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What Is A Scholarship Thank You Letter?
A thank you letter is a formal document sent by a student to an organization or individual that offered them financial support for an academic program. Many a time, it contains an expression of gratitude for the scholarship. It can also include a student’s educational plans and career objectives. Some universities may require a recipient to write a letter using a certain format; this is maintain a positive relationship between the school and the individual/donor. Students may also decide to send a thank you letter themselves to show gratitude.
Therefore, we request that you personally reach out to say “thank you” and speak to your donor about yourself. They would like to know who you are, how their financial aid would help you bag your degree, and what you plan to do with it.
Why Do You Need To Send a Thank you Note To Your Donor?
Many often wonder why a Thank You letter is necessary after receiving a scholarship, if you are one of such people, you are making a big mistake. One the most important things to do after receiving a financial award (scholarship, fellowship, honor, etc.) is to express your gratitude via a thank you letter to the donor.
Scholarship donors are benevolent people who see to the financial needs of students. Their motive is to support support and see you achieve your academic goals. Sending a thank you note to them will go a long way in making them feel special and appreciated for their effort. Remember that sending a typed thank you letter confirms that this scholarship was important enough for you to take the time to present yourself in a professional manner. Your thank you letter will make them feel special as it reminds them why they granted you in the first place. This can also hep you secure future gifts and privileges.
If you are wondering how to write a thank you note, worry no more as we have brought to you in this blog post, how to write an amazing thank you letter that will mesmerise your donor.
Guidelines on how to write a thank you letter is below, alongside suggestions on formatting your letter. Upon receipt of your letter, it will be forwarded to the donor and/or the organization.
How To Write A Thank You Letter For Scholarship Awards
Provide your contact information
Write your contact information at the top-left corner of the letter, especially if it’s a hand-written letter. This should your full name, address, phone number (s) and email address. Below it, write the name of the organization/ donor and its email.
Greet the Donor
Address the donor or organization, not the selection committee. The donor’s name should be on your award notification. Be formal in your salutation to the donor or organization. If you’re writing the letter to an individual, use only their last name and an appropriate title. When writing a document for a group of people, you can write their names together with the title of the organization. You can also write {Dear members} followed by the organization’s full name.
Write an opening paragraph
In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and include both your statement of appreciation and background information. This part can be one to three sentences, depending on your choice of the requirements of a university’s scholarship department. You can also mention aspects of your current status, like your major and anticipated graduation year. Be courteous in your choice of words in this section to convey professionalism and respect.
Write the main content
In the following two paragraphs, describe your academic goals and post graduate plans. Be sure to include specific information so an organization or donor for them to better understand your academic plans and remember your plans for the future. If you share a similar value system with an organization, consider including it in the letter. For example, if you’re receiving a scholarship from people with a specific interest, you can mention this connection in one sentence.
Express Your Gratitude
Write wholeheartedly with an active voice. Show how lucky you are to have been selected for such a huge opportunity. Examples: “Thank you for your magnanimity.” “It is a privilege to be selected for the WCVL international scholarship”( After my mother died, I thought that would be the end of my education, thank you for resuscitating dead hopes)
Mention the scholarship by name ( XYZ scholarship has contributed immensely to the growth of education in the country, you do not have an idea of how many lives you have touched through this scholarship)
Do not request more financial aid; Avoid expressions like, I would like to also request for…)
Describe the Impact
Knowing their efforts had a positive impact on an institution and on recipient may also encourage an organization to continue offering the program in the future.
Explain the impact studying at (the name of the school) has on your life and what you enjoy best how being a student at (the name of the university) and what you enjoy best.. Examples: Why you chose Belgium? Your course of study, sports, community service activities, achievements, awards or honors you are proud of, interests outside your studies. Examples; growing up, I’ve always imagined how life in Belgium is, and dreamt of studying in the University of (the name of the university). Or, Because of your scholarship, I will be able to actualise my goal of (state how this scholarship will be be of great impact to you).
Talk about your future plans.
Share your plans for the future: trips, activities, graduation or prospective job. Let them know how this scholarship has assisted you in furthering your education. Example: “Upon completion of my studies I plan to pursue a career in data science.”
Reiterate your gratitude
Show your gratitude with different wording this time in the last section of the thank you letter. You can describe ways the scholarship may serve an important function for all the selected students in general. It may be helpful to express an intention to follow up with the organization in the future.
Examples: “Thanks again for your gift.” “Thanks again. I appreciate the scholarship assistance.”
Signing Off
Finish your letter with a formal closing like Sincerely or Best Regards, then sign
Examples: “Sincerely,” “Warm Regards,” “Yours Truly,” “With Sincere
Thanks,” etc.
Formatting Your Letter
Type your letter in Word (using a professional font style (such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Georgia) and font size so the recipient can read your letter easily) and include date, salutation, body, and closing. You will be required to upload a scan (or picture) of your signature, which is to be written three times in black pen on a white piece of paper.
Do not exceed one page to show that you respect the scholarship donor or sponsor’s time.
Ask a friend, sibling or parent to proofread it; special attention should be given to grammar.
Address your letter to the appropriate donor or group in the salutation and please include the scholarship name in the body of the letter; whom to address your letter will be included in your scholarship notification letter. For example; Dear { Scholarship Donor/ Organisation’s name }
Send your letter within a week of accepting your scholarship award so the donor or organization knows you’re grateful that you writing your thank you note an utmost priority.
Sample Letter
This sample letter can be used as a guide to creating your Thank You letter.
[Your Name]
[Address]
[City/state]
[Date]
[Organization’s name]
[Street Address]
[City, state, zip]
[Dear Scholarship donor/ Organization’s name],
First Paragraph: Give the purpose of your letter- (I am writing to thank you for the _____Scholarship). Then, express your appreciation for the scholarship – (I am honored to have been selected to receive the scholarship. Or, My lifelong dream of attending a Law school is moving forward, thanks to generous educational scholarships like yours. Or, I was very happy to learn I am the recipient of your scholarship. Or, I really appreciate receiving this scholarship.)
Second Paragraph: Share information about yourself and how the scholarship is important to you. (I am majoring in _______________. I hope to have a career in _______________. I am interested in this because ______________. The money from this scholarship will help finance my education and allow me to focus on academics/ or studying and becoming involved in college activities.)
Third Paragraph: Thank the donor once again and state your desire to honor the scholarship by doing well in your academic studies. (Thank you for your continued support and investment in my future).
Sincerely,
Your Name
FAQs
Is It Really Necessary To Write A Scholarship Appreciation Letter?
Yes it is, writing a thank you letter shows you value and cherish the opportunity being given to you to continue your studies.
Handwritten or Typed, which is better?
You can either type your letter or write it. If you choose to handwrite it, make sure your handwriting is legible. You don’t want your donor squinting their eyes before the read what you have written.
When is the best time to send my Thank you letter?
Send in your thank you letter in a week of receiving your offer letter, this is to show that you are appreciative.