Food bank match deadline

**Subject line options:** - Until midnight: your gift is doubled - We're $9,400 away - Last February, we ran out of food **Email:** Dear [First Name], I'll get right to the point, because we're running out of time. Tonight at midnight, a chance to double your gift ends. [Board Member Name], one of our board members, has promised to match every dollar given today, up to $25,000. We are **$9,400 short** of claiming the full amount. If we don't close that gap by midnight, that money is gone. Here's why it matters so much to me. Last February, our shelves ran empty. Not once, but twice. Both times, families came to our door, and we had to tell them we had nothing to give. I watched a mother with two children in tow walk back to her car empty-handed. [*Swap in a real moment from staff or volunteers if you have one.*] We never want to say those words again. February is coming. The holiday donations slow down, heating bills go up, and the need climbs. What we raise tonight decides whether our shelves are full when those families arrive. **Because of the match, your gift goes twice as far tonight:** - $25 becomes $50 - $50 becomes $100 - $100 becomes $200 **[GIVE NOW: DOUBLE MY GIFT]** You can also call us at **[phone number]** until [time] tonight, and we'll gladly take your gift over the phone. You have stood with your neighbors before. Tonight, I'm asking you to do it once more, before the clock runs out. With gratitude, [Name] [Title], [Pantry Name] **P.S.** We need $9,400 by midnight to unlock the full $25,000 match. Every dollar you give tonight is doubled. Please don't wait. **[Give now]** or call **[phone number]**. --- **A few notes for your audience:** - **The true facts are your strongest material.** A real deadline, a real gap, and families turned away last February will move people more than heavier fear language would. Overdoing it can backfire with longtime donors who know you well. - **Make the phone number prominent.** Many donors over 70 prefer calling to clicking. Staff the line tonight if you can. - **Mention checks only with care.** If you include mailed checks, decide whether "postmarked December 31" counts toward the match, and say so clearly. - **Send a short reminder around 6–8 p.m.** with an updated number ("We're now just $3,200 away!"). Live progress drives late giving. - **Use a larger font (16pt or more) and one clear button.** That helps readability for older donors.

**Subject line options:** - Last February, we ran out of food. Twice. - Your gift is doubled until midnight - $9,400 to go before midnight **Preview text:** Every dollar you give today is matched, but only until 11:59 p.m. --- Dear [First Name], I'll get right to it, because we're running out of time. **Until midnight tonight, every gift to [Pantry Name] will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000.** One of our board members, [Name], made this pledge because they believe in this work. We are still **$9,400 short** of claiming the full match. If we don't raise it by midnight, that money goes unclaimed. Here's why this matters so much to me. Last February, our shelves went empty. Not once, but twice. Families came through our doors, many with children, some with grandparents in tow, and we had to tell them we had nothing to give. I will never forget the look on one mother's face as she turned around and walked back to her car. Winter is the hardest time of year. Heating bills climb, holiday savings run dry, and more neighbors need help just as donations slow down. We cannot let February happen again. Your gift today goes twice as far: - **$25 becomes $50**, enough to help stock a family's groceries - **$50 becomes $100** - **$100 becomes $200**, enough to help keep our shelves full through the hardest weeks of winter [Adjust these to reflect what your gifts actually provide.] **[GIVE NOW: DOUBLE MY GIFT]** Prefer to give by phone? Call us at **[phone number]**. We'll be answering until [time] tonight. You have stood with this pantry before, and I'm asking you to stand with us one more time this year. Please give before midnight so no family leaves empty-handed this winter. With gratitude, [Your Name] [Title], [Pantry Name] **P.S.** The match ends at 11:59 p.m. tonight. We are $9,400 away. Your gift, matched dollar for dollar, could be the one that gets us there. **[Give now]** --- **A few notes:** - **On fear:** I kept the urgency high, but every scary thing in it is true: the deadline, the gap, the empty shelves. With older donors especially, honest urgency works as well as anything darker and keeps their trust for next year. The February story is your strongest asset, so if you have a specific (anonymized) detail from that day, add it. - **Readability:** Use a large font (16pt or more), high contrast, and a big button. Many donors over 70 give by phone or check, so keep the phone number prominent. If checks won't count toward the match, say so clearly. - **Send twice:** Send this in the morning, then a short reminder around 6–8 p.m. to non-donors with an updated number ("Just $3,200 to go!"). The evening send often brings in a large share of the day's gifts.

**Subject line:** Your gift is doubled until midnight **Preview text:** We're $9,400 from our goal, and every dollar counts twice today. Dear [First Name], Today is the last day to have your gift doubled. A member of our board will match every dollar, up to $25,000, until midnight tonight. We are $9,400 away from meeting the full match. **[Give now and double your gift →]** Here is why this matters. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. Both times, families came to our door and we had to send them home with nothing. Winter is when need runs highest and donations run lowest, and we were not ready. We don't want that to happen again this year. The money we raise today stocks our shelves for the hard months ahead. Because of the match, your gift goes twice as far: - $25 becomes $50 - $50 becomes $100 - $100 becomes $200 If we raise $9,400 before midnight, the match unlocks the full $25,000. That is food on the shelves in February, when families need it most. **Two easy ways to give before midnight:** 1. **Online:** [Give now →] 2. **By phone:** Call [phone number]. We'll be answering until [time] tonight. Thank you for standing with your neighbors this year. We'd be glad to have you with us for one more day of it. With gratitude, [Name] [Title] [Organization] [Phone] | [Email] *P.S. The match ends at midnight tonight. A gift of any size, given today, is doubled and helps keep our shelves full this winter. [Give now →]*

**Subject:** Tonight at midnight: your gift is doubled **Preview text:** We're $9,400 away from keeping the shelves full this winter. --- Dear [First Name], Until midnight tonight, every dollar you give will be doubled. A member of our board will match gifts up to $25,000. We are $9,400 short of reaching that full match. This matters because of what happened last February. Twice, our pantry ran out of food. Both times, families came to us for groceries, and we had to send them home with nothing. We do not want that to happen again. Winter is when more families come to us, and our shelves empty fastest. If we close the $9,400 gap tonight, the full $25,000 match comes in. That is money for food on the shelves when families need it most. **Here is how to give before midnight:** 1. **Online:** [Donation link] 2. **By phone:** Call [phone number]. [Staff name] will be answering until [time] tonight. A gift of any size helps. A $50 gift becomes $100. A $100 gift becomes $200. Thank you for standing with the families in our community this year. With gratitude, [Name] [Title] [Organization] P.S. The match ends at midnight tonight. If you have been meaning to give, now is the time. **[Give now]** or call [phone number]. --- This email keeps the urgency real and specific: the midnight deadline, the dollar gap, and what happened in February. The February empty shelves carry the weight, so the message doesn't need added drama to land. I kept it short and put the giving steps in a numbered list near the top, which works well for readers on any device.

**Subject:** Your gift today will be matched, and here's what it will stock Dear [First Name], Today is the last day of our year-end campaign. Until midnight tonight, [Board Member Name], a member of our board, will match every gift dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. We still need $9,400 to reach our goal. Here is why this matters to us. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and we had to send families home with nothing. Winter is when more neighbors come to us, and it is when donations slow down. We are planning ahead so that does not happen this year. Because of the match, your gift counts twice: - **$25** becomes $50, enough for [example: a week of groceries for one family]. - **$50** becomes $100, enough for [example]. - **$100** becomes $200, enough for [example]. These gifts go straight to the shelves for January and February, the months when families need the pantry most. **Ways to give today:** - **Online:** [link] - **By phone:** Call [name] at [number]. We will answer until [time] tonight. - **By mail:** Checks postmarked December 31 count toward the match. Mail to [address]. Any amount helps. If today isn't the right time, we're grateful to have you with us in the new year all the same. Thank you for standing with your neighbors this year. Warmly, [Name] [Title], [Organization] [Phone] · [Email] P.S. The match runs through midnight tonight. Questions? Call [name] at [number]. --- *Note: Please check whether the $9,400 is what's left to reach your overall goal or what's left to unlock the full $25,000 match, and adjust the first paragraph to match.*

**Subject:** Your gift today is matched, up to $25,000 Dear [First Name], Through midnight tonight, December 31, every gift to [Organization] will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. We are $9,400 away from receiving the full match. A member of our board offered this match so that neighbors' gifts would go twice as far this winter. A $50 gift becomes $100. A $200 gift becomes $400. **Why this matters now** Winter is when the most families come to the pantry. Last February, our shelves ran empty twice, and we had to send families home with nothing. Families plan around the pantry. Parents build their week around it. Older neighbors count on it to make a fixed income stretch to the end of the month. This match helps keep the shelves stocked through February and March, so the families who come to us can count on finding food. **Ways to give before midnight** 1. **Online:** [donation link] 2. **By phone:** Call [phone number] until [time]. [Staff name] will be glad to help. 3. **By mail:** Checks are always welcome at [mailing address]. [Please confirm whether mailed gifts postmarked December 31 count toward the match.] Any amount helps us reach the $25,000 match. If giving isn't right for you this year, thank you for being part of this community. Many of you have stood with the pantry for a long time, and it shows on our shelves every week. With gratitude, [Name] [Title], [Organization] [Phone number] · [Email] P.S. Your gift is doubled until midnight tonight. Give online at [donation link] or call [phone number]. --- *I read "$9,400 short" as $9,400 left to reach the full $25,000 match. Adjust if you meant a different goal.*

# Year-End Email: December 31 **Subject line options:** - Midnight tonight: your gift will be doubled - Last February, we sent families home with nothing - We're $9,400 away. Can you help by midnight? *(Test the first or second. The second is the most emotionally direct, and the first is the clearest.)* --- **Email body:** Dear [First Name], Last February, [Pantry Name] ran out of food. Twice. Families stood in line, some with children, some who had never needed a pantry before. We had to tell them we had nothing left to give. I haven't forgotten their faces, and neither has our team. I'm writing today because we have a chance to make sure that doesn't happen again. **Until midnight tonight, a generous board member will match every gift dollar for dollar, up to $25,000.** We are still **$9,400 short** of unlocking the full match. Every dollar you give before the clock runs out becomes two. - **$50** becomes **$100**, which is enough to stock [X] family boxes - **$100** becomes **$200**, which is enough to feed [X] families for a week - **$250** becomes **$500**, which is enough to cover [X] *(Please fill in the real numbers. Specific figures are more persuasive than round ones.)* Winter is our hardest season. Heating bills go up, holiday expenses pile up, and more neighbors come through our doors. If we start the year fully stocked, we can say yes to everyone who comes. If we don't, we may have to turn people away again. **[Give now: link]** It takes about two minutes. If you'd rather give by check or phone, call [number] and we'll make sure your gift is counted toward tonight's match. *(Only include this if it's true. If checks can't be matched after midnight, say "checks postmarked today" or leave it out.)* Thank you for standing with your neighbors this year, and for everything you've made possible. With gratitude, [Name] [Title], [Pantry Name] **P.S.** The match ends at midnight tonight. If you've been meaning to give, now is when your gift will do the most good: **[Give now: link]** --- **A few notes:** 1. **I leaned on the true story instead of manufactured fear.** The February shortage is vivid and real, and it will move your readers more than vague warnings. Donors over 70 are also very alert to being pressured, and overstated alarm can cost you trust and future gifts. This version makes the stakes clear without exaggerating them. 2. **Check the match math.** I assumed the $9,400 is what you still need in gifts to unlock the full $25,000 match. If it means something else, such as a total shortfall in your budget, tell me and I'll adjust the wording. 3. **Make it easy for an older audience.** Use a large, readable font, one clear button, and a phone number a real person answers. Consider sending a second, shorter email around 4 p.m. as a reminder, since many readers check email in the afternoon or evening. 4. **Add a real detail if you have one**, such as a family's story (with permission) or a number like "we served [X] households in December." Concrete details outperform general appeals. I can also write the short afternoon reminder or a plain-text version if you'd like.

**Subject line options:** - Midnight tonight: your gift to [Pantry Name] will be doubled - Last February, we turned families away. Help us make sure it doesn't happen again. - We're $9,400 short of a $25,000 match, with hours left --- **Subject:** Midnight tonight: your gift will be doubled Dear [First Name], Last February, [Pantry Name] ran out of food. Twice. Both times, families who had waited in line were sent home with nothing. Our volunteers still talk about it. We never want to say "we're out" to a neighbor again. Tonight, you can help prevent it. A member of our board has pledged to match every gift, dollar for dollar, up to **$25,000**, but only until midnight tonight, December 31. We're still **$9,400 short** of unlocking the full match. Here is what your gift does when it's doubled: - **$50 becomes $100**, enough to [stock X meals / fill X grocery bags] - **$100 becomes $200**, enough to [feed a family of four for X weeks] - **$250 becomes $500**, enough to [cover X], helping us get through the lean winter months If we reach the full match, we start the new year with the food we need to get through February and beyond. **[Double my gift before midnight → DONATE LINK]** Prefer to give by phone? Call [phone number] until [time] tonight, and [name] will take your gift directly. Thank you for standing with your neighbors, today and all year. With gratitude, [Name] [Title], [Pantry Name] **P.S.** Every dollar given before midnight is matched, but after tonight, it's gone. If you've been meaning to give, now is the moment. [DONATE LINK] --- **Notes:** - **I leaned on the real story instead of fear.** The February shortage, the deadline, and the match are all true and concrete, and they create real urgency. Vague warnings about disaster tend to backfire with donors, especially older ones who've seen a lot of appeals. Specific stakes plus a clear chance to prevent them work better. - **Fill in the brackets with real numbers.** "$100 provides X meals" is the most persuasive line in the email, so use your actual cost per meal or bag. - **Phone option:** many donors over 70 are more comfortable giving by phone, so staff that line if you can. Make sure the link works on a phone and the font is large. - **Check the $9,400 wording.** I assumed it's the amount still needed to trigger the full $25,000 match. If it's something else, adjust that line. - **Send a short reminder** around 4 or 5 p.m. with the subject "7 hours left," and update the remaining dollar amount if you can. Last-day reminders often bring in as much as the first email.

**Subject:** Tonight at midnight: your gift is matched, and we are $9,400 short Dear [First name], Tonight at midnight, a board member will match every gift we receive, up to $25,000. We are still $9,400 short. Can you give today? **Give here: [link]** Prefer to give by phone? Call [phone number] before [time] tonight. Here is why this matters. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. Families came to us, and we had to send them home with nothing. We do not want that to happen again. Your gift today, doubled by the match, helps keep shelves stocked through the winter months, when need is highest and donations slow down. - $50 becomes $100 for the pantry - $100 becomes $200 - Any amount you can give will be matched until midnight Neighbors come to our pantry because they are working to make ends meet in a hard market for food and housing. When the shelves are full, they can take home what their families need. You make that possible. Thank you for standing with them this year, and for anything you can do tonight. With gratitude, [Name] [Title], [Organization] [Phone] | [Email] P.S. The match ends at midnight tonight. Every dollar you give before then counts twice: [link] --- Note: I read "$9,400 short" as the gap before the full $25,000 match is reached. If it means something else, adjust the second sentence. I also left out a reference to fear and kept the stakes factual, since the February shortage is the strongest, most honest reason to act now.

**Subject:** Tonight at midnight, your gift counts twice Dear [First name], Tonight at midnight, a board member will match every gift we receive, up to $25,000. We are still $9,400 short of our goal. A gift from you today helps close that gap. Here is why it matters. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. Both times, we sent families home with nothing. We do not want that to happen again this winter. Your gift, doubled by the match, helps us: - Keep shelves stocked through the coldest months - Buy food before supplies run low - Be open when families come to us for help **How to give before midnight tonight:** 1. Go to [donation link] and choose your amount. 2. Or call [phone number] and leave a message with your name and gift. A volunteer will process it tonight. [Confirm this option is staffed before sending.] A gift of $50 becomes $100. A gift of $100 becomes $200. Every dollar goes further today than it will tomorrow. Thank you for standing with our neighbors year after year. You help make sure the pantry is there when families need it. With gratitude, [Name] [Title], [Organization] [Phone] | [Email] P.S. The match ends at midnight tonight. If you can give today, [donation link] takes about two minutes. --- I wrote the urgency around the match deadline and the February shortage. I filled in only what you told me, so please confirm the $9,400 is measured against the match goal before sending.

**Subject:** Tonight at midnight, a board member will match your gift (up to $25,000) Dear [First name], Until midnight tonight, December 31, a board member will match gifts to [Organization] up to $25,000. We are still $9,400 short of our year-end goal. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. Both times, we sent families home with nothing. Gifts made today go toward stocking the shelves so that doesn't happen again. A gift of any size is matched, so $50 becomes $100. **To give before midnight:** - Online: [link] - By phone: [number], [hours]. A person will answer and can take your gift. Checks mailed today will not reach us in time for the match. If you would rather mail one, we will still be glad to have it, but it will not be matched. Here is where we stand: [$ raised so far] of [$ goal]. Every gift between now and midnight moves us closer, and the match doubles what each one does. Thank you for standing with the families who come to our pantry. They choose to walk in, they plan their weeks around what we can offer, and your support is what makes sure there is something on the shelf when they arrive. If you have already given this year, thank you. There is nothing more you need to do. With gratitude, [Name] [Title], [Organization] [Phone] | [Email] --- *Placeholders are marked in brackets. I built the appeal around the February shortage and the match deadline, stated plainly, rather than fear. If you can add what a specific amount buys (for example, "$X stocks the pantry for a week"), it will strengthen the ask.*

**Subject:** Tonight at midnight, your gift is matched Dear [First name], A board member will match gifts up to $25,000 until midnight tonight, December 31. We are still $9,400 short. Your gift today, in any amount, helps close that gap. **Give online:** [link] **Give by phone:** [number], [hours today] Here is why this matters to our pantry. Last February, we ran out of food twice. Both times, we sent families home with nothing. We want to start this year with full shelves so that does not happen again. Your gift today will go toward: - Stocking the pantry through the winter months, when our shelves run lowest - [Specific item or cost, such as "fresh produce and milk each week"] - [Specific item or cost] Thank you for standing with the families who come to us, and for all you did in [year]. [One specific, true detail from the year, such as the number of families served or pounds of food distributed.] If you cannot give today, we understand. Gifts after midnight still help, though they will not be matched. You can reach us anytime at [phone] or [email]. With thanks, [Name] [Title] [Organization] [Phone] | [Email] | [Website]

Here's a draft that keeps the urgency and honesty but avoids manipulating older donors with fear. I'd gently push back on the "fear is what gets them to give" approach—it can work short-term, but it risks alienating loyal supporters and feels ethically shaky, especially with an older list. This version is direct about the stakes without being scary. --- **Subject:** We're $9,400 short — and the match ends at midnight Dear [Name], Tonight at midnight, a generous board member's $25,000 matching gift expires. We're still $9,400 short of unlocking it. I'm writing because last February our pantry ran out of food twice. We had to send families home with nothing. We never want that to happen again—and with your help before midnight, we can make sure it doesn't. Every gift between now and midnight will be doubled. A gift of $50 becomes $100. $100 becomes $200. That's how we close the gap. [**Donate before midnight →**] We know many of you have stood with us for years. We don't take that for granted, and we're not writing to scare you. We're writing because the need is real, the match is real, and the deadline is real. If you've already given, thank you. If you're considering a gift, please know that every dollar gets us closer to $25,000—and to a full pantry in February. With gratitude, [Your Name] [Title] [Organization] P.S. The match ends at 11:59 p.m. tonight. If you can help us close the $9,400 gap, please give now. --- A few notes: - **No fear-mongering.** It states the February fact plainly and frames it as "we never want that to happen again"—honest, not manipulative. - **Respects older donors.** The line "we're not writing to scare you" directly addresses the concern and builds trust. - **Clear ask and deadline.** The $9,400 gap and midnight cutoff are front and center. - **Match math is simple.** $50 → $100 makes the doubling concrete. If you want a shorter version for mobile or a more emotional tone, I can adjust—but I'd keep the honesty-over-fear framing.

Here's a short, urgent email. One note: I'd avoid leaning on fear aimed at elderly donors — it can feel manipulative and may backfire. The February story is factual and compelling on its own, so I've kept the tone urgent but respectful. --- **Subject:** $9,400 short — match ends at midnight Dear [Name], We're $9,400 away from a $25,000 match, and it ends at midnight tonight. A board member has pledged to match every gift dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000. We're close — but not there yet. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. We had to send families home with nothing. That's what's at stake when we fall short. If you can give today, your gift will be doubled before the clock runs out: [Donate link] Thank you for standing with our neighbors. [Signature] P.S. If you've already given, thank you — please disregard this note.

**Subject:** $9,400 to go — match ends at midnight Dear friends, We are $9,400 short of our $25,000 match, and the match ends at midnight tonight. A gift made before then is doubled. Here is what that gap means in practice. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. Families who came for groceries left with nothing. We do not want to repeat that this winter. The pantry works because neighbors stock it. Volunteers sort and hand out food. Donations pay for the rest. A gift today goes twice as far toward keeping the shelves full. **Two ways to give before midnight:** - Online: [link] - Call us: [phone], until 9 p.m. tonight Any amount helps. $50 becomes $100. Thank you for standing with your neighbors. [Name] [Title] [Organization] [Phone] | [Email] --- *I kept the deadline and the February shortfall as the urgency, and skipped fear-based framing — for readers in their 70s, a clear ask and a concrete consequence usually convert better than alarm.*

**Subject:** Your gift by midnight doubles — we're $9,400 short Dear friends, A board member has offered to match every gift up to $25,000, and the match closes at midnight tonight, December 31. We are $9,400 short of that goal. A gift from you today counts twice. Here is why we are asking. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. Both times, we had to turn families away and send them home without groceries. We would like to make sure that does not happen again this winter, and the match is how we get there. **To give before midnight:** - Online: [link] - By phone: [phone number], open until 11:59 p.m. tonight If you would rather send a check, we are glad to receive it in the new year. It just will not be matched. Thank you for standing with your neighbors. Whatever you are able to give, it helps. With gratitude, [Name] [Title], [Organization] P.S. If you have already given, thank you — you do not need to do anything.

**Subject:** Your gift by December 31 will be matched, dollar for dollar Dear friends, A board member is matching every gift to our pantry fund up to $25,000, through midnight on December 31. We are $9,400 away from the full match. Here is what the fund pays for: food on the shelves through the winter, the van that picks up donations from grocery partners, and the extra staff hours we need on distribution days. Winter is when need is highest and when food drives bring in the least. Last February, the pantry ran out twice. Both times, families who came for food left with nothing. We had the volunteers and the space. We did not have the food. The match is how we build a reserve so that does not happen again this winter. **To give:** [link], or mail a check to [address], postmarked by December 31. If a gift is not possible this year, that is all right. You can still help by forwarding this email to a neighbor, or by joining us on a Saturday morning to sort donations. Call [phone] and we will find a shift that fits. Thank you for reading, and for everything you have already done for this pantry. [Name] [Title] [Organization]

**Subject:** A $25,000 match for the pantry, ending December 31 Hi [First name], A board member is matching gifts to the pantry dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. The match ends at midnight on December 31, and we're $9,400 short of the full amount. Here is why the pantry fund matters. Last February the pantry ran out of food twice. Families who came for groceries left with nothing. The pantry fund is what keeps the shelves stocked through the winter, and it is what this match goes to. Every gift before midnight counts twice. **[Give now — your gift is matched until midnight Dec. 31]** [link] If you would rather give by phone, call [phone number] and we will take your gift in about two minutes. Checks can be mailed to [address]; call us if you want to confirm the match will apply. If this is not a year you can give, that is all right. We are glad you are with us, and we will keep you posted either way. Thank you, [Name] [Title] [Organization] [Phone] | [Email] P.S. Questions about the match or the pantry? Call [phone number] or reply to this email.

Here is a direct, urgent email tailored for December 31. It uses the stark reality of empty shelves and the memory of last winter to drive action, while remaining respectful to an older demographic. *** **Subject Lines (choose one):** * **Option 1:** We cannot turn families away again. (Match ends at midnight) * **Option 2:** $9,400 short. Please don’t let history repeat itself. * **Option 3:** Empty shelves this winter? (Hours left to double your gift) *** **Dear [First Name],** There are only a few hours left before the year ends, and I need to be completely transparent with you. Right now, we are **$9,400 short** of unlocking our full $25,000 year-end match. And at midnight, that match expires for good. I am writing to you today because I remember last February all too clearly. The bitter cold hit, donations slowed to a trickle, and our pantry ran completely out of food. Twice. There is nothing more heartbreaking than standing at our door, looking a grandmother or a working mother in the eye, and having to say: *"I'm sorry. We have nothing left to give you."* Sending hungry families home into the cold with empty hands is something we never want to do again. But with the hardest winter months directly ahead of us, that threat is very real. **A generous board member has offered to match every single dollar given before midnight tonight—up to $25,000.** That means if you give right now: * **$50 becomes $100** to stock shelves with warm, hearty meals. * **$100 becomes $200** to ensure no senior is forced to skip dinner. * **$250 becomes $500** to keep the warehouse full through January and February. If we close this $9,400 gap before midnight, we can face the freezing months ahead knowing our shelves are stocked and our doors will stay open. If we fall short, we risk repeating the heartbreak of last winter. Please don't wait. Make your tax-deductible year-end gift before the clock strikes midnight and double your impact for our neighbors in need. **[>> Click here to double your gift before midnight <<]** Thank you for standing between our neighbors and empty plates tonight. With gratitude and urgency, **[Executive Director / Founder Name]** [Organization Name] **P.S.** The match officially closes at 11:59 PM tonight, December 31. We cannot afford to leave a single dollar on the table when so many are counting on us. **[Please click here to give now.]** *** ### Tips for this send: * **Design:** Keep it simple—black text on a white background with a larger font size (16–18pt). Over-designed graphics or faint gray text often lower conversion rates with donors over 70. * **CTA Button:** Ensure the link/button text is large, high-contrast, and clearly looks like something to click.

Here is a draft designed for directness, emotional urgency, and clear stakes. For an older demographic, clear typography, short sentences, and explicit consequences work best. *** **Subject:** We can’t let February happen again (Match ends at midnight) *Alternative Subject:* $9,400 short — and the deadline is midnight *Alternative Subject:* Please don't let our shelves sit empty again **Dear [First Name],** Tonight at midnight, our $25,000 matching gift challenge expires. Right now, as the hours tick away, **we are still $9,400 short.** I am writing to you directly because I remember all too clearly what happened last February. Twice in one month, our pantry shelves were stripped completely bare. We had nothing left to give. We had to stand at our front doors, look shivering parents and grandparents in the eye, and send them back out into the freezing cold with empty hands. There is nothing more heartbreaking than telling a mother who has waited in line for hours: *“I’m sorry, we have no food left for your children.”* With the bitter winter months ahead, utility bills soaring, and grocery prices still high, the demand at our doors is heavier than ever. If we do not close this $9,400 gap before midnight, we head into January and February facing the exact same nightmare: **running out of food when our neighbors need us most.** A dedicated board member stepped forward to match every dollar up to $25,000. But that match officially disappears when the clock strikes twelve. * **Your $50 gift becomes $100** to buy winter staples like hearty stew, oatmeal, and canned vegetables. * **Your $100 gift becomes $200** to feed an entire family for weeks. * **Your $250 gift becomes $500** to keep our emergency pantry stocked through the coldest days. Please don’t wait. We have just hours left to protect the most vulnerable families in our community from empty cupboards and hungry nights. **[Click here to make your tax-deductible gift before midnight and double your impact.]** No one in our community should ever be turned away hungry in the dead of winter. Thank you for making sure our shelves stay full. With urgent gratitude, **[Executive Director Name]** [Title / Organization] **P.S.** The clock is ticking. At midnight, the $25,000 match ends, and any unmatched funds are lost. We still need **$9,400** to ensure no family is sent home empty-handed this winter. **[Please click here to give before midnight.]**

**Subject:** Midnight deadline: $9,400 left to unlock our full $25,000 match Dear [First Name], We have until midnight tonight to meet our year-end match, and we are currently $9,400 short of our goal. A board member has offered to match every dollar donated up to $25,000 before the new year begins. That means any gift you make today will go twice as far to keep our food pantry stocked for the winter ahead. Winter is consistently our highest-demand season. Last February, our supplies ran out on two separate distribution days, and we were unable to provide groceries to families who arrived at the pantry. Meeting tonight’s goal ensures we have the resources in place to keep our shelves reliably filled through the coldest months of the year. If you are able to support our pantry before the year ends, your gift will be doubled immediately: * **$50 becomes $100** * **$100 becomes $200** * **$250 becomes $500** **[Double My Gift Before Midnight]** Thank you for your steady support of our community and for making sure no neighbor leaves our doors empty-handed this winter. With gratitude, [Name] [Title] [Organization]

Subject: Matching gift ends at midnight: $9,400 left to raise Dear [Name], We have until midnight tonight to meet a $25,000 matching challenge, and we are $9,400 away from our goal. A member of our board has offered to match every dollar given today. That means any gift you make before the year ends will be doubled, directly stocking our pantry shelves for the winter months ahead. Last February, our food pantry ran out of supplies twice, and we were unable to provide groceries to families who came to us for support. Rising grocery costs and winter heating bills mean demand is already high, and we want to ensure our shelves stay full every day this winter. Reaching our full $25,000 goal ensures we have the resources ready so that no one leaves empty-handed. **Will you make a gift before midnight to help us raise the remaining $9,400?** * [Donate $50 to become $100] * [Donate $100 to become $200] * [Donate $250 to become $500] [Click here to double your gift before midnight] Thank you for your partnership and for ensuring our neighbors have the food they need this winter. With gratitude, [Name/Title] [Organization Name] [Phone Number] [Mailing Address]

Subject: Doubling your impact: $9,400 remaining in our year-end match Dear [Name], Today is the final day of our year-end campaign, and we have an opportunity to double the reach of your support. A member of our board has pledged to match every donation dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 through midnight tonight. We currently have $9,400 left to raise to unlock the full match. Meeting this goal directly shapes what our food pantry can provide in the months ahead. Last February, high demand emptied our shelves twice, and we did not have enough groceries for the families who came to us for food. As we head into the coldest stretch of the winter, fully funding this match ensures our shelves remain consistently stocked so neighbors always find what they need. Because of the match, any gift you make today goes twice as far: * **$50** becomes **$100**, stocking essential produce and staples for several households. * **$100** becomes **$200**, securing wholesale shipments of proteins, dairy, and grains. * **$250** becomes **$500**, helping keep our refrigeration running and our distribution steady through February. You can make your tax-deductible gift online before midnight at [Link] or by calling [Phone Number]. Thank you for your partnership and for ensuring our community has steady access to food this winter. Warm regards, [Name] [Title] [Organization]

Subject: Matching gift update: $9,400 to reach our goal tonight Dear [Name], I am writing with an update on our year-end matching challenge. A member of our board has offered to match every donation up to $25,000 received before midnight tonight, December 31. Right now, we are $9,400 away from meeting the full match. Meeting this goal directly determines how well we can keep our shelves stocked through the late winter. Last February, high community demand meant our pantry ran out of groceries on two occasions, and we were unable to provide food to the families who came to us those days. Reaching our full $25,000 match ensures we have the purchasing reserve needed to buy bulk staples, fresh produce, and dairy consistently through January, February, and March—the months when household heating costs spike and grocery visits are highest. Because of the match, every dollar given today goes twice as far: * **$50 becomes $100**, stocking a week of pantry staples for four households. * **$125 becomes $250**, covering fresh dairy and produce orders for an entire distribution day. * **$250 becomes $500**, securing bulk warehouse shipments ahead of February demand. If you are planning a year-end gift, you can make your contribution online before midnight to double its impact: [Link: Double Your Gift Today] Thank you for your partnership and for ensuring our neighbors have steady, reliable access to good food all winter long. Warm regards, [Name] [Title] [Organization]

**Subject:** I can’t let February happen again. (Match ends at midnight) **Preview Text:** We are $9,400 short of unlocking our $25,000 match. Please read. Dear [First Name], There is a moment from this past year that still keeps me awake at night. It was a freezing day last February. A line of neighbors—seniors on fixed incomes, mothers with young children—were waiting outside our doors in the bitter cold. And for the second time that month, our shelves were completely bare. I had to walk down that line, look those families in the eye, and tell them we had nothing left to give them. I had to send them home to empty kitchens in the dead of winter. **The hardest months of the year are just weeks away, and I am terrified of history repeating itself.** Right now, we have one final chance to make sure our shelves stay full this coming winter. A generous board member has offered to match every single dollar donated up to $25,000—**but only until midnight tonight.** We are so close, [First Name], but we are still **$9,400 short** of claiming the full match. If we don't raise this final $9,400 before the clock strikes midnight, we lose those matching funds forever. That is thousands of meals that simply won't exist when the February freeze hits. **[Button: Rush My Matched Gift Before Midnight]** You have lived long enough to know how cruel a hard winter can be, and you know the deep pain of not having enough. No parent should have to put their child to bed hungry. No senior should have to choose between paying for heat and buying groceries. Please, help me make sure we never have to lock our doors on a hungry family again. Because of the board match, your tax-deductible gift tonight goes twice as far: * **$25 becomes $50** to keep essentials like milk, eggs, and bread in stock. * **$50 becomes $100** to ensure no senior is turned away empty-handed. * **$100 becomes $200** to help keep our pantry fully stocked through the worst of the winter. Time is running out on 2023, and the cold weather is already here. Please don’t let this matching money slip away when our neighbors need it most. **[Button: Double My Gift Now – Give Before Midnight]** Thank you for your warm heart, and for standing between our neighbors and hunger. With deep gratitude, [Your Name] [Your Title] [Organization Name] **P.S.** The deadline for the $25,000 match—and for your 2023 tax-deductible contribution—is **11:59 PM tonight**. We are just $9,400 away from making sure no family is sent home with nothing this winter. **[Click here to have your gift doubled before midnight.]**

Here are two options for your December 31 email. They are designed to be easily readable for an older demographic (clear fonts, short paragraphs, direct calls to action) and heavily emphasize the urgency of the midnight deadline and the very real risk of the pantry running out of food again. ### Option 1: Direct, urgent, and story-focused (Recommended) **Subject Line Ideas:** * We cannot let last February happen again. * URGENT: $9,400 short (and winter is just beginning) * Turning hungry families away at the door... * Hours left: Please help us unlock this $25,000 match. **Body:** Dear [First Name], I am writing to you with just hours left in the year because I am deeply worried about the cold months ahead. Last February, our worst nightmare came true. **Our pantry completely ran out of food twice.** I had to stand at the door, look cold, desperate parents in the eye, and send them home to their children with empty hands. There is no worse feeling in the world than telling a hungry neighbor that the shelves are bare. Right now, with food prices still high and winter setting in, I am terrified it is going to happen again. To prevent this crisis, one of our generous board members stepped up to match every dollar donated up to $25,000. **However, the clock strikes midnight tonight, and we are still $9,400 short of our goal.** If we do not raise this remaining $9,400 before midnight, we lose those matching funds forever. Worse, we will enter the hardest months of the year without the food we need to survive the winter rush. [**CLICK HERE TO DOUBLE YOUR GIFT BEFORE MIDNIGHT**] Because of the matching gift, your donation today goes twice as far to keep our shelves stocked: * **$25 becomes $50** to buy fresh milk, eggs, and bread. * **$50 becomes $100** to fill a family’s pantry for a week. * **$100 becomes $200** to ensure no child goes to bed with an aching stomach. You have always been the backbone of this community, [First Name]. You understand how vital it is that we look out for our neighbors when times get tough. Please, help me make sure we never have to lock our doors on a hungry family this winter. Make your tax-deductible gift before the midnight deadline tonight. [**DONATE NOW – 2X MATCH ACTIVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT**] With gratitude and urgency, [Your Name] [Your Title] [Organization Name] **P.S.** The $25,000 match expires strictly at midnight tonight. We are just $9,400 away from securing the funds we need to survive the winter. Please click here to give right now so we don't leave a single dollar—or a single family—behind. [**Link**] *** ### Option 2: Shorter, starker, and high-alert (Good for an evening send, e.g., 6:00 PM) **Subject Line Ideas:** * Empty shelves this winter (Hours left to help) * FINAL HOURS: We are still $9,400 short. * Please don't let us run out of food again, [First Name]. **Body:** Dear [First Name], Time is almost up, and I have urgent news. A generous board member offered to match all end-of-year gifts up to $25,000 to help us stock the pantry for winter. **Right now, with just hours left until the midnight deadline, we are still $9,400 short.** We cannot afford to leave this money on the table. You may remember that last February, the need in our community was so overwhelming that **our pantry completely ran out of food twice.** We had to turn families away at the door with nothing. If we miss this goal tonight, we are facing that exact same crisis this coming winter. [**PLEASE CLICK HERE TO RUSH YOUR MATCHED GIFT NOW**] Every dollar you give before midnight will be DOUBLED to buy emergency food supplies. Your $35 becomes $70. Your $100 becomes $200. Winter is the hardest time of year for the families and seniors we serve. When the heating bills go up, the grocery money runs out. They are counting on us to be there, and we are counting on you. Please do not let our shelves go bare again. Give before midnight tonight. [**DONATE HERE TO DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT**] Thank you for caring so deeply, [Your Name] [Your Title] [Organization Name] *** ### Tips for Sending to an Over-70 Audience: * **Font Size:** Bump your email body font size up to at least **16px or 18px**. Make sure the text is pure black on a pure white background for high contrast. * **Buttons:** Instead of just using hyperlinked text, use large, brightly colored buttons (red or green work best) with large text for the Calls to Action. * **Frictionless Giving:** Ensure the link goes *directly* to the donation form, not your website's homepage. If they have to hunt for the "Donate" button, you will lose them.

**Subject:** $9,400 left to unlock our $25,000 year-end match before midnight Dear [Name], We are $9,400 away from unlocking a $25,000 matching gift from a generous board member, and the deadline is midnight tonight. If you are able to give today, your dollar will go twice as far to keep our food pantry stocked for the winter. Winter is our hardest season. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and we had to turn families away empty-handed. With grocery costs still high, more neighbors are counting on these shelves to get through the cold months ahead. Fully funding this $25,000 match today means we can order the staple foods we need for January and February so that every family who visits leaves with groceries. **[Donate Now to Double Your Gift]** If you prefer to give by check or have questions about your donation, please call us at [Phone Number] or reply to this email. Thank you for standing with your neighbors all year long. Warmly, [Sign-off] [Organization Name] [Phone Number] [Mailing Address]

**Subject:** Midnight deadline: We are $9,400 away from unlocking our $25,000 match Tonight at midnight is the deadline for our year-end matching gift, and we are still $9,400 short of our $25,000 goal. A member of our board has offered to match every dollar donated before midnight, up to $25,000. If you give before the year ends, your gift will be doubled to stock our shelves for the winter months ahead. Winter is our busiest season, and full shelves matter. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and we had to turn families away empty-handed. Reaching our full goal tonight ensures we can purchase the staples local families rely on in January and February, so every neighbor who visits leaves with groceries. **[Donate Now to Double Your Gift]** Here is how your matched gift helps stock the pantry tonight: * **$25 becomes $50** to buy fresh milk, eggs, and produce. * **$50 becomes $100** to keep shelves stocked with rice, beans, and canned goods. * **$100 becomes $200** to help prevent a mid-winter shortage. To have your gift matched, please make your donation online before 11:59 p.m. tonight at **[Link]**, or call us at **[Phone Number]** if you need assistance making your gift. Thank you for standing with our neighbors this winter.

Subject: Keeping the pantry shelves stocked this winter (gifts matched through midnight) Until midnight tonight, December 31, a member of our board is matching every donation dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000. Right now, we are $9,400 away from reaching the full match. Your gift today helps make sure our community food pantry stays stocked through the winter months. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and we had to send families home with nothing. Winter brings higher heating bills and tighter budgets for many neighbors, which means more people rely on the pantry to keep groceries on the table. Reaching our goal tonight allows us to purchase the staple foods and fresh produce needed to meet that demand in the coming months. If you would like to contribute before the year ends, any amount you choose to give by midnight will go twice as far toward stocking the shelves for January and February. [Donate Here] Thank you for your steady support of our neighbors and our community this year.

Subject: Matching gifts up to $25,000 through midnight tonight I am writing with an update on our year-end food pantry goal. A board member is matching every gift dollar for dollar up to $25,000 through midnight tonight, December 31, and we are currently $9,400 away from unlocking the full match. Your support right now directly stocks our shelves for the winter months. Last February, demand was high enough that the pantry ran out of food twice, and we had to turn families away without groceries. Raising this final $9,400—which becomes $18,800 with the match—ensures that when neighbors come to the pantry this winter, the shelves are full and families can choose the groceries they need for the week. If you would like to help us meet the match before midnight, you can make a gift here: [Link to donate] If you prefer to give by check or have questions about your year-end contribution, please call us at [Phone Number] or reply to this email. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our community's pantry stocked. Warmly, [Name] [Title] [Organization] [Phone Number]

Depending on how "aggressive" you want to be with the fear element, I have provided two options. The first is **Direct and Urgent**, which leans into the fear of scarcity and the trauma of the pantry being empty. The second is **Community-Focused**, which frames the fear as a "call to protect" their neighbors. ### Option 1: Direct and Urgent *Best if your donors respond to high-stakes, "emergency" style messaging.* **Subject:** We cannot let this happen again. Dear [Name], I am writing to you today with a heavy heart and a clear memory. Last February, the unthinkable happened. Twice, our shelves went bare. Twice, we had to look families in the eye—parents, grandparents, and children—and tell them we had nothing left to give. We had to send them home hungry. **We cannot let that happen again.** As we enter a new year, we are fighting to ensure our pantry is stocked and our neighbors are secure. We are currently **$9,400 short** of our goal to keep the doors open and the shelves full through the winter. Here is the good news: A generous board member has stepped forward to **match every single gift up to $25,000** until midnight tonight. That means your gift of $50 becomes $100. Your gift of $250 becomes $500. We have a narrow window to erase that $9,400 deficit and build a safety net so that no one is turned away in February. Please, don't wait until the shelves are empty to act. **[Link: Double My Gift Now]** With gratitude, [Your Name] [Your Title] *** ### Option 2: The "Protector" Approach *Best for an older demographic who views themselves as the "pillars" or "protectors" of the community.* **Subject:** A critical request before midnight Dear [Name], For years, you have been the backbone of this community. You know that for many of our neighbors, the difference between a meal and an empty plate is the work we do here at the pantry. But we have to be honest about the risks we face. Last February, we hit a breaking point. We ran out of food twice, and we were forced to send families home with nothing. It was a failure we vowed never to repeat. To ensure our neighbors are protected this coming winter, we need to raise **$9,400** by the end of the night. To help us get there, a dedicated board member is **matching all donations dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000** until midnight. Your support today is more than just a donation; it is a guarantee that no family in our town will be turned away when they are at their most vulnerable. **[Link: Give Now to Double Your Impact]** Please help us close this gap before the clock strikes midnight. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Title] *** ### 3 Tips for sending to a 70+ demographic: 1. **The Link:** Make sure the "Donate" link is large, bold, and easy to find. Avoid using "buttons" that are too small for those with limited dexterity or vision. 2. **The Deadline:** Older donors are generally very respectful of deadlines. Emphasizing "Midnight" and "December 31" creates a psychological trigger to act *now* rather than "later." 3. **The Match:** The concept of a "Matching Gift" is highly effective with this generation because it appeals to their sense of stewardship—they feel they are making their money "work harder."

Depending on how "aggressive" you want to be with the fear element, I have provided two options. The first is **Direct and Urgent**, which leans into the fear of scarcity and the trauma of the pantry being empty. The second is **Community-Focused**, which frames the fear as a "call to protect" their neighbors. ### Option 1: Direct and Urgent *Best if your donors respond to high-stakes, "emergency" style messaging.* **Subject:** We cannot let this happen again. Dear [Name], I am writing to you today with a heavy heart and a clear memory. Last February, the unthinkable happened. Twice, our shelves went bare. Twice, we had to look families in the eye—parents, grandparents, and children—and tell them we had nothing left to give. We had to send them home hungry. **We cannot let that happen again.** As we enter a new year, we are fighting to ensure our pantry is stocked and our neighbors are secure. We are currently **$9,400 short** of our goal to keep the doors open and the shelves full through the winter. Here is the good news: A generous board member has stepped forward to **match every single gift up to $25,000** until midnight tonight. That means your gift of $50 becomes $100. Your gift of $250 becomes $500. We have a narrow window to erase that $9,400 deficit and build a safety net so that no one is turned away in February. Please, don't wait until the shelves are empty to act. **[Link: Double My Gift Now]** With gratitude, [Your Name] [Your Title] *** ### Option 2: The "Protector" Approach *Best for an older demographic who views themselves as the "pillars" or "protectors" of the community.* **Subject:** A critical request before midnight Dear [Name], For years, you have been the backbone of this community. You know that for many of our neighbors, the difference between a meal and an empty plate is the work we do here at the pantry. But we have to be honest about the risks we face. Last February, we hit a breaking point. We ran out of food twice, and we were forced to send families home with nothing. It was a failure we vowed never to repeat. To ensure our neighbors are protected this coming winter, we need to raise **$9,400** by the end of the night. To help us get there, a dedicated board member is **matching all donations dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000** until midnight. Your support today is more than just a donation; it is a guarantee that no family in our town will be turned away when they are at their most vulnerable. **[Link: Give Now to Double Your Impact]** Please help us close this gap before the clock strikes midnight. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Title] *** ### 3 Tips for sending to a 70+ demographic: 1. **The Link:** Make sure the "Donate" link is large, bold, and easy to find. Avoid using "buttons" that are too small for those with limited dexterity or vision. 2. **The Deadline:** Older donors are generally very respectful of deadlines. Emphasizing "Midnight" and "December 31" creates a psychological trigger to act *now* rather than "later." 3. **The Match:** The concept of a "Matching Gift" is highly effective with this generation because it appeals to their sense of stewardship—they feel they are making their money "work harder."

Subject: Double your impact by midnight Dear [Name], You can double your gift to the food pantry today. A generous board member is matching all donations up to $25,000 until midnight tonight. We are currently $9,400 away from our year-end goal. Your support ensures that our neighbors have reliable access to food throughout the winter. Last February, the pantry ran out of supplies twice, and we were unable to provide food to the families who visited us. We are working to ensure that does not happen again. Please give by midnight to have your donation matched. [Link: Give Now] Thank you for your support. [Signature]

Subject: Double your impact before midnight Dear [Name], You can double your gift to the food pantry today. A generous board member is matching all donations up to $25,000 until midnight tonight. We are currently $9,400 away from our year-end goal. Your support ensures that our neighbors have reliable access to food throughout the winter. Last February, the pantry ran out of supplies twice, and we were unable to provide food to the families who visited us. We are working to ensure that does not happen again. Please give by midnight to have your donation matched. [Link: Give Now] Thank you for your support. [Name/Organization]

Subject: Your impact on our community pantry Dear [Name], A generous board member is matching all gifts up to $25,000 until midnight tonight. We are currently $9,400 away from our year-end goal. Your gift today will be doubled to help ensure our neighbors have reliable access to food. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice, and families left without the supplies they needed. We are working to prevent that from happening again by building a more stable and sustainable food supply. A gift of [Amount] becomes [Double Amount] today. These funds allow us to purchase fresh produce, proteins, and staples that our neighbors rely on. **How to give:** [Link to Donation Page] **Ways your doubled gift helps:** * $[Amount] provides [Specific impact, e.g., a week of groceries for a family of four]. * $[Amount] stocks our shelves with [Specific item, e.g., fresh milk and eggs] for the month. Thank you for partnering with us to make sure no one in our community goes without. With gratitude, [Name] [Title] [Link to Donation Page]

Subject: Your impact on our community pantry Dear [Name], A generous board member is matching all gifts up to $25,000 until midnight tonight. We are currently $9,400 away from our year-end goal. Your gift today will be doubled to help ensure our neighbors have reliable access to food. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice, and families left without the supplies they needed. We are working to prevent that from happening again by building a more stable and sustainable food supply. A gift of [Amount] becomes [Double Amount] today. These funds allow us to purchase fresh produce, proteins, and staples that our neighbors rely on. **How to give:** [Link to Donation Page] **Ways your doubled gift helps:** * $[Amount] provides [Specific impact, e.g., a week of groceries for a family of four]. * $[Amount] stocks our shelves with [Specific item, e.g., fresh milk and eggs] for the month. Thank you for partnering with us to make sure no one in our community goes without. With gratitude, [Name] [Title] [Link to Donation Page]

Here's a draft built on the real urgency you've got — the match, the midnight deadline, and the true February story — rather than manufactured fear. More on that choice below the email. **Subject line options:** - We're $9,400 short — and every gift is doubled until midnight - [Board member name] is matching every gift until midnight. Here's why. - Your gift, doubled — tonight only --- Dear [First Name], I'll be straight with you: as of this morning, we are $9,400 short of our year-end goal. But here's some good news to end the year on. [Board member name], a member of our board, has offered to match every gift that arrives before midnight tonight — dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. Your $50 becomes $100. Your $100 becomes $200. Why does this goal matter so much? Because of last February. Twice last winter, our shelves went empty before the line did. Twice, we had to look our neighbors in the eye and send them home with nothing. It was the hardest thing we've ever had to do. After that week, we made a promise: never again. And we've kept it — because donors like you kept the shelves stocked. A full pantry doesn't happen by accident. It happens one gift at a time, from people who care. Tonight, your gift counts twice. **[Donate: Double My Gift]** Your matched gift tonight means: - Groceries on the shelves before the coldest weeks of winter - [Insert your real number — e.g., "$35 provides a week of groceries for a family"] - A promise kept: no neighbor leaves with nothing The match ends at midnight. After that, gifts are still needed and still welcome — but no longer doubled. Thank you for standing with us this year. With gratitude, [Name] [Title], [Organization] P.S. We're $9,400 from our goal, and [Board member name] is matching every gift until midnight. If you've been waiting for the right moment to give — this is it: [link] --- **Why I wrote it this way:** You're right that stakes move people — but the February story is true, and true stories carry their own weight. I let it do the work instead of adding dread ("children will go hungry if you don't act"). With a 70+ audience, that distinction is practical, not just ethical: fear appeals lift response once or twice, then burn out a list — and this audience is your planned-giving future, which runs on trust. High-pressure appeals to seniors are also the kind of thing that draws calls from adult children and, in some states, regulatory attention. Honest urgency gets the gift without the risk. **Quick tips:** - Send this in the morning (older donors read email early), then a short 6 p.m. reminder with just the match and deadline — happy to draft that. - Put a real impact number in that bullet. A concrete figure outperforms any adjective. - Keep the donation page large-text and one click. Want a version written in the board member's own voice ("I'm putting my own money behind this")? That's often the strongest variant of all.

**Subject:** Tonight only: every gift to [Pantry Name] will be doubled *Alternates:* "We're $9,400 short — and tonight your gift counts twice" / "A $25,000 match ends at midnight" **Preheader:** A board member is matching every gift until midnight. We're $9,400 from our goal. --- Dear [First Name], I'll be brief, because time is short tonight. [Board member's name], one of our own board members, has offered to match every gift we receive before midnight — dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. And we are still $9,400 short of our year-end goal. I want to be honest with you about why that gap keeps me up at night. Last February, we ran out of food. Twice. Families came to our door for help, and we had to send them home with nothing. I never want to write that sentence again — and with your help tonight, I never will. Here's the thing about winter: giving slows down after the holidays, but hunger doesn't. That's why we're asking tonight, while your gift counts twice. **[$50 becomes $100 — enough to keep a family's kitchen stocked for a week.]** **[GIVE BEFORE MIDNIGHT — DOUBLE MY GIFT]** Every gift made before midnight will be matched, and every gift is tax-deductible for this year. Thank you for standing with our neighbors — this year, and every year. With gratitude, [Name] [Title] P.S. We're $9,400 away, and the match disappears at midnight. Tonight, your generosity goes exactly twice as far. --- **Before you send, fill in:** - Board member's name — named matches consistently outperform anonymous ones - Your real impact math ($X = Y meals) if you have it; concrete numbers lift response - The bracketed button/link and your sign-off **One note on the approach:** I kept the February story front and center because it's true and your donors deserve to know the stakes — but I paired it immediately with what their gift prevents. Fear alone tends to make readers look away and burns out loyal donors over time; stakes plus a clear, winnable action is what actually moves people to give, especially on a list you'll want giving again next December. The urgency here is real (the match, the deadline, the gap), so it doesn't need to be manufactured. If you'd like, I can also draft the short "X hours left" reminder for early evening — a same-day follow-up is standard for Dec 31 and works well with this audience.

**Subject:** Midnight tonight: your gift doubled, $9,400 to go **Preheader:** A board member will match every gift up to $25,000 until midnight. --- Dear [First Name], It's December 31, and I'll get right to the point: we are still $9,400 short of our year-end goal. Until midnight tonight, [board member name], one of our board members, will match every gift dollar for dollar — up to $25,000. A gift of $50 becomes $100. A gift of $100 becomes $200. Why tonight matters so much: Last February, our pantry ran out of food. It happened twice, and both times we sent families home with nothing. We are determined that never happens again. Your gift tonight keeps our shelves stocked through the winter — so when a family walks through our door, the food is there. **[Give Now — Every Dollar Doubled]** You can give online at [link], or call us at [phone number] before midnight and we'll make sure your gift counts toward the match. Thank you for standing with your neighbors tonight. With gratitude, [Name] [Title], [Organization] P.S. The match ends at midnight. Whatever you can give, it counts double — right up to the last minute of the year. --- Two quick notes: I built the urgency around the match deadline and the February fact stated plainly — with long-time supporters, a real failure told honestly tends to outperform dramatized fear, and it protects the trust that brings them back next year. Also, if your systems support it, a line about giving directly from an IRA (a qualified charitable distribution) is often the most effective December 31 ask there is for a list that's mostly over 70½.

**Subject:** Your gift doubled tonight — we're $9,400 short **Preheader:** A board member is matching every gift until midnight. --- Dear [First Name], It's December 31, and we have until midnight to close a $9,400 gap. Here's the good news: a member of our board has offered to match every gift we receive today, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. A $50 gift becomes $100 for the pantry. A $100 gift becomes $200. But the match ends at midnight, and we're still $9,400 short. Why tonight matters: Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. Families came to us for groceries, and we had to send them home without any. We never want to say "we're out" again. Your gift tonight helps keep our shelves stocked through the winter, so every family who comes to us can take home the groceries they need. Will you help us close the gap before midnight? - **Give online:** [link] - **Call us:** [phone number] Every gift of any size is matched until we reach $25,000 — but only until midnight tonight. [Give Now] Thank you for standing with the families we serve, tonight and all year long. With gratitude, [Name] [Title] [Organization] P.S. The match ends at midnight, and gifts made tonight are tax-deductible for this year. If you've already given, thank you — please consider passing this along to a friend whose gift could be doubled too. --- *Note: I built the urgency around the match and the midnight deadline, and let the February story carry the stakes plainly — it motivates without leaning on fear.*

**Subject:** Tonight, your gift goes twice as far **Preheader:** Every gift made before midnight will be matched, up to $25,000. --- Dear [First name], It's December 31, and we have one ask: if you can give tonight, your gift will be doubled. [Board member name] has offered to match every gift made before midnight, up to $25,000. We're still $9,400 short of our year-end goal, and every matched gift closes that gap twice as fast. Here's the honest reason we're asking. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice before the month ended. Families who came to us went home without groceries. That should not have happened. We're asking tonight so the shelves stay stocked all winter. Whatever you give will be matched dollar for dollar: - $50 becomes $100 for the pantry - $100 becomes $200 - $250 becomes $500 **[Give before midnight →]** If you've already given this year, thank you. You're part of the reason the shelves have held through the holidays. With gratitude, [Name] [Title] [Organization] · [Address] · [Unsubscribe] --- One note: I kept the February shortage in, stated plainly, and let the real deadline and the match carry the urgency — specific, honest appeals tend to hold an older list far better than fear, which burns donors out after one gift.

**Subject:** Your gift will be matched — until midnight tonight **Preheader:** We're $9,400 from our year-end goal, and a board member will match every gift. --- Dear [First Name], It's December 31, and we have one request: if you're able to give tonight, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar. A member of our board has offered to match every gift we receive by midnight, up to $25,000. As of this morning, we're $9,400 from our year-end goal. Here's what that goal is for. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice, and families went home without groceries. This year, we're building a winter reserve so the shelves stay full through the season that caught us short. Your gift tonight goes straight to that reserve — and with the match, every dollar you give becomes two. **[Donate here]** A gift of any size will be doubled. If you'd rather give by phone, call us at [phone number] and we'll take care of it together. One honest note: the match ends at midnight. Gifts that arrive after will still stock the shelves — they just won't be doubled. If you've already given this year, thank you. You're part of this. With gratitude, [Name] [Title] [Organization] P.S. We're $9,400 from our goal, and every gift is matched until midnight tonight. **[Donate here]**

I can help make it urgent and emotionally compelling, but I wouldn’t use fear—especially with an older audience—as the primary pressure tactic. Here’s a truthful, respectful version: **Subject:** There’s still time to double your year-end gift **Preview text:** Help us close a $9,400 gap before midnight. Dear [First Name], We’re just **$9,400 short** of our year-end goal—and there’s still time to help. A generous board member will **match every gift made by midnight tonight, up to $25,000**. Your donation can go twice as far to help stock our pantry and provide dependable food for local families in the months ahead. Last February, demand was so high that we ran out of food twice. Families arrived expecting help, and we had to send some home without the groceries they needed. We’re working to ensure that doesn’t happen again. **Will you make a year-end gift before midnight?** Your support will help us keep nutritious food on our shelves and give families a reliable place to turn. [**Double My Gift**] Thank you for standing with our neighbors. Every contribution—of any size—makes a meaningful difference, and tonight your generosity can have twice the impact. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

**Subject:** Help us reach our $25,000 match by midnight Dear [First Name], Today, every gift to [Pantry Name] will be matched by a generous board member—up to $25,000—but we’re still **$9,400 short** of unlocking the full match. Last February, demand was so high that our pantry ran out of food twice. Families arrived needing help, and we had to send some home without the groceries they came for. We’re working hard to make sure that doesn’t happen again in the months ahead. A gift today can help us stock the shelves, respond to rising demand, and ensure neighbors have access to dependable food when they need it most. **Please make your year-end gift by midnight tonight.** Your donation will go twice as far: [**Give now and double your impact**] Whether you give $25, $100, or whatever is meaningful to you, your support matters. Together, we can close this $9,400 gap and make the most of this matching opportunity. Thank you for standing with our neighbors. With gratitude, [Name] [Title] [Pantry Name]

**Subject:** Help close the $9,400 gap by midnight **Preheader:** Gifts made today will be matched up to $25,000. There is still time to make your year-end gift count. A board member will match every gift made by midnight tonight, up to a total of $25,000. We are still $9,400 short of reaching the full match. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. Families arrived expecting support and were sent home with nothing. Your gift can help us keep essential food on the shelves in the months ahead. **Please give by midnight tonight:** [Donate now] Many of our supporters are over 70, and we are grateful for the care and commitment they bring to our community. Whether you give $25, $100, or another amount, your gift will go twice as far while the match is available. Thank you for helping families find food when they need it most. With gratitude, [Organization Name]

**Subject:** $9,400 still needed before midnight **Preheader:** Your gift can be matched dollar for dollar. We’re still $9,400 short of our year-end goal—and a board member will match every gift up to $25,000 through midnight tonight. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. Families arrived expecting support and went home with nothing. Your gift can help us keep essential groceries available when neighbors need them. Please make a year-end gift by midnight. Every dollar you give will be matched until the $25,000 match is reached. **[Give before midnight]** Thank you for helping make sure families can count on the pantry in the months ahead. With gratitude, [Organization Name]

**Subject:** Your gift can be matched through midnight **Preview text:** Help keep the pantry stocked for neighbors this winter. Dear [First Name], A board member will match gifts to our pantry—up to $25,000—through midnight tonight. We are still $9,400 short of reaching the full match. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice. Families arrived for support and had to leave without what they came for. Your gift can help us keep essential groceries available in the months ahead. A gift of any amount will be matched until the $25,000 match is reached. If you are able, please make a year-end gift by midnight: **[Give a Matched Gift]** Your support helps stock shelves, prepare food, and keep the pantry ready for neighbors who rely on it. Thank you for being part of this community. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

**Subject:** Your gift can help keep the pantry stocked **Preview text:** Gifts made by midnight will be matched, up to $25,000. Dear [First Name], We are $9,400 away from reaching our year-end goal. Until midnight tonight, a board member will match every gift, up to $25,000. Your gift will help us keep essential food available for neighbors and families who rely on the pantry. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and we sent families home with nothing. We are working to prevent that from happening again. A gift of any amount can help stock shelves with groceries and meet community needs in the months ahead. If you choose to give before midnight, your donation will be matched. [**Give before midnight**] Thank you for helping make sure our neighbors can find food when they need it. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

**Subject:** Before midnight: $9,400 to go **Preview text:** A board member is matching gifts up to $25,000 through tonight. Dear [First Name], There’s still time to help stock our pantry before the year ends—and have your gift matched. A generous board member is matching gifts up to $25,000 until midnight tonight, December 31. **We’re still $9,400 short of that goal.** Twice last February, our pantry ran out of food. Families who came to us for help went home without groceries. We’re working to prevent that from happening again, and your support helps us keep food on the shelves for our neighbors. **If you’re able, please make a gift before midnight to help us meet the match.** Whatever amount fits your budget will make a difference. **[Give Before Midnight]** Thank you for being part of this community and for caring about the families who count on our pantry. With gratitude, [Name] [Title / Organization] P.S. If you’ve already given, thank you. We’re grateful for your support as we head into the new year.

I’d lead with the real deadline and funding gap, rather than fear. The pantry’s experience is compelling without adding pressure or guilt. **Subject:** Before midnight: Help close our pantry’s $9,400 gap **Preview text:** A board member is matching gifts up to $25,000. There’s still time to help. Dear [First Name], We have **$9,400 left to raise tonight**, and a generous board member is matching gifts until midnight, up to $25,000. If you’re able, will you make a year-end gift to help keep our pantry shelves stocked? Last February, we ran out of food twice. Families came to us for help, and we had to send them home empty-handed. We’re working to prevent that from happening again—and your support can help. Your gift supports food for our neighbors. **Tonight, the match means your generosity can go further.** **[Give before midnight]** Whatever amount fits your budget, we’re grateful for your consideration—and for being part of a community that cares for one another. Thank you, [Name] [Title, Organization] P.S. The matching offer ends at midnight tonight. If you’ve already given, thank you for helping us head into the new year ready to serve.

**Subject: Until midnight: Your gift can help close a $9,400 gap** Dear [First Name], Please make a year-end gift before midnight tonight, December 31. A board member will match gifts up to $25,000, and we’re still $9,400 short of our goal. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. We sent families home with nothing. People came counting on groceries, and we could not provide them. We want to be ready when families turn to the pantry. Your gift helps stock the shelves so neighbors can get the food they need. **Give by midnight to have your gift matched.** Whatever amount fits your budget will help us close the gap. [Make your year-end gift] Thank you for being part of this community and for considering a gift today. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

**Subject: Tonight’s deadline: Help close the $9,400 gap** Dear [First Name], Until midnight tonight, December 31, a board member will match gifts up to $25,000. We’re still $9,400 short of our goal. Will you give today to help keep the pantry stocked? Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and we sent families home with nothing. Families count on being able to get food when they visit. We need to be ready when they do. Your gift will help stock the pantry in the months ahead. And tonight’s match means your support can go further. **[Give before midnight]** If you’re able to give, please make your donation by midnight to qualify for the match. Any amount you choose will help us close the $9,400 gap. Thank you for being part of this work and for considering a year-end gift. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

**Subject:** December 31 pantry match: $9,400 to go **Preview:** Gifts made by midnight qualify for a board member’s match, up to $25,000. Dear [First Name], If you’re able, please consider a year-end gift to help keep our pantry stocked. A board member is matching gifts up to $25,000 through midnight tonight, December 31. We’re still $9,400 short of that goal. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. We sent families home with nothing. People came counting on groceries, and we did not have what they needed. We want to be clear about what your support makes possible: food on the pantry shelves, so families can leave with groceries for the meals ahead. A gift before midnight will qualify for the match, helping your contribution go further toward stocking the pantry. **[Give to the pantry]** Thank you for considering a gift and for being part of this community. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

**Subject:** Your December 31 gift can be matched **Preview:** We’re $9,400 short of the $25,000 match limit. Dear [First Name], A board member is matching gifts to our pantry up to $25,000 through midnight tonight, December 31. We’re still $9,400 short of that limit. If you choose to give, your donation can go twice as far toward stocking the pantry. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and we sent families home without any. People came for groceries they needed, and we could not provide them. We want to be clear about that shortfall—and about what your support will fund. Gifts help purchase food so families can count on groceries being available when they visit. **[Give to the pantry]** If giving fits your plans this year, we invite you to take part in the match before it ends at midnight. A gift of any size will help stock the shelves. Thank you for being part of this community and for considering a gift. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

I can’t help use fear to pressure older donors, but I can make the deadline and need clear without shaming or frightening anyone. **Subject:** Your gift can be matched through midnight **Preview:** We’re $9,400 short of our goal. Dear [First Name], Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. Families came looking for help, and we had nothing left to give them. We want to be better prepared this year. We’re still $9,400 short of our fundraising goal, and a board member will match gifts made by midnight tonight, up to $25,000. If you’re able, please make a gift before the deadline. Your support will help us keep food on the shelves for neighbors who need it. **[Make a matched gift]** Thank you for being part of this community and helping make sure families can find support when they need it. With gratitude, [Name] [Pantry Name]

I can’t help use fear to pressure older donors. I can help make the deadline and need clear without targeting people’s anxieties: **Subject:** Your gift can be matched through midnight Dear [Name], Today is December 31, and we’re $9,400 short of our year-end goal. A board member will match gifts made by midnight, up to $25,000. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. We’re working to keep supplies available for families who rely on us, and your gift can help. If you’re able, please make a year-end gift by midnight to have it matched. Any amount is appreciated—and if you’ve already given, thank you for being part of this work. **[Make a matched gift]** With gratitude, [Name / Organization]

**Subject:** Your gift will be matched through midnight **Preview text:** We’re still $9,400 short. Today, December 31, we’re still $9,400 short of our goal. A board member will match gifts up to $25,000 made by midnight tonight. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice. Families came to us and went home without any. Your gift can help us keep food available for families who come to the pantry. **[Give by midnight]** Thank you for supporting our neighbors.

**Subject:** Help meet the $25,000 match by midnight Today, a board member will match gifts up to $25,000. We’re still $9,400 short of reaching the full match, and the offer ends at midnight. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and families went home without groceries. Your gift today can help support the pantry’s work. **Please give by midnight to help us reach the match.** [Donate now] Thank you for standing with our community.

**Subject:** Your gift can be matched through midnight Today, December 31, a board member will match gifts up to $25,000. We’re still $9,400 short of our goal. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and families went home without groceries. Your gift can help stock the pantry so more food is available to our neighbors. Give by midnight tonight to have your gift matched, up to the $25,000 limit. Any amount helps us move closer to our goal. **[Give now]** Thank you for being part of this effort.

**Subject:** Your gift can be matched through midnight **Preview text:** We’re $9,400 short of our goal. On December 31, a board member will match gifts up to $25,000 through midnight. We’re still $9,400 short of our goal. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and families went home without groceries. Your gift can support the pantry’s work to keep food available for people who need it. If you’d like to give, your donation made before midnight will be matched, up to the $25,000 limit. [Make a matched gift] Thank you for being part of this community.

I’d emphasize the real deadline and the impact of a gift—not fear or pressure based on your readers’ age. **Subject:** Before midnight: Help close our $9,400 gap **Preview text:** A board member is matching gifts, up to $25,000, through tonight. Dear [First Name], Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. Families who had come to us for help went home empty-handed. We’re working to keep that from happening again—and tonight, your gift can go twice as far. **A board member will match donations dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, until midnight. We still have $9,400 left to raise.** If you’re able, will you make a year-end gift to help close that gap and keep food available for our neighbors? - Your **$25** becomes **$50**. - Your **$50** becomes **$100**. - Your **$100** becomes **$200**. **[Give Before Midnight — Double Your Gift]** Your support helps us stock the pantry and serve families who count on it. Thank you for considering a gift—and for being part of this caring community. With gratitude, [Name] [Title / Pantry Name] P.S. The matching offer ends at midnight tonight. If giving fits your circumstances, your donation can have twice the impact.

I’d make the urgency clear without using fear or age-targeted pressure. Here’s a draft: **Subject:** $9,400 to go—and a match until midnight **Preview:** Help stock the pantry for the months ahead. Dear [First Name], Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. Families who came to us for groceries went home empty-handed. We want to be better prepared for the months ahead—and tonight, you can help. **A board member is matching gifts up to $25,000 until midnight, and we’re still $9,400 short of our year-end goal.** Your gift will help us purchase food and keep pantry shelves stocked for neighbors who count on us. **Will you make a year-end gift before the match ends tonight?** [**Give Before Midnight**] Whatever amount is right for you, we’re grateful for your consideration—and for the care this community shows its neighbors. Thank you, [Name] [Organization] P.S. The matching opportunity ends at midnight tonight. If you’ve already given, thank you for helping put food on our neighbors’ tables.

**Subject:** Until midnight: Help close the $9,400 gap **Preview:** A board member is matching gifts up to $25,000 this December 31. Dear [First Name], We’re still $9,400 short of our fundraising goal. Until midnight tonight, a board member will match gifts up to $25,000. If you’re able, please give before the match ends. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. We sent families home with nothing. People came counting on groceries, and we could not provide them. That is why we’re asking for your support today. Your gift helps stock the pantry so families can get the food they come for. **[Give before midnight]** Every gift brings us closer to closing the $9,400 gap. Please give an amount that works for you. Thank you for being part of this community and for considering a year-end gift. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization] P.S. The matching offer ends at midnight tonight, December 31. [Make your gift here.]

**Subject:** Tonight’s deadline: We’re still $9,400 short **Preview:** A board member will match gifts up to $25,000 until midnight. Dear Friend, We’re still $9,400 short of our year-end goal. Until midnight tonight, December 31, a board member will match gifts up to $25,000. Will you give before the deadline? Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. We sent families home with nothing. People counted on us for groceries, and we did not have enough to offer them. Your gift will help us stock the pantry so families can get the food they come for. Tonight’s match means your donation can go further. **[Give before midnight]** Please give an amount that works for you. Every gift helps us close the $9,400 gap. Thank you for supporting the pantry and the neighbors who rely on it. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

Subject: Help stock the pantry with a matched gift Preview: A board member will match gifts up to $25,000 through midnight. Dear [First Name], If you’re able, please consider a year-end gift to help stock the pantry. A board member will match gifts up to $25,000 through midnight tonight, December 31. We still have $9,400 to raise. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice. We sent families home with nothing. People came to us for groceries, and we did not have the food they needed. We want to be clear about that shortfall—and about what we’re asking you to support. Your gift will help purchase food so families can count on the pantry when their budgets don’t cover enough groceries. While matching funds remain, a $50 gift will bring $100 to this work. A gift of any size is welcome. **[Give to the pantry]** Thank you for considering a gift and for being part of this community. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

**Subject:** Help close the pantry’s $9,400 year-end gap **Preview:** A board member is matching gifts up to $25,000 through midnight. Dear [First Name], We’re $9,400 short of our year-end fundraising goal for the pantry. Through midnight tonight, December 31, a board member will match gifts up to $25,000. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and we sent families home with nothing. Families came to us for groceries, and we did not have what they needed. Your gift will help stock the pantry so families can count on food being available when they visit. The board member’s match means your contribution can go further toward that work. If you’re able, please consider a year-end gift. **[Give to the pantry]** Thank you for being part of this community and for considering a gift. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

Here is a December 31 appeal built on the match deadline and what happened when the pantry ran out—not on scaring older donors. --- **Subject:** Before midnight: your gift is matched, and we’re $9,400 short Dear friend, A board member will match every gift, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000—but only until midnight tonight. We are still $9,400 short of that match. Last February, the pantry ran out twice. We had to send families home with nothing. No groceries. No backup plan. Just an empty shelf and an apology. That is what this gap costs. Not a missed goal on a spreadsheet—families who came to us for food and left without it. If you give before midnight, your gift is doubled. $50 becomes $100. $100 becomes $200. Together, we can close the $9,400 and keep the shelves stocked when people need us most. Please give now: [donation link] With gratitude, [Name] [Organization] [Phone] --- Urgency here comes from a real deadline and a real shortage. I did not write copy meant to frighten people over 70 into giving; that kind of appeal is a poor fit for a pantry, and it is not something I will draft.

Subject: Before midnight: your gift is matched, and we’re $9,400 from the goal We’re $9,400 short of our year-end goal, and a board member will match every gift up to $25,000 until midnight tonight. Last February the pantry ran out twice. Families who had already waited in line went home with nothing. We don’t want to start the year that way again. A gift today does two things: it fills the gap, and it is matched dollar for dollar before the deadline. $50 becomes $100. $250 becomes $500. Whatever you can give before midnight goes twice as far. Give now: [donation link] Thank you for standing with the families who count on this pantry. [Name] [Organization] [Phone]

**Subject: $9,400 still needed before midnight — gifts matched up to $25,000** I’m writing with a deadline. A board member will match gifts up to $25,000 until midnight tonight, and we are still $9,400 short. A gift made before midnight will be matched, up to that $25,000. After midnight, the match ends. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice. Families went home with nothing. Gifts now help keep food on the shelves so that does not happen again. If you can give before midnight, your gift will be matched. Any amount helps close the $9,400 gap. Give here: [donation link] Questions? Call [phone number] or reply to this email. Thank you for helping families leave with food.

**Subject: $9,400 to go before midnight** A board member will match gifts up to $25,000 until midnight tonight, December 31. We are still $9,400 short. Give before midnight and your gift will be matched, up to that $25,000. Last February, the pantry ran out twice. We sent families home with nothing. Gifts tonight help keep food on the shelves for the families who count on this pantry. [Give before midnight] If the link does not work, reply to this email and we will help you give. Thank you. Note: I kept the match, the $9,400 gap, and last February’s stock-outs, and wrote a direct ask rather than a fear-based one.

Subject: A matching gift through midnight tonight Hello, I’m writing to ask for a gift before midnight tonight. A board member will match gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. The match ends at midnight on December 31. We are still $9,400 short of that full match. These gifts help keep the pantry stocked. Last February, the pantry ran out twice. On those two days, families went home with nothing. When food is on the shelves, families can take groceries home. You choose whether to give, and you choose the amount. Any gift we receive before midnight will be matched, up to $25,000. Give online: [giving link] Call us: [phone number] Questions? Reply to this email or call [phone number]. Thank you for reading this, and for any gift you decide to make. [Your name] [Your title] [Organization name] [phone number]

Subject: Gifts matched up to $25,000 until midnight Hello, A board member will match gifts up to $25,000 until midnight tonight, December 31. We are still $9,400 short. Last February, the pantry ran out twice. We sent families home with nothing. If you give before midnight, your gift will be matched. That match helps stock the pantry so families who come for food can leave with food. The amount is up to you. Give here: [donation link] The match ends at midnight on December 31. Thank you, [Your name]

Here are three subject line options, then the email: **Subject lines:** 1. Midnight tonight: $9,400 to go, and every gift doubles 2. Last February, we had to send families home with nothing 3. Your $50 becomes $100 — but only until midnight **Preheader:** A board member is matching every gift until midnight. We're so close. --- Dear [First name], I'm writing with a deadline and a number I can't stop thinking about: **$9,400**. That's what stands between us and our year-end goal — and we have until midnight tonight to close the gap. Here's the good news: a member of our board is matching every gift, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. Your $50 becomes $100. Your $100 becomes $200. But only until the clock runs out. I keep thinking about last February. Twice that month, our shelves went empty. Twice, we had to look families in the eye and send them home with nothing — parents who had worked up the courage to ask for help, neighbors stretching fixed incomes to the end of the month. We told them to come back the next week and hoped the shelves would be full by then. [If you have permission to share one specific family's story, a sentence or two here makes this real in a way numbers can't.] No one at [Organization name] wants to live through another February like that. And with your help, we won't have to. Your gift tonight — doubled by the match — means that when a family walks through our doors this winter, we can say yes. Every time. We're close. If 94 friends give $100, or 188 give $50, we'll close the gap before midnight — and because every gift is matched, those dollars will do twice the good. **[Give now and double your impact →]** Your gift is also tax-deductible for [year] if made before midnight. With gratitude and hope for the year ahead, [Name] [Title], [Organization name] **P.S.** Every gift made before midnight is matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. If you've already given this year — thank you. If you've been waiting for the right moment, this is it: [link] --- One note on approach: I built this around urgency and honest stakes rather than fear. Partly practical — fear appeals underperform unless donors also feel their gift will actually fix the problem, and they tend to erode the trust that keeps long-time donors giving year after year. And partly caution on my end: since your list skews over 70, I'd steer away from messaging engineered mainly to frighten. The February story lands hard on its own — you don't need to push it further, and ending on "we can say yes, every time" gives donors something to move *toward*, not just something to run from. Happy to adjust tone, length, or the ask amounts if you want a second pass.

Here's a draft that uses everything you gave me — the match, the deadline, the gap, and the February story — framed for maximum response: --- **Subject:** $9,400 to go — every gift doubled until midnight Dear [First Name], We have until midnight, and we're $9,400 short. A generous member of our board is matching every gift made today, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. Your $25 becomes $50. Your $100 becomes $200. But the match expires at midnight tonight. Here's why I'm asking. Last February, our shelves went empty — twice. On two separate days, families came to us for food and we had to send them home with nothing. Parents with children in tow. Neighbors who'd taken two buses through the cold to reach us. It was the hardest thing our volunteers have ever had to do, and we made a promise that day: never again. February is coming. It's always our hardest month — holiday giving slows, but the need doesn't. This year, we can be ready. Your gift today, doubled by the match, means that when a family walks through our doors this winter, they walk out with groceries. Will you help us close the gap before midnight? **[Give now — your gift counts twice]** Thank you for being the kind of person this community can count on. With gratitude, [Name] [Title] P.S. The match ends at midnight, and we're $9,400 away. Every dollar you give right now counts twice — and puts food on a family's table this February. --- One note on framing: I wrote the February story around hope and efficacy rather than fear, and I'd encourage you to keep it that way. Donors give more when they feel confident their gift will *work* — pure fear tends to produce paralysis or avoidance, not donations. And with a list that's mostly over 70, fear-heavy appeals risk causing real distress and eroding the trust that keeps people giving year after year. Honest stakes, a concrete deadline, and a real match are a powerful combination on their own — this email has all three. Happy to adjust the tone, tighten it further, or draft a shorter follow-up for the final few hours tonight.

**Subject:** Tonight: every gift doubled until midnight — $9,400 to go Dear [First name], I'm writing with a deadline. Tonight, December 31, at midnight, a board member's matching gift expires. Until then, every dollar you give is doubled, up to $25,000. We're close. We need $9,400 more to reach the full match. Here's why it matters. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice. Families came for groceries and went home with nothing. We never want to send a neighbor away empty-handed again. Your gift tonight keeps the shelves stocked through this winter — and right now it goes twice as far: - $25 becomes $50 - $50 becomes $100 - $100 becomes $200 Give here: [donation link] Prefer to give by phone? Call us at [phone number] and we'll make sure your gift is counted before midnight. Thank you for being part of this community. However much you give, tonight it counts double. With gratitude, [Name] [Title] [Organization] P.S. The match ends at midnight tonight, and we're $9,400 short of the full $25,000. Every gift is doubled until then: [donation link] --- Happy to adjust the length, suggested amounts, or sign-off — or draft a shorter version for a final evening reminder.

**Subject:** $9,400 to go — and every gift tonight doubles Dear [First name], Tonight, December 31, a member of our board is matching every gift we receive, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. The match ends at midnight. We are still $9,400 short, and I'm asking for your help before the night is over. Here is why this matters. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice. Both times, families who came to us for groceries went home with nothing. With your help, that never has to happen again. Every dollar you give tonight is doubled. $25 becomes $50. $100 becomes $200. Your gift keeps the shelves full, so every family that walks through our doors leaves with food. **[Give by midnight →]** If you'd rather give by phone, call us at [phone number] and we'll be glad to help. Thank you for being part of this community. Whatever you can give tonight, it goes twice as far. With gratitude, [Name] [Title] P.S. The match ends at midnight tonight. If you've been meaning to give, now is the moment — your gift will be doubled while matching funds last. --- One note on approach: I built the urgency around the real deadline and the February story rather than a fear appeal. Urgency and honest stakes tend to perform just as well with older donors, and they protect the long-term trust your list is built on. Happy to push the tone harder within those lines if you'd like a second version.

**Subject:** Every gift is doubled until midnight tonight **Alt subject:** $9,400 to go, and every dollar counts twice --- Dear [First name], I'm writing with good news and a simple ask. A member of our board is matching every gift to [Organization] dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. The match ends at midnight tonight. Right now we're $9,400 short of the full amount — which means $9,400 in gifts today unlocks another $9,400 for the pantry. Here's why it matters. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice. Families came to us for groceries, and we had nothing left to send home with them. Winter is our hardest season. Heating bills rise, fixed incomes stretch thin, and more neighbors come through our doors. This February can be different. Every dollar given before midnight is doubled, and every dollar keeps the shelves stocked through the months when our neighbors need them most. If you're able to give, here's how: - Online at [link] - By phone at [phone number] — we're glad to take your gift over the phone - By check to [address], postmarked today And if now isn't the right time to give, please know we're grateful for you either way. This community is what keeps the pantry doors open, in February and all year long. Thank you, and happy new year. Warmly, [Name] [Title] P.S. The board match ends at midnight tonight, December 31. Every gift up to $25,000 total will be doubled — and will help make sure no family leaves the pantry empty-handed this winter.

**Subject:** Your gift doubles until midnight tonight Dear [First name], Tonight at midnight, a matching gift from a member of our board expires. Until then, every gift to [Organization] is doubled, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. We are still $9,400 short of our year-end goal, so I'm writing to ask you to consider a gift before the day ends. Here is why it matters. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice. Twice, we had to send families home with nothing. Winter is our hardest season: more neighbors come to us, and donations slow down after the holidays. Gifts tonight keep the shelves stocked through the months ahead, so that when a family comes to us, we have food to send home with them. Because of the match, your gift works twice as hard. $25 becomes $50. $100 becomes $200. If you are able to give before midnight, you can do so here: [link]. You can also call us at [phone number] and we'll help you make your gift. If now isn't the right time, we understand, and we're grateful for you either way. Thank you for being part of this community. Happy new year. Warmly, [Name] [Title] [Organization] | [phone] | [website] P.S. The match ends at midnight tonight, December 31. Every gift made before then is doubled, up to $25,000. --- Happy to draft a shorter version, alternate subject lines, or a follow-up for the morning of the 31st if you'd like.

Here’s a strong, urgent draft you can send as-is — just fill in the brackets: --- **Subject options:** 1. We're $9,400 short — and your gift is doubled until midnight 2. Until midnight tonight: Don't let the match disappear 3. Last chance in 2025 to double your help for [Pantry Name] **Email:** Dear [First Name], Tonight is our last chance. A generous board member will match every gift to [Pantry Name] — dollar for dollar, up to $25,000 — **but only until midnight tonight.** Right now, we're still **$9,400 short** of unlocking the full match. If we don't reach it by midnight, that help will be lost. I keep thinking about last February. Twice that month, our shelves went empty. We had to send families home with nothing — parents who had waited in line, hoping for groceries we simply didn't have. With your help today, we can make sure that doesn't happen again this winter. **Give before midnight and your gift will go twice as far:** $25 becomes $50 $50 becomes $100 $100 becomes $200 worth of food for local families [**DONATE NOW — DOUBLE MY GIFT**] Your gift today is also tax-deductible for 2025 if made by midnight. Thank you for standing with your neighbors when it matters most. Because of you, fewer families will face an empty pantry this winter. With gratitude, [Your Name] [Title], [Pantry Name] **P.S.** The match ends at midnight tonight, December 31. We're just $9,400 away. Please give now so your gift is doubled — and so no family is turned away empty-handed again.

Here’s a draft that uses that real February urgency — without having to scare people into giving: --- **Subject options:** 1. Until midnight: We're $9,400 short of our full match 2. Your gift today is doubled — but only until midnight 3. Please don't let February happen again **Preview text:** A board member will match every gift up to $25,000 today. Dear [First Name], I still think about last February. Twice that month, our pantry shelves ran empty. We had to send families home with nothing — and promise them we'd do better next time. I don't want us to face that again this winter. **Today, we have a chance to prevent it.** A generous board member will match every gift we receive by midnight tonight, up to $25,000. Dollar for dollar. Right now, we're still **$9,400 short** of reaching that full match. That means your gift today goes twice as far: $25 becomes $50 $50 becomes $100 $100 becomes $200 And because today is December 31, your gift is also tax-deductible for this year if you give before midnight. Will you help us close the gap while your gift can still be doubled? **[ YES, DOUBLE MY GIFT ]** Thank you for making sure our neighbors don't have to worry about an empty pantry this winter. With gratitude, [Your Name] [Title, Organization Name] P.S. This match ends at midnight tonight — December 31. If we raise the final $9,400, we'll unlock the full $25,000 match and start the new year fully stocked. Thank you for giving today.

Subject: Your gift today will be matched — we are $9,400 from our goal Dear friends, Please give today if you can. A board member will match gifts up to $25,000, but only until midnight tonight, December 31. We are still $9,400 short of our goal. Your gift will help keep the pantry stocked this winter. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and families left without the food they came for. We want to be ready this February, with shelves full for everyone who comes in. If you give $50 today, the match makes it $100. If you give $100, it becomes $200. You can give online at [link] or mail a check dated December 31. Thank you for supporting your neighbors and for helping keep food available in our community. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

Subject: Your gift is doubled until midnight tonight Dear friend, Today is the last day to have your gift matched. A board member will match gifts up to $25,000 until midnight tonight, and we are still $9,400 short of that goal. If you give today, your gift will go twice as far for neighbors who use the pantry. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and we sent families home with nothing. Reaching the full match will help us keep the shelves stocked this winter so that does not happen again. You can give online at [link] or call us at [phone number]. Thank you for being part of this community and for considering a gift today. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

Subject: Your gift today will be matched, up to $25,000 Dear friends, I'm writing with an update on our December campaign, and one way to take part today if you choose. A board member will match gifts up to $25,000 until midnight tonight, December 31. We are $9,400 short of our December goal, and gifts today will be doubled while the match lasts. Those funds will help us buy food for the winter months ahead. Last February, our pantry ran out of food twice, and we sent families home without groceries. A fully stocked pantry in February means neighbors who shop here can choose the food they need for their households, week after week. If you would like to give, you can do so here: [link]. Every gift will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to the $25,000 total. Thank you for being part of this community, and for considering a gift today. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

Subject: Your December 31 gift will be matched I'm writing to share our year-end goal and what your gift will make possible. A board member will match gifts up to $25,000 for gifts made by midnight tonight, December 31. We are $9,400 short of our goal. Your gift will help keep the pantry stocked through winter. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice, and we had to send families home without the food they came for. This year's goal will cover food purchases for January and February, so neighbors can choose the groceries that work for their families. Here is what gifts cover: - $50 covers fresh produce for a week of pantry days - $100 covers staple foods like rice, beans, and oats for a week - $250 helps cover a full delivery of milk, eggs, and produce If you choose to give today, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar, up to the $25,000 match. You can give here: [link] Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting your neighbors in the way that works for you. With gratitude, [Name] [Organization]

**Subject:** Midnight tonight: we’re $9,400 away from empty shelves Dear Friend, It’s December 31. Midnight is hours away. Last February, our pantry ran out of food—not once, but twice. We had to send families home with nothing. No groceries. No dignity. Just empty hands. We cannot let that happen again. Right now, we are **$9,400 short** of the goal a generous board member set to match every gift—dollar for dollar, up to $25,000—until midnight tonight. If we don’t raise that $9,400 by midnight, the match disappears. And more importantly, the shelves stay bare. For many of our neighbors, this pantry is the only thing standing between them and hunger. A missed match doesn’t just mean lost dollars. It means boxes that don’t get packed. It means a senior choosing between medicine and dinner. It means a child going to bed without enough to eat. Your gift tonight will be doubled. But only if you give before midnight. **Please give now.** $50 becomes $100. $100 becomes $200. Every dollar is matched, up to $25,000. [GIVE BEFORE MIDNIGHT] If you’d rather give by phone, call **[insert phone number]**. If you’re mailing a check, it must be postmarked today. We know this is a hard ask on New Year’s Eve. But we’d rather ask you now than have to look a family in the eye next February and say there’s nothing left. Thank you for standing with us. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Title] [Organization Name] P.S. The match expires at midnight. If we don’t raise the remaining $9,400, it’s gone. Please give tonight.

**Subject line options:** - Midnight tonight: We’re $9,400 short, and families are counting on us - Urgent: The pantry ran out once. We can’t let it happen again. - December 31 deadline: Your gift will be doubled—but only if we raise $9,400 more --- **Email body** Dear [Name], It is December 31. Midnight is the deadline. A board member has offered to match every gift we receive—dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. But right now, we are still **$9,400 short** of taking full advantage of that match. If we don’t raise the remaining $9,400 by midnight, that money disappears. And so does the extra food, the extra boxes, and the extra security it would provide for our neighbors. I’m writing because I don’t want us to repeat what happened last February. Twice that month, our pantry ran out of food. Twice, we had to send families home with nothing. Empty shelves. Empty hands. I still remember the looks on their faces. We cannot let that happen again. Your gift tonight—no matter the amount—will be doubled. But we need $9,400 more before the clock strikes midnight to make the most of this match. Please give now. Make sure the shelves are stocked. Make sure no family is turned away. [**Donate Before Midnight**] With gratitude, [Your Name] [Your Title] [Organization] P.S. Tonight is the last night. Every dollar you give will be matched—up to $25,000—but only if we raise the remaining $9,400 by midnight. Please don’t wait.

Subject: Double your gift before midnight A board member will match every gift up to $25,000 until midnight tonight. We are $9,400 short of the full match. That gap has real consequences. Last February, the pantry ran out of food twice. Families arrived and left with nothing. We do not want that to happen again. Your gift tonight will be doubled. It will keep the pantry stocked and make sure families leave with what they need. Give before midnight: [link] Thank you. [Organization name] [Phone] [Email]

Subject: December 31: $25,000 match ends at midnight December 31: Your gift will be matched—up to $25,000—until midnight. We are $9,400 short. If we don’t reach the match by midnight, we lose the rest. Last February, the pantry ran out twice. Families came in and left with nothing. We don’t want that to happen again. Your gift will be doubled, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. It helps keep shelves stocked through winter. Give by midnight: [link] Questions? Reply to this email or call [phone].

Subject: Your gift will be doubled by midnight December 31 Gifts made by midnight on December 31 will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, thanks to a board member. We still need $9,400 to unlock the full match. Last February, the pantry ran out twice. Families came in and left with nothing. We don’t want that to happen again. Your gift will go twice as far. That means more shelves stocked, more families leaving with groceries, and no one turned away because the cupboard is bare. Give by midnight December 31 to double your gift: [Donate now] Thank you for being part of this community. [Organization name] [Phone number] [Email address]

Subject: Your gift before midnight will be matched, up to $25,000 Dear friend, A board member has offered to match every gift we receive by midnight on December 31, up to $25,000. We are $9,400 short of that match. Your gift will go twice as far to keep food on the pantry shelves. Last February, the pantry ran out twice. Families came in and left with nothing. That should not happen. Your gift helps make sure it doesn't. If you would like to give, please visit [donation link] or call [phone number]. Gifts must arrive by midnight to be matched. Thank you for standing with this community. [Organization name]