A gift letter is a note from a donor to your lender regarding cash funds for your mortgage down payment. Learn about gift letter requirementsThe 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. The person who gave you the money must write and sign the gift letter as well as provide their personal information. The City of Oakland's CalHome Program operates jointly with participating lenders to assist low income, first-time homebuyers to purchase homes in Oakland. The purpose of this letter is to document that the money does not need to be repaid as well as the donor's name, contract information, and relationship to you. Use these stepbystep instructions for accepting a cash downpayment gift on a home, including a readytouse mortgage gift letter template. Make Sure You Write A Gift Letter. Fill out your loan application completely. If: deposit is gift money.