Writing a Thank You Letter for a Scholarship

What is a thank you letter?
The power of saying “thank you” cannot be overstated. After receiving a scholarship, take the time to express your gratitude to the person, family, or entity providing that scholarship. A thank you letter sends a message that you are both considerate and professional, thereby hopefully reinforcing the positive impression you left upon the reader's mind. In addition, a thank you letter is important to the donors, who want to know more about the person they’ve helped to achieve the formidable goal of a college education. This handout is designed to help you write a thank you letter as a recipient of a scholarship, but you may adapt this format for other thank you letter uses as well.

Formatting your letter:

1. Return Address. Place your address near the right margin, followed by the date.
   
2. Address. Type this information flush with the left margin. The reader’s name is typed on the second line.
   
3. Greeting. Always address your thank you letter to the donor or the person who donated the funds. It’s perfectly proper to call the donor or organization and ask for the name of the person who should receive the letter, or you can alternatively check in with the financial aid office. Use the conventional "Dear" plus "Mr." or "Ms." followed by the first name and/or surname followed by a colon. **Send the letter to a specific individual, and be sure to spell his/her name correctly!**
   
4. Body. Be clear and concise. One page is sufficient.
   
   Start your letter by thanking the donor for donating the funds for the scholarship. Let the donor know what the scholarship means to you, personally.
   
   Next, tell the donor a little about yourself - where you grew up, why you chose the school or major (whichever was the qualifying factor in your scholarship), and where you are in your studies (i.e., prospective freshman, graduating senior, etc.).
   
   Then, let the donor know what your future plans are. What do you intend to do with your degree? Are you planning to do volunteer work? How are you going to give back to the community? Donors like to hear how their gifts lead to greater things.
   
   Finally, thank the donor again.
   
   
5. Close. Make a single return after the last paragraph and write/type the close, aligning it with your return address. Any of the following words or phrases can be used to close: Sincerely, Very truly yours, Sincerely yours, or Cordially. The close is followed by four lines. On the next line, type your name. Sign your first and last name in the space between the close and your typed name.
   

Helpful Tips:

• The margins of your thank you letter should be set at 1”.
  
  
• Do not use email. Most donors prefer an old-fashioned "snail mail" approach.
  
  
• Be prompt. Don’t wait too long to send your thanks after you’ve been notified of your scholarship. Promptness communicates true gratitude and is simply good form.
  
  
• Write a thank you letter for each scholarship you receive.
  
  
• Double and triple check spelling and grammar.
  
  
  

Sources:
http://www.howtodothings.com/education/a2077-how-to-write-a-thank-you-letter-for-a-scholarship.html
http://www.sci.wsu.edu/cos/_original/scholarship_thankyou.html
http://www.writeexpress.com/perfect-thank-you-letter.html

Del Mar College Foundation
Attention: Jane Smith
101 Baldwin Blvd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78404

Dear Ms. Smith:

Start your letter by thanking the donor for donating the funds for the scholarship. Let the donor know what the scholarship means to you, personally.

Next, tell the donor a little about yourself - where you grew up, why you chose the school or major (whichever was the qualifying factor in your scholarship), and where you are in your studies (i.e., prospective freshman, graduating senior, etc.).

Then, let the donor know what your future plans are. What do you intend to do with your degree? Are you planning to do volunteer work? How are you going to give back to the community? Donors like to hear how their gifts lead to greater things.

Finally, thank the donor again.