How to Write a Thank-You Letter

Alumni and donors voluntarily provide the financial funding and inspiration for many Graduate School 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 the Graduate School if you have any questions.

What to Say

Tell the donor about yourself:

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

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 plans.

Other 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.
• Use phrases such as “thank you,” “I appreciate,” and “I am grateful.”

Format considerations:

• 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.
• In your letter, include the date and be sure to sign your name.