When someone offers to help you make a down payment on a house, your lender will require a gift letter for a mortgage. Here's what it includes.A mortgage gift letter states that you received money as a genuine gift to use toward a down payment, rather than a loan. If you are planning on making or receiving a large financial gift, then gift letters are something you should be aware of. Here's what you need to know. A gift letter is required when a borrower is using gift money as part or all of their down payment on a mortgage. Donor - Please complete items 9 through 12 as applicable and return directly to lender named in item 2. The following page provides a sample gift letter that you can use as a guide to document any gifts you receive that will be used towards a home purchase. Download a gift letter for a mortgage. As noted earlier, your bank should provide a gift letter template for you to complete.