Writing a thank you letter for a scholarship is a great way to express your gratitude to the person or organization who awarded you the award. It also helps build your image with the donor or organization by demonstrating your strong communication skills.
Remember to be sincere when expressing your thanks and include a few details about how the scholarship will benefit you in the future.
Start With a Short Greeting
Generally speaking, the scholarship donor or organization will want to see a letter that is short and to the point. This will allow them to quickly get the information they are seeking. Start off with a brief greeting such as "Dear [Donor/Organization]".
Then briefly mention some facts about yourself that will be important to the scholarship donor or organization. This may include things like your current status, the university you attend or the field of study you are pursuing. It is also a good idea to mention some of your career aspirations. This will help to demonstrate the value you bring as a future investment in their organization. Be careful not to go overboard with the details though; it can be easy for the reader to become distracted and lose focus. Also, be sure to avoid grammatical errors and have someone else read your letter for you before sending it off. This will ensure it looks professional and polished.
Thank the Donor for Their Support
It's important to start the letter off with a sincere expression of gratitude. The donor will want to know that you appreciate their support.
It may also be beneficial to give the donors a little information about yourself, such as where you are from, what your major is, and any work or research experience that you have had. You could also talk about your involvement in student organizations, your hobbies, and other aspects of your life.
Try to keep it short and simple, however, because the last thing that you want is for your letters to seem rote or artificial. Use real language and be genuine, even though it can be difficult to write in your own voice when you're writing for a scholarship. This will help the donors connect with you and make them more interested in supporting you in the future. Don't forget to thank them again in your closing paragraph!
Explain How the Scholarship Will Benefit You
The final portion of your letter should explain how this scholarship will benefit you. This is an opportunity for you to show the committee how this scholarship will allow you to accomplish your academic and career goals. For example, if you are a first-generation student who plans to attend college on an academic and professional level, you can share about how the scholarship will help you overcome financial obstacles that might otherwise prevent you from pursuing your dreams.
You should also include a few anecdotes in this paragraph, if possible. These anecdotes should be relevant to the specific scholarship you received, and they should illustrate your passion for your field of study. Lastly, close your letter with an expression of gratitude. You can end your letter with words like “Sincerely,” “Kind regards,” or “Best wishes.” Be sure to sign your name and provide your UNID at the bottom of the page. This ensures that your letter is properly credited to you.
Reiterate Your Commitment to Your Future
When writing your thank you letter, it’s important to reiterate your commitment to your future and career goals. This will show the donor that you are determined to make the most of their investment in your education and future success. You can also discuss your future plans, including where you want to work and what steps you plan to take toward that goal.
Whether you are sending your letter via email or by mail, be sure to include the date and proper salutation. Using the full name of the scholarship sponsor is especially important as it will help your donor keep track of the scholarship they awarded to you. Finally, be honest and genuine with your expression of gratitude and ensure that the letter is free from spelling and grammatical errors. This will demonstrate your professionalism and respect for the donor. They will be more likely to respond positively to your letter. As such, it is always best to have someone else read your letter before submitting it.