3 fundraiser invitation templates and design ideas

You’ve done the hard work of brainstorming a fundraising event idea, hammering out the details, assembling volunteers, and compiling a potential guest list. It’s no surprise you want to craft an event invitation that gets your recipients as hyped as you are.

Look no further! This guide will cover what to include in a nonprofit event invitation and give you three fundraiser invitation templates to build on.

We’ll largely focus on email event invitations since they’re one of the most common—and affordable—tactics to get the word out. You’ll also learn other methods to promote your event, whether you’re hosting a one-day bake sale or a two-week conference.

Set the tone for your event and boost your attendance numbers with these fundraiser invitation wording templates, design ideas, and tips.

Essential parts of a fundraising event invitation

An invitation to a fundraiser needs to pull double-duty: It must inform your audience about what’s coming up while also motivating them to attend. Because you’re likely sending your event invites via email, they also need to be succinct and easy to skim.

Here are the fundraiser invitation elements you should focus on the most:

• Subject line: One survey showed that 35% of people open emails because the subject line is appealing. Keep yours short and use energetic terms. For example, "Are you ready for Fall Fest 2023?” or “The countdown is on for Donut Dash!"
• Image: An image draws readers in and helps cut through the text. Show past event images or simply feature your event name and key details with a colorful background.
• Personalized greeting: Including your recipient's name is a quick win.
• Event description: This is where you "sell" your audience on the event. Your invitation wording should mirror your demographic. For instance, a cooking class invite for millennials might sprinkle in a few 🍔 , 🍳, and 🔥 emojis.
• Date, time, and location: Be as detailed as possible. If it's a virtual fundraising event, include when the livestream will start and how to tune in.
• Ticket price: Are there early bird discounts? VIP packages? Raffle ticket bundles?
• How to RSVP or register: This is your major call to action (CTA), typically a large, colorful button that links back to your fundraising event page. Be direct and ask your recipients to buy tickets, RSVP, learn more, etc.
• How to donate money: Not everyone can or will attend, but they may donate. Include a smaller CTA button or link to donate.
• Other important details: Will there be a dress code? A Valentine's Day theme? Cash bar? Include the need-to-knows.
• Contact information: Let recipients know how to reach you if they have questions.

3 fundraising event invitation templates

We’ve put together three editable templates you can use whether you’re hosting a typical ticketed event, formal event, virtual event, or large conference. These outlines are a great starting point but remember to use the tips we covered in the previous section to tailor each invitation to your audience.

Freebie alert!

Download 3 free fundraising event invitation templates ->

Bringing your fundraiser invitation ideas to life

There are plenty of drag-and-drop email design tools you can use to transform your plain text into an eye-grabbing invitation. Givebutter, Mailchimp, HubSpot, and Campaign Monitor all offer free email builders.

You can create mobile-friendly design templates or prepare printable versions of invitation cards in minutes.

When it comes to your invitation design, the sky's the limit as long as your event details are easy to read. Check out this Adobe Stock livestream event flyer, annual event flyer, or festival flyer for a few different fundraiser invitation examples. In any case, look for templates you can edit either in an email builder or tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.

Other ways to spread the word about your upcoming event

Your event promotion strategy doesn’t end with your initial invitation or reminder emails! Here are some additional outreach ideas to make sure you fill every seat in the house:

• Update your website home page with an event countdown and sign-up button.
• Snag a well-known influencer to attend and have them promote the event to their followers.
• Recruit peer fundraisers and have them compete to sell tickets in their inner circles.
• Set up a corporate sponsorship and ask for marketing and advertising support as part of the deal.
• Write a short press release and submit it to local media outlets.
• Post frequent updates and teaser images on social media leading up to the special event.

Nail every event detail from start to finish ⭐

Release the confetti! You’ve now got three effective event invitation wording ideas and promotional strategies to spark the interest of your donors and volunteers and, most importantly, raise money for your cause.

Next up? Make sure your event is seamless—from event registration to your thank-you notes—with a powerhouse fundraising platform like Givebutter. We help you sell more tickets and collect more donations at your next event with features like:

• 🎫 Unlimited paid and free tickets
• 🔥 Simple promo codes
• 💸 Optional add-a-donation for tickets
• 📅 Convenient calendar plugins and one-click social sharing
• 📱 Mobile app for speedy event check-in
• 💛 Plus, hundreds of other fundraising features

Best of all? It’s free to sign up—get your event page up and running in seconds.