lap they walked over a week-long period. That way, donors can get an idea of how much money they’ll be contributing ahead of time.

  It’s also good practice to include an option for a flat donation. If your donor doesn’t want to leave their donation amount in the participant’s hands, then they can provide a donation of their choice. Additionally, some donors may want to pledge per metric and add on a flat donation, allowing you to raise even more for your cause.

  Pledge Card Template #3: Annual Appeal

  Annual Appeal Pledge Card

  This year at [nonprofit’s name], we’ve been fortunate enough to [summarize what your organization has accomplished in the past year]. It’s because of donors like you that we’ve been able to make such an impact, and we hope to accomplish even more with your continued support in the new year. Please help us reach our fundraising goal of [add fundraising goal dollar amount for the new year]!

  Donation

  I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:

  • ___ One-time contribution $ _____________
  • ___ Multiple contributions $ _____________
    • ___ Monthly
    • ___ Quarterly
    • ___ Annually
    • ___ Other

    Payment Information

    I would like to pay by:

    • ___ Check attached
    • ___ Credit card: Credit card # __________________ Type _______ Exp. Date _______
    • ___ Other _________________________________________________

    Donor Information

    Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________

    City: __________________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________

    Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________

    Your Impact

    Your contribution to [nonprofit’s name] will change lives. Here are some examples of how your donation can make an impact:

    • $25 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
    • $50 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
    • $100 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
    • $250 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
    • $500 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].

    We’ll email you a receipt once we receive your contribution. Please make all checks payable to [nonprofit’s name].

    Thank you so much for your support! Let’s make [new year] the best fundraising year yet!

    [Fundraising Point of Contact’s Name]

    [Organization’s Contact Information]

    Best Practices for This Pledge Card

    Most organizations send out an annual appeal ahead of the new year. If your nonprofit chooses to do so, lean into the prospect of holiday season giving. Remind donors that it’s the perfect time to pay it forward and show your generosity just in time for the holidays.

    Also, if you’re sending a pledge card to a recurring donor, personalize your ask. Include information about their previous donations and explain exactly what those donations allowed your organization to accomplish. That way, you can make the impact section of your pledge card more powerful and show donors you care about them as individuals.

    Pledge Card #4: Capital Campaign

    Capital Campaign Pledge Card

    Our team at [nonprofit’s name] is ecstatic to announce our upcoming capital campaign! [Explain what the capital campaign is raising money for]. We hope you’ll join us in reaching our fundraising goal of [add fundraising goal dollar amount].

    Donation

    I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:

    • ___ One-time contribution $ _____________
    • ___ Multiple contributions $ _____________ for the next ___ years
      • ___ Monthly
      • ___ Quarterly
      • ___ Annually
      • ___ Other

      Payment Information

      I would like to pay by:

      • ___ Check attached
      • ___ Credit card: Credit card # __________________ Type _______ Exp. Date _______
      • ___ Other _________________________________________________

      Donor Information

      Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________

      City: __________________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________

      Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________

      Your Impact

      Your support for this campaign will make a huge impact. Here are some examples of how your contribution will add to our cause:

      • $100 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
      • $250 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
      • $500 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
      • $1000 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
      • $5000 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].

      If your payment spans several years, we will provide pledge reminders and updates about how your generous contribution is being used. Please make all checks payable to [nonprofit’s name].

      We are so grateful for your support and can’t wait for this campaign to take off.

      [Fundraising Point of Contact’s Name]

      [Organization’s Contact Information]

      Best Practices for This Pledge Card

      Capital campaigns can last anywhere from one to five years. To reflect this longer engagement, allow donors who are making multiple pledges to do so over an extended period of time. That way, you can receive their support throughout your campaign.

      Additionally, provide updates about how donors’ contributions are being used in the context of your campaign. Being specific about how funds are helping you achieve your overarching goal can incentivize donors to continue contributing to your cause.

      You’ll also want to send out pledge reminders so people remember to contribute. Ask donors whether they’d prefer to receive reminders by email or direct mail.

      Lastly, while you may want to provide predetermined ask amounts for other pledge cards, stick with an open-ended ask for capital campaigns. This allows major donors to feel less inhibited and contribute exactly how much they’d like to. As a result, you’ll earn more money for your cause.

      Pledge Card Template #5: Corporate Sponsorship

      Corporate Sponsorship Pledge Card

      Our team at [nonprofit’s name] is dedicated to [explain your organization’s mission]. We would love to partner with your business to give back to the community together!

      Donation

      On behalf of [space to insert business’ name], I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:

      • ___ One-time contribution $ _____________
      • ___ Multiple contributions $ _____________
        • ___ Monthly
        • ___ Quarterly
        • ___ Annually
        • ___ Other

        Payment Information

        I would like to pay by:

        • ___ Check attached
        • ___ Credit card: Credit card # __________________ Type _______ Exp. Date _______
        • ___ Other _________________________________________________

        Donor Information

        Organization Name: _______________________________________________ Main Point of Contact Name: _________________________________________

        Company Address: ________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________________

        State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________

        Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________

        Your Impact

        Your financial support of [nonprofit’s name] will truly change lives in our community. Here are some examples of the impact your gift will make:

        • $500 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
        • $1000 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
        • $5000 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
        • $10,000 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
        • $50,000 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].

        After we receive your donation, we will email you a receipt for your own records. We will also add you to the corporate sponsor section of our website and feature your logo in future event and campaign marketing materials. Please make all checks payable to [nonprofit’s name].

        Thank you so much for your support! We look forward to working hand in hand with your organization to [reiterate your mission].

        [Fundraising Point of Contact’s Name]

        [Organization’s Contact Information]

        Best Practices for This Pledge Card Template

        When you’re reaching out for a corporate sponsorship, address the business owner or point of contact by name if possible. Research the correct person to contact ahead of time to maximize your chances of gaining the organization’s support.

        Since these will be larger-scale donations, you’ll want to be specific about the projects and initiatives they’re going toward. Try to connect your work to the company’s priorities to make your pledge card more personal.

        You’ll also want to let corporate sponsors know how they’ll be acknowledged for their contribution. In exchange for their donation, you can promote your corporate sponsors on your website or through your marketing materials.

        Lastly, be sensitive to the types of businesses you’re reaching out to. For example, if you’re contacting a small business, you may want to lower the dollar amounts for your statements in the impact section. Consider asking for in-kind donations instead if relevant.

        Pledge Card Template #6: Churches

        Pledge Card

        We are so grateful to have you as a member of our community at [church’s name]. To continue providing congregants like you with the best experience possible, we’d love to have your support.

        Donation

        I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:

        • ___ One-time contribution $ _____________
        • ___ Multiple contributions $ _____________
          • ___ Monthly
          • ___ Quarterly
          • ___ Annually
          • ___ Other

          Payment Information

          I would like to pay by:

          • ___ Check attached
          • ___ Credit card: Credit card # __________________ Type _______ Exp. Date _______
          • ___ Other _________________________________________________

          Donor Information

          Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________

          City: __________________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________

          Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________

          Your Impact

          Your contribution to our [church’s name] community will make our congregation an even better place. Take a look at what your donation will enable us to accomplish:

          • $25 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
          • $50 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
          • $100 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
          • $250 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
          • $500 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].

          We’ll email you a receipt once we receive your contribution. Please make all checks payable to [church’s name].

          Thank you so much for your support! We’re honored to have you as a member of our community.

          [Church Leader’s Name]

          [Church’s Contact Information]

          Best Practices for This Pledge Card

          Churches will primarily send pledge cards to their congregants. Since these are members of your community, make sure you emphasize the communal benefit of their contributions. Let congregants know how their donations will actually serve to benefit them and their fellow members.

          It’s also good practice to use a more personable tone for church pledge cards. Again, these are people that you know, so you can be more casual and talk to them as you would in person.

          Pledge Card Template #7: Animal Shelters

          Pledge Card

          [Animal Shelter Name]

          Our team at [animal shelter’s name] loves nothing more than helping our cats and dogs find their forever homes. To take care of our animals and prepare them for adoption, we need support from generous members of our community like you.

          Donation

          I pledge to contribute a sum of $ _____________ according to the following payment plan:

          • ___ One-time contribution $ _____________
          • ___ Multiple contributions $ _____________
            • ___ Monthly
            • ___ Quarterly
            • ___ Annually
            • ___ Other

            Payment Information

            I would like to pay by:

            • ___ Check attached
            • ___ Credit card: Credit card # __________________ Type _______ Exp. Date _______
            • ___ Other _________________________________________________

            Donor Information

            Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________

            City: __________________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP: _______________________________

            Phone: _________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________

            Your Impact

            Your financial commitment to [animal shelter’s name] can significantly improve the lives of our cats and dogs. For example, each contribution will help pets like [insert name of animal in shelter] have the best possible experience in the shelter and prepare them for adoption:

            • $25 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
            • $50 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
            • $100 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
            • $250 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].
            • $500 will [explain impact of this dollar amount].

            After we receive your donation, we will email you a receipt for your own records. We’ll also send you updates on the pets your donation has helped. Additionally, please make all checks payable to [animal shelter’s name].

            Thank you so much for your support! Please feel free to visit us anytime and volunteer with our furry friends!

            [Animal Shelter’s Name]

            [Fundraising Point of Contact’s Name]

            [Animal Shelter’s Contact Information]

            Best Practices for This Pledge Card

            As an animal shelter, your animals are your biggest advantage. When people can connect their donation to a real animal, they’ll be more likely to give. Consider including a story about a pet in your shelter. Explain how donations helped you nurse that pet back to health and provide them a forever home.

            It’s also important to include pictures of animals in your shelter. Pictures will bring your work to life and add a personal touch to your pledge cards.