Writing Thank You Letters

"The Art of Saying Thank You Spring 2024 Seminar with Susan Konig"

Scholarships, Fellowships, and other types of student support programs make up a significant component of City College's ability to ensure talented students are able to attend CCNY. Donors to the College are partners in the historic mission we have to educate the 'whole people' and many of our supporters were once CCNY students just like you and feel a deep commitment to not just the College's success, but also to your individual success.

Almost all of the awards you are eligible to receive at CCNY will require some form of formal thank you and, in some cases, an updated resume, personal statement, or curriculum vitae. A well-written thank you gives you an opportunity to not just recognize support received, but to share a bit about why you chose City, what you are studying and what great societal challenge you hope to solve as you develop in your chosen profession.  Your letter becomes an important connection back to a person, family, or organization that who to see our students succeed beyond anyone's wildest imagination. Your letter also reminds them why they gave in the first place and often helps grow relationships with the donor and college that can last for decades. 

You are an important part of The City College of New York family and what you are learning while you're a student, and what you give back, becomes embedded in CCNY's legacy for future students, alumni, and friends from around the world. Saying 'thanks' for the support you receive through scholarships, fellowships, or internship support should be a fun process, and should be seen as starting (or continuing) a practice that you'll take with you long after you leave CCNY. A lot has been written about the value of thanking others, and we hope that as you begin to develop your written voice, that you will see this as one more tool in your professional kit. 

1. First, Greet the Donor

   Write to the donor or organization, not the selection committee.  The donor's name should be listed in your award notification. If you are unsure of who the addressee is, please speak with the members of your selection committee or the home department of the scholarship.

2. Express Your Gratitude

   • Write sincerely with an active voice.
   • Mention the scholarship by name.
   • You should not directly mention money or request additional financial support.
     Examples: "Thank you so much for your generosity." "It is an honor to be chosen for the ABC Family Scholarship."

3. Demonstrate the Impact

   Share what being a student at City College means to you and what you have enjoyed learning the most. Examples can include: Why you chose City, what you study, are you involved in mentoring or student engagement, or research activities that you are especially proud of as a student.  

4. Look Forward

   Share your plans for the future: trips, activities, graduation, or prospective job. Let them know how this award has helped to further your education.

5. Gratitude... Never Enough 'Thanks' 

6. In Closing

   Examples: "Sincerely," "Warm Regards," "Yours Truly," "With Sincere Thanks," etc.

Final Steps:

• Be clear and concise. One page is sufficient.
• Proofread your work. If you need any help at any point in this process, reach out to your selection committee members, or the team in the College's Foundation/OIAC Office. We're all happy to help!
• Letters with errors or too little content may be returned for rewrites or clarification of information referenced in the letter. 

Send your thank you letter to the awarding committee, following the instructions submitted to you on the offer letter

Questions? Contact the Office of Institutional Advancement and Communications at schthankyou@ccny.cuny.edu or via phone at 212-650-5383. Please have your EMPLID and name (as you use it for official CCNY communications), the name of the award received, and the semester receiving the award.