PARENTS SAMPLE SOLICITATION LETTER

[We recommend personalizing this sample solicitation letter copy, paste, and print on your own
stationery or create one.]
Date

Dear ______________________:
I am the parent of a child with special needs who attends The Summit School, which has been a part of
special education in New York City for 45 years. Located in Queens, Summit serves nearly 300 students
in grades 3-12 who come from all 5 boroughs, as well as Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties.
In addition to its pioneering academic programs, the school is distinctive in its work-based learning
programs that give high school students early career exposure through carefully crafted job assignments
and internships at some of New Yorks finest institutions, including major companies and nonprofit
institutions, arts and sciences museums, restaurants, and retail stores.
We are excited to introduce you to Summit and to ask you to support our students by contributing
[fill in what you are asking the donor to contribute] to our annual auction, which will be held
on November 25, 2013. The funds we raise will be used to help our school, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization, continue its pioneering learning programs that our students need. Your company and
generous donation will be recognized before and during the event in our printed Benefit Journal, on
our benefits website with complimentary links back to yours, and on electronic bidding devices used at
our auction. Donating an item for our auction is a great way to gain important targeted exposure to more
New York families and their friends.
Here are some things wed like to share with you about our school:

Summit helps children with a broad range of disabilities, from learning and emotional disabilities,
neurological conditions, focus and attention issues, and autism spectrum disorders.

Many obstacles have hindered our students progress in a traditional classroom, but they
thrive in Summits therapeutic learning environment. This level of support is what our special
education students need to achieve typical academic milestones and prepare for their entry into the
mainstream environment.

Summits integrated learning and therapeutic approach goes well beyond basic curriculum mandates,
however, this does not come without a cost. Our schools operating gap has widened over the past
five years because the states tuition rate has been frozen while our schools expenses continue to rise.

The annual benefit is more imperative than ever. With your support, we can meet our goal. On behalf of
our students, thank you in advance for your donation. As parents, we deeply appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]

The Summit School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations will be acknowledged and are tax deductible to the extent
permitted by laws. Federal Tax ID: 11-2167091.