Got a Scholarship? Time to Thank Your Scholarship Providers Now!

You recently got the news that you have been selected under a scholarship programme. We express our warm greetings! Your personal life and academics have become easier to manage now, thanks to this award! The next step is to take the time and extend gratitude for every effort put in thus far which has enabled you to avail the benefits offered under a scholarship programme. Who is on your list? Whom do you wish to extend hearty congratulations?

It is very important to extend warm greetings to the organisation who facilitated and enabled you to avail the scholarship benefits. Thanking the donor and building a connection of appreciation should be considered as an essential step in the academic journey. It is only appropriate that you show appreciation for those responsible in extending a helping hand in pursuing your dreams. It is not only courteous to recognise this gesture but also a crucial step in nurturing relationships and sustaining the ongoing support. Taking the time to thank your scholarship donors equals fostering a culture of gratitude and philanthropy within the academic communities and beyond. 

Experts mention that handwritten ‘Thank You Letters’ are particularly thoughtful. However, email has its own benefits. Handwritten notes or letters add more personal touch, however, either is great. The advantage of an email lies in its flexibility of sharing the note with other members of the  staff and committees. Email may also encourage students and scholarship organisers to stay in touch after the scholarship is awarded. This can prove to be beneficial for the organisation when they know the impact of the scholarship programme on a student’s life, and for the student, who might be able to receive the scholarship again.

Thanking Your Scholarship Donors! 

Scholarship programmes are funded by the governmental and non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, trusts, NGOs including donations received from philanthropic individuals. Regardless of the providers or donors, the expression of gratitude is a wonderful gesture which acknowledges their generosity and support towards the community of applicants. There are several ways to express your thankfulness and admiration. They are listed below:

• Sharing a ‘Thank You Note!’: A handwritten thank you note adds a personal touch while expressing gratitude and sincerity towards your scholarship donors, showing that you care and you value their contribution.
• Sharing Updates on the Achievement: Making the donor aware of your significant achievements and experience gained after having received the scholarship benefits is an important step. Sharing academic or extracurricular achievements accomplished after availing the scholarship benefits reveals to the donor about the impact and the outcome of the scholarship programme.
• Video Messaging: Creating a video message to express your gratitude is a powerful way to convey your appreciation visually. Through video messaging, share your gratitudes and the impacts  on the outcome of the scholarship programme on your academic aspirations.
• Share the Story: Offer to share your story, experience with the scholarship donor or the scholarship committee! This involves writing a testimonial and participating in interviews or publications that specifically highlights the impact of the scholarship programme.
• Sustaining the Relationship: Nurture the relationship with the scholarship donor or committee by maintaining regular communication. This can be achieved by sharing updates, expressing gratitude, and inquire about opportunities for available internships and mentorship programmes.
• Attending Events: Many scholarship providers organise events or seminars inviting participation by the willing individuals. This provides an opportunity for learning, networking and interacting with the participants and the stakeholders. This goes a long way in enriching your experience and connecting with several participants on a personal level.
• Paying it Back: Giving back to the society, spreading awareness about the scholarship programmes, helping future generations, making donations, mentoring scholarship recipients, and volunteering etc. are some of the most effective ways.

Importance of a Thank You Letter!

Sending a ‘Thank You Letter’ is a professional way of expressing acknowledgement and enthusiasm while creating a very positive impression upon the scholarship provider. The core impact of a nicely written ‘Thank You Letter’ is revealed from the fact that it is more than just a receipt or confirmation for the benefits received. It lets the scholarship donor know that the scholarship benefits have positively impacted your life and that you feel grateful and delighted to reap their support. It can be important for the following reasons:

• Recognition and Appreciation: It acknowledges contributions and support extended by the scholarship provider while appreciating their gesture in recognition of the opportunity provided.
• Making Donors Feel Valued: Expressing gratitude and appreciation for the support with a ‘Thank You Letter’ not only creates a sense of values but also makes the providers feel valued about themselves. When scholarship providers feel motivated and appreciated they are bound to put in more effort in sustaining it in the future. 
• Transparency and Accountability: ‘Thank You Letters’ add to the transparency of the scholarship process. It brings forth trust  and ensures a sense of commitment and accountability towards the scholarship recipients. It generates confidence about the scholarship programmes itself and the intended outcome.

Also Read: A Guide on How to Apply for Scholarship Programme in India 2024!

Tips to Write a ‘Thank You Letter’!

Scholarship ‘Thank You Letter’ Template

Following template outlines how these letters should formally appear in its format. Students can provide the name of their college and specific name of the scholarship and the organisation including other details into the template. 

I [Date] 

I [Name of Scholarship] Donor

I [Address] Donor

Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid

__________

______

___

I [Name of Scholarship] Donor

Dear [Name of Scholarship] Donor,

Objective: [State the purpose of your letter] 

As a recipient of the 2023-2024 [Name of Scholarship], I wanted to extend my gratitude for having received the funding and support under the scholarship programme.

Share something about yourself, your goals, and indicate why the scholarship is important. I will be a graduating in journalism here at the [University of        ] this academic session and I am on track to graduate by the end of academic session 2026. My goal is to become [         ] for one of the major organisation. Currently, I am [         ] and volunteer 25 hours a month at [         ]. I also work 30 hours a week to help fund my education. 

Thanks to this scholarship, I will be able to reduce my work schedule and focus more on my studies. 

[Conclude by thanking the donor again].

Thank you again for showing faith and investing in students like me. 

I hope to give back to the society and the organisation someday and help a student reach their educational goals with a scholarship. 

Yours Sincerely,

[Add Your Signature] 

[Your Name]

A similar template for students located abroad is as under:

 

Keeping this format in mind, let us consider some of the useful and relevant guidelines in the context:

➡️ Introduction

It is important to keep that in mind that a formal letter must include a professional and polite language. Begin with a proper greeting and a statement expressing gratitude. It should have the following:

• Appropriate Subject Line: The subject line should be expressed concisely and precisely in fewer words expressing the main context.
• Opening and Formal Salutation: Use a formal greeting and mention the donor’s name if you know it. For example: ‘Dear Mr. Roy’, ‘Dear Ms. or Mrs. Smith’ etc.
•  followed by an expression of gratitude. For example, ‘I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous scholarship award’.

➡️ Body

Emphasis should be laid on what you’re thankful for. Share specific details while keeping the language donor-centric, in other words, using ‘you’ instead of ‘we’, using phrases like ‘because of you’, ‘with your help’, ‘made possible thanks to your support’, ‘your gift’ and so on. Following guidelines should be paid due attention:

➭ Share Progress and Impact: Share how the scholarship has assisted you financially and, if applicable, socially – how it has reduced your financial burden and allowed you to participate in extracurricular activities or dedicate more time to studies. For example:

• ‘Thanks to your scholarship, I was able to purchase necessary textbooks and materials for my classes, which has greatly enhanced my learning experience.’
• Thanks to your contribution, I no longer have to work long hours in part time jobs, for now I have ample time to pursue my hobbies in digital arts.”

➭ Reference to the Past, Present and the Future: Any past contributions or interactions from the donor should be mentioned along with what they have helped you achieve so far. Updating the sponsoring organisation of the progress made so far, and asking politely if the award can be renewed.

➭ Achievements: If applicable, highlight any academic achievements, roles or significant milestones you have reached after having received the scholarship benefits. For example, ‘I’m proud to share that I achieved a 4.0 GPA last semester and was selected as a research assistant for a groundbreaking project in my field.’

➭ Share Plans: Help the donor visualise the long term impact of their support by briefly outlining your future goals and aspirations. For example, ‘With your assistance, I am one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a professional and making a positive impact in my community.’

➡️ Conclusion

While ending the letter, make certain to include the following conclusive remarks:

➭ Reiteration: Conclude the letter by reiterating your gratitude for the scholarship provider and how much their support means to you. For example, ‘Once again, thank you for believing in me and investing in my future. Your generosity has made a profound difference in my life, and I am truly grateful.’

➭ Contact: Allow the donor to get in touch should they have any questions or concerns by providing necessary contact information like email and phone number.

➭ Close professionally: Close your letter with phrases such as ‘Yours Sincerely’, ‘With Gratitude’ or ‘Best Regards’.  Put your signature and your name legibly.

➡️ Eventual Steps

Avoiding jargons and staying specific to the context is helpful in making the connection and conveying gratitude. Use phrases which will connect with the donor and get them excited, for example:

•  ‘saved money to buy theory books’
• ‘able to invest into projects more efficiently’
• ‘enabled me to get my first library membership’ etc. 

➭ Proofreading: Read your letter carefully and thoroughly before sending it. Ensure the tonality remains sincere and respectful throughout.

➭ Sending Promptly: To demonstrate your promptness and appreciation to the donor’s support, send the letter as quickly as possible once you receive the scholarship award.

By following the aforementioned steps, it is possible to write an impactful thank you letter to your scholarship donor, expressing sincere gratitude and demonstrating the significance of their support in your life and academic pursuit.

Also Read: Top Arts Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities for Indian Students

In conclusion, finding an appropriate donor to support your academic ambition or being selected as a winner under a scholarship programme require a great deal of time and work. It is a matter of pride and celebration, particularly for students who are struggling financially. When people or organisations volunteer to extend a helping hand to the financially-challenged students, it is appropriate to express a sense of gratitude in a professional manner. 

Also Read: Student Portals: Fostering Connectivity and Educational Growth

FAQs

In what manner should one thank their scholarship donor?

A: You can show your appreciation to scholarship donors by sending them handwritten letters, emails, audio-visual messages, actively participating and showing interest in their events and offering to share your experience and challenges in the academic journey for the benefit of others.

Why should one offer their gratitude to scholarship donors?

A: Scholarship donors are involved in noble causes. They work for upliftment of the downtrodden, serve the society in every possible way. It is befitting to acknowledge their kindness, contribution. Appreciation and expression of gratitude make them feel valued while serving the intended objective.

What is the best way to show appreciation to your scholarship donor?

A: Among other things, a great way to send gratitude to your benefactor is a heartfelt thank you letter. It shows the donor that you value their contribution and are grateful to receive it.

What are things to consider when writing a thank you letter to the scholarship donor?

A: Important points to consider when writing a thank you letter are as under:

• Keep a warm and respectful tone
• Be concise and precise
• Avoid making the letter longer than a single page
• Express your gratitude in the opening sentence
• Briefly mention the positive changes the donation has brought about
• Proofread the letter before sending

Is there a set format to construct a thank you letter for your scholarship donor?

A: While it is essential to follow a formal format while writing a ‘thank you letter’, one should always personalise the letter by adding specifics and make the reader feel special. A ‘thank you letter’ should never appear generic and repetitive to the readers.