Sample  Solicitation  Email    Dear  ____________,    Since  2003,  Active  Minds  has  been  engaging  the  student  voice  to  change  the  conversation  about  mental  health.  Alison  Malmon  founded  Active  Minds  after  losing  her  only  sibling,  Brian,  to  suicide,  during  her  freshman  year  of  college.  Recognizing  that  few  college  students  were  talking  about  mental  health  issues,  Alison  was  motivated  to  change  that  culture  on  her  campus  and  on  college  campuses  throughout  the  country.  Since  its  founding,  Active  Minds  continues  to  increase  students’  awareness  of  mental  health  issues,  provide  information  and  resources,  and  encourage  help-­‐seeking  by  students  in  over  450  student-­‐led  chapters  across  the  U.S.    Since  coming  to  college,  I’ve  become  involved  with  Active  Minds  because  I  truly  believe  in  changing  the  conversation  about  mental  health  because  so  many  people,  especially  college  students,  are  affected  in  some  way  or  another.  At  our  school,  our  chapter  works  as  a  liaison  between  students  and  the  mental  health  community  through  educational  programming,  promotion  of  resources,  and  student-­‐led  grassroots  advocacy.    As  a  chapter,  we  are  trying  to  raise  funds  to  cover  the  costs  of  our  programming  for  the  upcoming  year.  Examples  of  possible  events  include  hosting  speakers,  participating  in  one  of  many  awareness  campaigns  (i.e.  Eating  Disorders  Awareness  Week,  Stress  Less  Week,  etc.),  hosting  the  Active  Minds’  Send  Silence  Packing  display  at  our  school,  etc.      Financial  or  otherwise,  any  support  is  greatly  appreciated.  If  you  are  able  to  donate,  please  visit  our  chapter’s  online  fundraising  page  at  [insert  PFP  link].    I  would  love  to  speak  with  you  more  about  what  our  chapter  does  as  well  as  answer  any  questions  that  you  might  have  about  Active  Minds.  On  behalf  of  our  chapter,  thank  you  in  advance  for  your  time  and  consideration.  Your  support  will  help  us  continue  supporting  the  needs  of  college  students  as  well  as  raising  awareness  about  mental  health  and  self-­‐care.  To  learn  more  about  the  history  and  mission  of  the  organization,  visit  www.activeminds.org.    Best  Wishes,  _______________                

 

 Sample  Business  Solicitation  Letter    Date    Name  of  individual  (if  you  have  it)    Title    Company  Address  City,  State,  Zip  Code      To  [Business  Name]:    As  the  only  organization  that  uses  student  voice  to  create  change,  Active  Minds  empowers  students  to  speak  openly  and  change  the  conversation  about  mental  health.  Through  the  development  and  support  of  over  450  student-­‐led  chapters  at  colleges  and  universities,  Active  Minds  is  increasing  students’  awareness  of  mental  health  issues,  providing  information  and  resources  about  mental  wellness,  and  encouraging  students  to  seek  help  as  soon  as  it  is  needed.      Through  on-­‐campus  programming  and  events,  Active  Minds  at  [School  Name]  reduces  the  stigma  surrounding  mental  health  and  helps  create  a  comfortable  environment  for    students  to  speak  openly  about  the  issues  they  may  be  facing.  In  order  to  better  reach  students  and  connect  with  our  larger  community,  we  are  seeking  funds  and  in-­‐kind  donations  from  businesses  within  the  local  community.      Financial  or  otherwise,  any  support  is  greatly  appreciated.  Your  generous  contribution  will  be  used  to  [List  what  you’re  using  it  for—i.e.  help  bring  Send  Silence  Packing  to  our  campus,  cover  the  cost  of  our  Walk  event,  etc.]  We  are  excited  about  the  possibility  of  a  new  partnership  and  would  love  to  talk  with  you  more  about  this  event  as  well  as  how  our  chapter  can  best  meet  your  needs.    I  will  be  in  touch  by  [date  and  time]  to  further  discuss  this  possibility.  If  you  have  any  questions  in  the  interim,  please  reach  out  to  me  at  [Phone  number  or  e-­‐mail].  To  learn  more  about  the  history  and  mission  of  the  organization,  visit  www.activeminds.org.  Thank  you  for  your  consideration.    Sincerely,    _____________,  [Your  title-­‐  President,  fundraising  chair,  etc.]            

 

Sample  Individual  Thank-­‐You  Letter    Date    Dear  ______________:    On  behalf  of  Active  Minds  at  [school  name],  thank  you  for  your  generous  contribution  of  [state  what  they  donated].  Your  donation  enabled  our  student  organization  to  [state  what  the  donation  went  towards].    Through  our  programming,  we  are  able  to  connect  with  our  peers,  faculty  and  University  administrators  to  create  a  comfortable  environment  for  open  conversations  about  mental  health.  By  increasing  students’  awareness  of  mental  health  issues,  providing  recourses,  and  encouraging  students  to  seek  help,  Active  Minds  is  breaking  the  silence  and  stigma  surrounding  mental  illness.      Mental  health  is  something  we  all  have.  With  the  help  of  generous  individuals  like  you,  we  are  changing  the  culture  surrounding  mental  illness,  and  we  are  making  a  difference  in  the  lives  of  students,  families,  and  our  community.  Thank  you  again  for  your  donation.  Please  do  not  hesitate  to  contact  me  at  [your  email  address]  if  you  have  any  questions  about  Active  Minds.    Sincerely,    __________________  [your  title-­‐  President,  fundraising  chair,  etc.]                                        

 

 Sample  Business  Thank-­‐You  Letter    Date    Recipient’s  Name    Title    Company  Address  City,  State,  Zip  Code    Dear  [Insert  Business  Name]:    Active  Minds  at  [School  Name]  would  like  to  thank  you  for  your  generous  contribution  of  [state  what  they  donated].  Your  generous  donation  enabled  our  student  organization  to  successfully  do  [state  what  the  money  went  towards].  Since  Active  Minds  at  [School  Name]  is  a  recognized  student  organization,  your  contribution  is  tax  deductible  to  the  extent  allowed  by  law.    Through  our  programming,  we  are  able  to  connect  with  our  peers,  faculty  and  University  administrators  to  create  a  comfortable  environment  for  open  conversations  about  mental  health.  By  increasing  students’  awareness  of  mental  health  issues,  providing  recourses,  and  encouraging  students  to  seek  help,  Active  Minds  is  breaking  the  silence  and  stigma  surrounding  mental  illness.      Mental  health  is  something  we  all  have.  With  the  help  of  organizations  like  yours,  we  are  making  a  difference  in  the  lives  of  students,  families,  and  our  community.  Please  contact  me  at  [Official  Chapter  Email  Address]  if  you  have  any  questions  or  would  like  to  discuss  future  partnership  opportunities.    Sincerely,    __________________  [Your  title-­‐  President,  fundraising  chair,  etc.]