04 Jan How to Write a Pledge Card

Like a donation letter or gift agreement, a pledge card is a great way to promote repeat donations, and help your members create a commitment to your organization. Creating a simple and straightforward experience for your donors is essential to building a strong, mutually beneficial relationship.

There are many different ways to create a streamlined donation process. For example, text-to-give solutions make donating a cinch, especially when there’s an easy-to-use interface for both donors and nonprofit staff.

The Goals of a Pledge Card

• Set clear expectations between the donor and the nonprofit or faith-based organization.
• Document the donor’s commitment for future donations.
• Make it clear what the donor’s intention is with their donation.
• Spell out the how the nonprofit will use the gift.
• Provide a process by which the nonprofit may alter how they use the funds.

What to Include in Your Pledge Card

There are different sections you can include based on your specific needs. However, typically they will include the following parts:

Introduction – This should simply outline which parties are involved in the agreement.

Example: This Pledge is made this ____ day of _______ between [donor’s names], and [your organization], which [description of what your nonprofit or ministry is/does]. The donor and [your organization] agree as follows.

Donor Commitment – The amount the donor has pledged to give.

Donor Purpose – What the gift will be used for.

Payment – A breakdown of the payments and which dates they will fall on.

Signature and Witnesses – Signatures for those involved in the agreement, as well as the date signed and any witnesses who are present.

In addition to these basic parts, you may want or need to add more sections that may be appropriate based on your agreement. Here are some examples:

Recognition by (Nonprofit Name) – Requires that to recognize the donor, the nonprofit will mention them in news announcements and other media or marketing outlets, with the permission of the donor.

Reporting and Stewardship – Requires that the nonprofit provides updates on how the funds are being used and whether or not they are successful in achieving the goal the donor had in mind when they donated.

Additional Gifts – The donor has the right to increase their donations through additional gifts.

For more information or to get started, contact sales.