The scholarship thank you letter is a crucial part of your scholarship application. It’s your chance to showcase your life after receiving the award and express how it has made a difference.
You should send this letter as soon as you receive notification of your award, unless you are given other instructions for doing so.
Table of contents
In this guide, we’ll explain why writing a “Thank You” letter is important, what to include in it, and how to format it. We’ll also provide an example that you can use for guidance when writing your own letter.
Every scholarship thank you letter should have the following:
- A clear statement of appreciation
- An explanation of how the money will be used
- An explanation of what the scholarship means to you
- Any other information that seems appropriate
The tone of your letter should mirror that of the donor or organization’s communication with you. For this reason, it is important to read all communications carefully and follow any instructions that are provided.
Tips and ideas on how to write a thank-you letter
The purpose of a thank-you letter is to express your gratitude for receiving the scholarship, as well as to maintain contact with the donor. It is important that the tone of your letter be enthusiastic and professional. The following are some tips and ideas on how to write a thank-you letter:
- Start by addressing the donor by name. If you have not been given this information, please call our office.
- Explain how receiving this scholarship has positively impacted your college experience.
- Mention specific details about yourself that you shared during your interview.
- Express your gratitude for being awarded this scholarship.
- Be sure to include both a closing paragraph and a closing salutation (i.e., “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” “Best Regards”).
Send a thoughtful and professional Note
While writing a “Thank You” letter may seem like an obvious gesture, your recipient will be impressed if you send a thoughtful and professional note. While there’s no right or wrong way to write a scholarship thank you letter, there are some best practices you can follow.
- Be timely. Send your thank-you letter as soon as possible after you receive notification of your scholarship award, preferably within a week or two of receiving the news.
- Be formal. Scholarship sponsors are looking for students who understand how to be polite and professional, so use a formal business letter format instead of an email.
- Be specific. Use the sponsor’s name and address the specific reason for your letter (the scholarship).
- Be personal and sincere. Write clearly, using active language, and explain why you’re thankful for the scholarship award.
- Be thorough and complete. Conclude by thanking the sponsor again, mention any attachments (transcripts, essays), provide contact information and sign your thank-you letter before mailing it to the appropriate person at the organization offering the scholarship award.
Express your gratitude and highlight your achievements
Many scholarship providers want to know what their money is going toward, so they want to know that you’re grateful. The thank-you letter is an opportunity for you to express your gratitude and highlight your achievements.
What to include in your thank-you letter:
- A greeting for the person or organization that awarded the scholarship.
- An expression of thanks for the award.
- A description of how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
- A description of your educational goals and career plans.
- A description of why you were selected for the scholarship (if this was mentioned in the award letter).
- You plan to share information about this scholarship with others (if this was mentioned in the award letter).
Letter Sample
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to thank you for the generous scholarship you provided to me as part of my financial aid package. I sincerely appreciate your help in allowing me to attend XYZ College and pursue a degree in my chosen field of study.
I am currently enrolled in Introduction to Computer Programming, Introduction to Political Science, Calculus, and English Composition. I decided to these classes because they are all required for my major, but I am having a little difficulty with calculus. I am sure that with some assistance from the math department, however, I will be able to master this subject.
Thank you again for your generosity and kindness. Your contribution is truly appreciated.
Thank you,
Signature
Conclusion
So remember to follow the rules, be courteous, and most importantly, tell us why you’re deserving of a scholarship. The essay along with your “Thank You” letter may be what distinguishes one candidate from another, so make sure it’s up to par.
All in all, writing a “Thank You” letter to a scholarship or grant award is simple. First, step back and consider what it was that made you want to apply for the award in the first place. Then focus on that and how you will put the money to use, and you should be fine!
