UCLA College of Letters and Science
Fellowship Recipient
Thank-You Letter Guidelines
In writing a letter of appreciation, you help your donor see that their
gift has made a significant impact on your life. Here are some
guidelines that will assist you.
Major Points of Content:
▪ Write with the reader - your donor - in mind.
▪ Use your donor’s name(s) in the salutation.
▪ Begin the introduction with appreciation to your donor for their generosity, and explain why you are writing to them.
▪ Use an active voice when possible, such as “I appreciate your generosity.”
▪ In the body of your letter, explain what the fellowship means to you:
How it has helped you achieve your goals.
How you are benefiting from your studies.
Where you see yourself after completing your education at UCLA.
▪ Avoid clichés, such as “Thank you for the lovely fellowship.”
▪ Avoid pretentious and wordy language by saying what you really mean.
Do NOT write: “...your
fellowship has enabled me to minimize financial consternation at this
institution of higher learning.”
Instead, write:
“...because your fellowship allows me to focus on my work at
UCLA.”
Format and Mechanics:
▪ Do NOT date your letter. All Thank You letters will be collected and delivered to your donor at a later date.
▪ Handwritten letters are preferred. Type your letter if people
have said that your handwriting is difficult or challenging to read.
▪ Write at least two paragraphs and use spell check and grammar
checking tools. A rough-draft on the computer is a great way to
craft a letter that you will eventually hand write.
▪ PROOFREAD your letter. Then ask a friend or family member to
read it again! If in doubt, please ask for help. We are
happy to help you with editing or proofreading.
Kat Jensen, Director of Stewardship
UCLA College of Letters and Science