One way many honor the deceased while doing good for others is by asking others to make a donation in the deceased name. Donations to a charitable organization that the deceased supported in life are often made at the request of friends, family and colleagues of the person who has passed away.

This letter is intended for the family or the person who organized or is responsible for the in memory of donations.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Personalize your message. Thank-you letters should always include the recipient’s name. No generic form letters.
• Starting the letter can be tricky. You may or may not know the person who organized the memory contributions. Their connection to the deceased or to the organization itself may influence your message.
• Keep the message brief. If you personally know the recipient or knew the deceased, you could mention what they meant to the organization.
• What specific outcomes can be tied to the memorial gifts? If possible, mention a project or purchase that the donation helped make possible. This helps inform the family that the loved one is honored in a tangible way.
• The sign-off should be from someone within the organization. This could be the treasurer, the organization president, or the shelter manager.
• Maybe add a P.S. Postscripts get read, sometimes more so than the body of the letter. They are often invitations to visit the website or add a specific reminder. For ‘In Memory’ letters, you may want to skip a postscript if it seem awkward. It’s up to you.

SAMPLE LETTER

[Recipient],

Please accept [my/our] condolences on the loss [of your loved one]. It may give you comfort to know that the [Organization Name] has received donations made in [his/her] memory that has helped us continue to provide food, shelter and medical care for the animals in our charge while we seek permanent placement for them with loving adopters.

On behalf the animals we serve – Thank you.

We received donations from the following:

• [List Donors]

I will send you additional donation information if additional gifts are received.

If you have any questions or I can be of service, please feel free to contact me at [Phone Number].

Sincerely,
[Sender]
[Position], [Organization Name]
[email address]​

[Organization Name] is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; Tax Identification [Number XX-XXXXXXX]. No goods or services were provided in exchange for this contribution.

Related: Letter: In Memory of Person Letter to Donor
If someone has donated on behalf or in the memory of someone.

Use this animal shelter in memory of donation family thank you letter template and tailor it to your shelter or rescue’s unique voice, mission, and specific needs. Your passion and expertise are what make your shelter stand out. By customizing this letter, you can ensure that your message resonates authentically with the donor’s family.