Tips for Writing a Thank You Note

Alumni and donors provide the funding and inspiration for many College of Arts and Sciences scholarships. Sending a thank-you letter is a welcome gesture of appreciation and may be required for funds to be disbursed.

After you have been awarded a scholarship, you’ll be given details on how to address your letter. Contact your departmental scholarship coordinator if you have questions.

What to Say

Tell the donor about yourself

• High school and/or other experiences that led you to your choice to study at Washington State University
• Your hometown
• General family background

Tell the donor about your present situation

• Class year and (intended) major at WSU
• Things you enjoy about and/or look forward to at college
• Organizations/extracurricular activities in which you participate
• Internships or research opportunities that you are doing or plan to do
• Awards you have received

Tell the donor about your future plans

• What you hope to accomplish while at WSU
• Future career aspirations

Important points to incorporate

• Tell how much the scholarship has helped/will help you (i.e., what it means to you personally)
• Use the full name of the scholarship, but refrain from using the amount of the scholarship
• Do not date your letter, but indicate the academic year you will receive the scholarship
• Use phrases such as “thank you,” “I appreciate,” and “I am grateful”

Format considerations

• Type your letter for readability
• Print your letter on bond paper or stationery
• In your salutation, begin with the appropriate title (i.e., Dear Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms.)
• Be clear and concise; one page is sufficient
• Double- and triple-check spelling and grammar
• Be sure to sign your name