Generous University of Utah donors support many scholarships on campus and a well-written thank you note can go a long way. Donors appreciate hearing from students and how their investment is paying off. A short note from you affirms the value and significance of their contributions and encourages their continued support.
Winning a scholarship is an exciting achievement. It provides crucial financial support for your education goals. But your scholarship journey doesn’t end when you get selected. Sending a thoughtful thank you letter to your sponsor is an important next step.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain why scholarship thank you letters matter and provide actionable tips to craft a compelling letter. Read on to learn how to properly thank your sponsor and leave a lasting positive impression.
Why Send a Scholarship Thank You Letter?
After you are awarded a scholarship, contacting the donor directly with a thank you letter is strongly recommended. Here are some key reasons why a thank you letter is important:
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Shows appreciation – The letter demonstrates you value the donor’s generosity. Not sending one may appear ungrateful or entitled.
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Creates rapport – A gracious letter helps build rapport with the sponsor, paving the way for future opportunities.
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Provides an update – It gives the donor an update on how their scholarship helps you pursue your goals.
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Leaves a positive impression – The letter reflects well on both you and the sponsoring organization,
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Encourages future giving – Your note motivates the sponsor to continue providing scholarships.
Overall, a thoughtful scholarship thank you letter has compelling benefits beyond just saying thanks. It’s a strategic relationship-building touchpoint you don’t want to miss.
When to Send the Letter
Timeliness is important when sending a scholarship thank you note Here are some guidelines on timing
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Send the letter within 2-4 weeks of receiving your scholarship award notification.
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If the scholarship is renewable annually, send thank you notes each year you receive the renewed award.
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When relevant, send a thank you after graduation to update the donor on how their scholarship impacted your education.
The most meaningful thank you letters are sent promptly after receiving the initial scholarship award or any subsequent renewals. Don’t wait months to express your gratitude – your note will have the biggest impact sent soon after being selected.
Choosing the Right Scholarship Thank You Letter Format
You typically have two options when formatting your scholarship thank you letter:
Handwritten Note
A handwritten letter on nice stationery can add a more personal, human touch. This format shows you cared enough to physically write out the note. It’s best for smaller, local scholarships from individuals or community groups.
An email thank you allows you to still convey gratitude and updates efficiently. This is easiest for large, national scholarship programs. Email may also be better if you need to include attachments like photos.
Either format is acceptable. Pick the method that matches best with your specific scholarship situation. The most important part is taking the time to thank your sponsor thoughtfully.
Scholarship Thank You Letter Template
When drafting your letter, this template can help guide your structure and content:
Date
Scholarship Program Name
Contact Name
Address
Dear Mr./Ms. Contact Name,
Opening paragraph thanking the donor and expressing appreciation for being selected as a recipient.
Brief background on yourself – studies, goals, interests, etc.
Explain how receiving this scholarship helps you pursue your education/career aspirations.
Provide any noteworthy updates on academics, activities, future plans that the donor may be interested to hear.
Closing paragraph thanking the donor again for the opportunity and financial support.
Sincerely,
Your Name
This provides a clear outline to follow. You can tailor the specifics to match your unique situation and sponsor. Next, let’s explore some tips for excelling at each section.
How to Write an Excellent Scholarship Thank You Letter
Follow these tips to craft a compelling, professional thank you letter that makes a great impression:
Use a Formal Salutation
- Address the donor or organization formally with appropriate titles. Avoid first names unless directed otherwise.
Thank the Donor
- Open by thanking the donor directly for selecting you as a recipient. Express how grateful you are for their generosity.
Introduce Yourself
- Share relevant background on yourself – your studies/major, interests and activities, career aspirations, etc.
Explain How the Scholarship Helps You
- Provide details on how the donor’s gift aids your academic and professional goals. Show how their support makes a difference.
Share Meaningful Updates
- If applicable, include noteworthy updates on your studies, new achievements, or future plans that may interest the donor.
Close With Gratitude
- Conclude by thanking the donor again for the scholarship opportunity and financial contribution.
Add Signature
- Sign your full name at the bottom to make the letter more personal.
Following these best practices will result in a polished, professional thank you note. Sponsors will recognize and appreciate your effort.
Scholarship Thank You Letter Samples
It can be helpful to see examples when creating your own letter. Here are two sample scholarship thank you letters:
Email Thank You Note Example
Dear Ms. Rhodes,
I am incredibly honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Rhodes Behavioral Health Scholarship. Thank you for providing me with this opportunity. I sincerely appreciate your generosity.
As a second-year nursing student at ABC University, I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. My goal is to work as a behavioral health nurse practitioner focusing on adolescent mental health. With teen depression and suicide rates rising, I hope to provide critical support to young patients.
This scholarship will help cover significant tuition expenses so I can continue my education. Without donors like you, I would not be able to achieve my academic dreams. I am deeply grateful for your vote of confidence through this award.
I look forward to maintaining excellence in my nursing studies this year. Please feel free to contact me if you would ever like an update on my progress. Thank you again for your invaluable gift to my future.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Handwritten Note Example
April 15, 20XX
Mr. Chris Thompson
Thompson Charitable Foundation
123 Grant St, Springfield, VA 22102
Dear Mr. Thompson:
I am writing to thank you for selecting me as a Thompson Scholar this year. I am deeply appreciative of your tremendous generosity and support for my college education.
As a first-generation college student pursing a business management degree, this scholarship helps make my academic goals attainable. Education is the key to a better future, and donors like you make dreams possible for students like me.
I just completed my freshman year at XYZ College, where I earned a 3.8 GPA. I plan to major in accounting and join the business honors program next year. My career dream is to become a certified public accountant.
Your scholarship motivates me to continue working hard and seizing every opportunity. Please extend my gratitude to the rest of the foundation. I hope one day to pay forward your generosity. Thank you again for investing in my future.
Sincerely,
Michael Clark
These examples demonstrate clear, compelling scholarship thank you letters. Use them for inspiration when crafting your own note to make a great impression.
Key Takeaways
Writing a thoughtful thank you letter is a small but meaningful way to show your appreciation as a scholarship recipient. Keep these core tips in mind:
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Send your letter within a few weeks of receiving the award. Timeliness matters.
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Pick an email or handwritten note format that fits the situation. Both are acceptable.
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Use a formal tone and include key details – gratitude, background, how the scholarship helps, updates.
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Close by thanking the donor again and sign with your full name.
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Well-written letters build rapport and encourage donors to continue giving.
Giving back through a thank you note shows class, maturity, and emotional intelligence. Sponsors recognize and appreciate this effort. So don’t miss an opportunity to thank scholarship donors who support your academic journey.
Tips for Scholarship Thank You Letters:
- Handwritten notes or typed letters are acceptable. If you opt for a handwritten note, please use stationary or a card.
- For electronic notes, please save it in a Word Document (.docx) or Adobe Acrobat format (.pdf).
- Address the letter Dear [Name of Scholarship] Donor
- For handwritten notes, please write legibly. Please keep your note to a couple of paragraphs. You may want to make a draft before writing the final copy. Please put your university ID number (UNID) under your signature. For an example, please see the letter below.
- If you opt to type your letter, keep it to a few paragraphs. Sign your name on letter and use your UNID. Please see the example letter below.
- Make sure your letter is free of spelling and grammatical errors! Have someone review your letter before submitting.
- If you received multiple donor-funded scholarships, please submit a letter for each scholarship.
- Put the letter in the envelope. If not mailing, please label the envelope with [Name of Scholarship] Thank You Note.
- Letter can be mailed or dropped off at the University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Please submit the letter by the due date stated in your award letter. If dropping off in person, either drop it off at the UOSFA windows on the first floor of the SSB during regular office hours or utilize the drop box in front of the windows. If mailing, please send note to:
- [Name of Scholarship]Thank You Note University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid University of Utah 201 South 1460 East, Rm. 105 Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- Typed letters can also be e-mailed to [email protected]
Sharing Gratitude | How to Write a Scholarship Thank You Letter
How to write a scholarship thank you letter?
With gratitude, [Your Full Name] Writing a scholarship thank-you letter is not just a formality but a crucial expression of gratitude and professionalism. By addressing the donor, expressing sincere appreciation, detailing the impact of the scholarship, and focusing on your academic and career aspirations, you create a lasting impression.
How do I write a thank you letter?
Let’s delve into a couple of examples letters to help you draft your ‘thank you’ note: Dear [Donor’s Name or Organization’s Name], I am thrilled to be chosen as the recipient of your generous $500 [Name of scholarship] scholarship.
How do I write a scholarship letter?
Here’s a scholarship letter template (separated into individual paragraphs) for you to copy, paste, and fill in with your own information: Dear [Scholarship Donor or Organization’s Name], First paragraph: This section’s purpose is to directly thank the donor or organization.
What is a scholarship thank-you letter?
In this article, we define what a scholarship thank-you letter is, describe what to include, discuss steps to write one, and provide tips, template and examples to help you craft your own. Key takeaways: A scholarship thank-you letter is your written correspondence expressing gratitude to an organization or individual funding your education.
