​Submitting Your Letter

Word and PDF files:
  • Please name your file as follows: NAME OF SCHOLARSHIP – YOUR LAST NAME, YOUR FIRST NAME.
    ​Example: Anderson Family Scholarship – Jones, Hannah
  • The preferred way to submit your electronic file is to upload it directly to our online portal.
  • You can also email the letter, as an attachment, to Autum Copper at the SRU Foundation.
Handwritten Letters:
  • Please include the words “(NAME OF SCHOLARSHIP) THANK YOU LETTER on your envelope and mailed to the following address:
    SRU Foundation
    (Name of Scholarship) Thank You Letter
    104 Maltby Avenue, Suite 202
    Slippery Rock, PA 16057    ​
We are here to help! If you have trouble writing your letter, please reach out and we will be happy to assist you.
Email: [email protected] - Phone: 724-738-2381 - In person: Stop by our office located in Old Main, Room 202

​How to Write a Scholarship Thank You Letter

The Importance of Thanking Your Donor

Slippery Rock University Scholarship donors support many scholarships on campus. A well written thank you letter from a student is always special and lets the donor know that their scholarship was greatly appreciated. Your letter reminds them why they gave in the first place and often encourages continued support.

Composing a Well Written Letter

You are an important part of the Slippery Rock University family (Rock Nation!), and the literacy demonstrated in your letter is important, too. Please review the information below which provides some guidance on composing your thank you letter.

General Information:
  • Handwritten or typed letters are both acceptable.
  • For electronic notes, you must submit it as a Word (.docx) or PDF (.pdf) document only.
  • Be clear and concise. One page is sufficient.
  • Proofread your work.
  • If you received more than one scholarship, please submit separate letters for each one.
  • You may want to include a photo of yourself within your letter. (If you do, please only avoid using pictures with multiple people in it).
A Step-By-Step Guide:

1. Greet the Donor
  • Write to the donor or organization, not the selection committee.
  • Please use ‘Dear (Name of Scholarship) Donor’. Example: ‘Dear Fredrick Smith Memorial Scholarship Donor’
  • If you have the donor's name, it is appropriate to use it in the greeting. Examples: ‘Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy,’ ‘Dear Ms. Kelly,’ ‘Dear Dr. Jones,’

2. Express your gratitude
  • Mention the scholarship by name.
  • Write sincerely and with an active voice. Example: "Thank you so much for your generosity." "It is an honor to be chosen for the Anderson Family Scholarship."

3. Introduce Yourself
  • Help the reader get to know you, by including some information about yourself. Somethings that you may want to include:
  • Your course of study
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Accomplishments
  • Awards or honors that you have received
  • Community service or volunteer activities
  • Hobbies or interests outside of your studies
    Example: “I’m a junior Elementary Education major, with a minor in Strategic Communication. I chose to attend SRU because of the quality of their education program and beautiful campus. I work as a mentor at a local after school program for elementary aged children during the school year. During the summers, I travel home to New Jersey where I have a summer job at a day care center.”

4. Discuss Impact
  • Share how being a student at SRU is impacting your life and what you enjoy about it. Discuss how receiving a scholarship has impacted you.
    Example: “Receiving this scholarship will help me to attain my goal of becoming a teacher.”

5. Look Forward
  • Mention future plans, trips, activities, graduation or prospective job. Let them know how this scholarship has helped to further your education.
    Examples: “After I graduate next spring, I plan to start my career in teaching.” Or “I am excited to do my student teaching later this year, where I will have the opportunity to demonstrate what I have been learning in my program.”

6. Closing and Signature
  • The last sentence(s) is where you draw the letter to a close and thank the donor again. Choose an appropriate closing, and include your signature.
    ​Examples: “Once again, I want to extend my deepest thanks for your generosity. Your support not only helps ease my financial burden, but also serves as motivation for me to excel in my academic journey. I am truly honored to be a recipient of the (Scholarship Name)”
    Examples of closings: “Sincerely”, “Yours Truly”, “With Gratitude”

Thank You Letter Sample

(Date)
​Dear (Name of Scholarship) Donor,

As a recipient of the (Name of Scholarship), I wanted to thank you for funding this scholarship.

I am a senior majoring towards a degree in Computing with a concentration in Computer Science, and am on track to graduate next May. My goal is to secure a position in software development in the New York City area. I am also a member of the Computer Technology club on campus, and am currently concluding the final weeks of my internship.

In addition to my studies, I also work part time at a local restaurant. Thanks to this scholarship, I have been able to reduce my work schedule this semester and focus more on my studies.

Thank you again for your investment in Slippery Rock University and students like me. I hope to give back to the university someday to help students to reach their educational goals.

Sincerely,

​Your Name