Stephen F. Austin State University
Thank you Note Guidelines for Scholarship Recipients
Scholarship donors are very interested in knowing exactly how their gifts are benefiting students. Many of our donors
continue to give to scholarship funds because they know their gifts are having a direct impact on students’ lives. Who
better to tell them about that impact than you – the scholarship recipient? Please take a few minutes to let your
benefactor know who you are and why this scholarship is important, and, of course, how thankful you are for receiving it.
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Use quality paper or stationary. Avoid torn-out loose leaf or notebook paper.
If you are handwriting the note, use your best penmanship. If you handwriting is illegible, please type the letter.
Be sincere. Briefly tell your scholarship sponsor why the aid you are receiving is important to you and/or your
family.
Express gratitude. Use the words “Thank you”.
Be accurate. Have someone you trust check your note for correct spelling, grammar, scholarship name and
benefactor’s name.
Be sensitive to your benefactor’s beliefs, use appropriate language and avoid any sensitive social issues.
Avoid stating “To Whom it May Concern”.
Avoid writing too long of a letter; try to keep it to ½ a page to 1 page in length.
Do not forget to sign the letter.
Formatting Instructions for Typed letters
Use the standard margins (1” on all four sides)
Date
Dear Name of Scholarship Benefactor (This information should be provided to you)
Include in the body of your letter:
1. Express appreciation of the award.
2. Tell about your background, hometown, and biographical information. You can include something about your
academic activities.
3. Tell about your future goals and how a college education will help you achieve them.
4. Tell how receiving the scholarship is an honor and will encourage you to do well in school.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
Your Name
Your classification
Your Major
Once your letter is complete, please return it to:
Tammy Mitchum
SFA - Office of Student Financial Assistance
PO Box 13052 - SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962-3052