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. Here are the top things you need to know when receiving mortgage down payment gift funds.Bonus: download a free gift letter template. The person who gave you the money must write and sign the gift letter as well as provide their personal information. A gift letter is a note from a donor to your lender regarding cash funds for your mortgage down payment. Learn about gift letter requirements 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. Here's a sample gift letter you can use to prove that the money is truly meant as an outright gift, with no expectation of repayment. When was the last time you had a bacon-wrapped, deep-fried hot dog?