Below is my fundraising letter for the Idaho Sierra Club that was sent out to members. This letter is meant to urge people to donate to this conservation group, and it outlines some of the work I have put in as a youth conservationist. This is a good example to show how to write a fundraising letter which is an imperative step in conservation to convince people to donate to the causes you are fighting for.

I am a senior at Boise High School, and love the outdoors. Over the summer my days were not filled with swimming in lakes, backpacking in the Sawtooths, or hiking with my friends and family. Instead, I had to spend many hours inside. The fire season wreaked havoc on Idaho’s air and outdoor activities. I want to protect what makes our beautiful state unique and exciting, and so I joined the Idaho Sierra Club’s youth-led Climate Justice League. It was one of the best choices I made. Now, I am able to work alongside other empowered youth who are learning how to support conservation and clean energy. 

Through our activism and support from adults at Idaho Sierra Club, we were able to extensively advocate for Boise Schools to commit to a clean energy plan. While our work is far from over, this was a bountiful step in the right direction. Recently, I ran for the Boise Schools Board of Trustees. One of the important aspects of my campaign is to support youth voices on matters such as the Green Schools Initiative. Many members of the Idaho Sierra Club helped me practice my speech, write my points, and elevate my ideas. It makes me feel safer concerning my future, knowing that there are adults who are deeply invested in youth organizing.

I have had amazing experiences this summer because of the Idaho Sierra Club. From visiting a giant totem pole carved by the Lummi Nation from Washington, to tabeling at local events for salmon dissipation awareness, and even interviewing for the Idaho Statesman about my candidacy for the Board of Trustees, I am proud to say I volunteer for the Idaho Sierra Club. Your donation will not only support the adults spearheading Idaho, but support Idaho’s conservation youth. With your support, more youth will be able to become empowered, and take hold of their future as leaders. 

Now is the time to push our state’s schools, government, and stakeholders to support clean energy. This is a critical year to get these resolutions passed and plans moving, and your

financial contribution will ensure that more days are made possible to spend outside, enjoying Idaho’s flora and fauna. I hope that you can take the time this year to give back to this state, if it is through volunteer or monetary efforts or another way to protect the outdoors. Please help my fellow youth, and all of the Idaho Sierra club to sustain and protect what makes Idaho a spectacular community to live and grow in.