They are legally binding — While giving a family member a financial gift may not feel like a big deal to some people, gift letters are not only a formality. They are a legally binding document that both parties must sign.
Typically, for conventional loans and VA loans, lenders require an explanation for any gift you receive that's over half the value of your total household monthly income. For instance, if you earn $5,000 a month in income, lenders require a letter for any gifts you receive that are more than $2,500.
Documentation Requirements Gifts must be evidenced by a letter signed by the donor, called a gift letter. When the gift is sourced by a trust established by an acceptable donor or an estate of an acceptable donor, the gift letter must be signed by the donor and list the name of the trust or the estate account.
Your lender may provide you with a gift letter template. If that's the case, you can simply pass it along to the gift giver and have them fill it out. If the lender doesn't provide you with a gift letter template, be sure to verify the gift letter requirements.
I'm writing to ask you to support me and my cause/project/etc.. Just a small donation of amount can help me accomplish task/reach a goal/etc.. Your donation will go toward describe exactly what the contribution will be used for. When possible, add a personal connection to tie the donor to the cause.