SAMPLE LETTER (1 OF 3) You should not copy it exactly. Most donors receive several letters, and we do not want them to be identical. February 1, 2005
Mrs. Darlene L. Millard 888 Patty Smith Court San Francisco, CA 93452 Dear Mrs. Millard: My name is Sarah Barnes, and I am a junior Finance major at the University of Iowa. I am honored to receive the Millard Business Scholarship this year. I would like to thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness in regards to this award. I am pleased with the education I have received at the University of Iowa, as well as the invaluable learning experiences this institution has made available to me that have expanded and strengthened my education. For example, in addition to my finance coursework, I am the Treasurer for the student-run, on-campus organization, Dance Marathon. (Dance Marathon raises money for children being treated in the pediatric oncology unit of the Children’s Hospital of Iowa.) Upon graduation from the University of Iowa, I hope to carry this knowledge into the financial services industry working as either a junior securities analyst or an economist with an investment firm. My ultimate career goal is to become an investment portfolio manager. I cannot begin to tell you the many ways your scholarship will assist me as I pursue my educational and career goals. I am extremely grateful for your support. Sincerely,
Sarah Barnes SAMPLE LETTER (2 OF 3) You should not copy it exactly. Most donors receive several letters, and we do not want them to be identical. February 1, 2005
Mrs. Darlene L. Millard 888 Patty Smith Court San Francisco, CA 93452 Dear Mrs. Millard, Things we do in life often have measurable results but the extent of their impact is often difficult to quantify. The Millard Business Scholarship, which you have so generously donated to the College of Business, has had an impact upon me far beyond the obvious and measurable financial help. This year, as a senior majoring in Finance, I am already feeling nostalgic. I have begun to wonder, “How can I give back to this place that has given me so much?” Your gift serves as an example of the impact I would like to have beyond my graduation.
In receiving this scholarship, I am touched not only by your generosity but also by our shared desire to give back to this great college. You have eased my financial burden but equally important, if not more so, you have allowed me an opportunity to see the impact such a gift has on a student’s point-of-view. I feel a kinship and camaraderie with your husband, a man whom I never had the opportunity to meet, because we have a shared experience. I feel pride in being selected to receive this gift. I feel a responsibility to uphold the expectations that accompany such an honor. And, I feel an excitement to some day be in your position, giving back to the institution that has helped build the foundation for the rest of my life. This summer, I will begin my career in Chicago with The Northern Trust Company. As I move to the next phase of my life, I will remain strongly tied to my roots here at the College of Business and the people, like yourself, who have helped shape my collegiate experience. Thank you for your gift and the “immeasurable” impact it has had on me. Sincerely,
Samantha Cross SAMPLE LETTER (3 OF 3) You should not copy it exactly. Most donors receive several letters, and we do not want them to be identical. February 1, 2005
Jane Doe 555 Main St. City, State ZIPCODE Dear Ms. Doe, It is with deep gratitude I write this letter to thank you for you generous scholarship support through the 2005 Jane Doe Scholarship. It’s especially meaningful to write to you once again this year, as I received your scholarship last year. This support for two years means a great deal for me – I’m very proud to share this connection with you, and I am extremely grateful for your financial assistance. Your willingness to maintain strong ties to the University of Iowa and the College of Business is an inspiration as I begin to reflect on my college years and plan for graduation. I’m beginning to realize just how instrumental this academic community has been in shaping who I am and my goals for the future. As a junior Marketing and Journalism major, I have found a number of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom in the College of Business that have encouraged my decision to pursue a career in integrated marketing communications. One of these opportunities has been serving as a communications consultant in the Business Writing Center. In this position, I work one-on-one with students to improve their written assignments and communication skills. I have been able to form important connections with faculty, staff and students through this position, and it’s motivated me to further pursue a career in marketing communications. Your scholarship serves as an exciting challenge for me to maintain and improve my level of achievement before graduation. It is also an important connection to someone else who has had a meaningful experience at the University of Iowa. I look forward to strengthening my own ties in
the coming years to this academic community and someday being able to support students as you do today. Thank you once again for your generous support. Sincerely,
Frank Jones