A gift letter is a note from a donor to your lender regarding cash funds for your mortgage down payment. The letter must explain who is gifting the money, where the donor's funds are coming from and the relationship between the donor and the recipient.A gift letter for a mortgage is a written document that clearly indicates that you're receiving a gift for a down payment of your home, or a gift of equity. If you are buying a single family home as a primary residence, you can use gift funds without contributing any of your own money to the down payment. Gift letters for mortgages are common in California. Pin down the specifics of the property in question. Clearly state the property's address, ensuring there's no ambiguity about where the gift funds are intended. Enter your zip code to see attorneys available in your area. What should the gift letter include? It also proves the money is a nostrings present, not an additional debt the borrower is responsible for.