Your gratitude makes a difference

Congratulations on your scholarship from Fort Lewis College (FLC)! Whether this is your first year receiving an award or your scholarship was renewed, we're excited to celebrate with you.

Donors love to hear about you. Sharing a bit about your school year and your engagement at FLC is a simple, powerful way to show your appreciation. Your story helps connect you with donors, alumni, faculty, and staff, and inspires future giving, expanding opportunities for other outstanding Skyhawks.

We invite you to share the impact of your scholarship in a way that feels comfortable to you.

Thank you for representing Fort Lewis College

Your letter shows donors the real impact of their support. Thank you for taking the time to share your story and represent FLC with pride and gratitude. Every scholarship makes a difference, and your letter helps tell that story.

What to include in your letter

Your letter can be short and sincere. Aim for one page. Here's an easy way to organize it.

Start with gratitude

  • Address your letter: Dear [Scholarship Name] donor,
  • Thank the donor and name the scholarship
  • Say, in your own words, what the scholarship makes possible for you at FLC

Share your story

  • Describe what you're studying at FLC. Include your major, minor, year in school, and expected graduation date.
  • Share highlights from the year: classes, projects, research, field schools, internships, clubs, athletics, and volunteer service.
  • If you faced challenges, share how you worked through them.
  • Add personal details if you'd like: your hometown, high school, interests, and career goals.

If your scholarship was renewed, include a brief update on the past year and how the scholarship helped you continue your goals. Mention any awards, conferences, or new experiences.

End with appreciation

  • Thank the donor again and name the scholarship
  • Share how their support eased costs, such as books, fees, field work, and housing, and helped you focus on your studies and goals

Paragraph-by-paragraph template

  • Paragraph 1: Thank the donor, name the scholarship, and share what it's helping you pursue at FLC right now
  • Paragraph 2: Share general academics and co-curricular activities. Include your major/minor, year, expected graduation date, clubs, sports, campus jobs, and intended career or industry.
  • Paragraph 3 (optional): Add personal details or updates, such as academic interests, volunteer work, research, internships, challenges you've overcome, financial context you're comfortable sharing, hobbies, and future plans.
  • Paragraph 4: Restate your appreciation, name the scholarship, and note what expenses it has helped relieve

Tips for writing a meaningful letter

Do:

  • Address your letter to Dear [Scholarship Name] donor,
  • Write clearly and concisely in your own voice
  • Let your personality shine through
  • Proofread for spelling and grammar. Ask a friend or visit the Writing Center for help.
  • Keep it to one page

Avoid:

  • Sharing private information you're not comfortable with others seeing
  • Using slang or overly casual language
  • Paste your letter into the body of an email when submitting. Attach your file instead.

A note on review: Our team reviews all letters before sharing them with donors. We're here to help you put your best foot forward.

Questions to help you get started

First-time recipients

  • What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
  • What have you been able to pursue or achieve this year at FLC?
  • What is your major and minor? What year are you in, and when do you plan to graduate?
  • Where is your hometown, and what high school did you attend?
  • What activities are you involved in (clubs, athletics, campus jobs, volunteer work)?
  • Have you received any special honors or awards?
  • What are your career goals after graduation?

Renewed recipients

  • What progress did you make this past year, and how did the scholarship support you?
  • What awards, activities, internships, field schools, conferences, or research did you participate in?
  • What are your goals for this year and beyond?

Sample thank-you letters

Sample 1

Dear Eva Cates Biology Scholarship donor,

Thank you for supporting my education through the Eva Cates Biology Scholarship. Your generosity is helping me continue my studies in biology at Fort Lewis College and stay focused on my classes, research, and hands-on learning.

I am a sophomore biology major with a minor in chemistry, and I plan to graduate in May 2027. This year I joined the Biology Club and volunteered at campus events. I also work as a peer tutor in the science learning center. After graduation, I hope to become a field biologist focused on conservation.

This fall, I started a small research project on alpine plant communities. I'm learning field methods, data collection, and scientific writing. I'm from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I'm the first in my family to attend college. The scholarship allowed me to reduce my work hours so I can spend more time on labs and studying.

Thank you again for the Eva Cates Biology Scholarship. Your support has helped cover textbooks and lab fees and made it possible for me to join a weekend field course. I appreciate your investment in my education and future.

Sincerely,
Avery Martinez

Sample 2 — Renewed scholarship

Dear Skyhawk Leadership Scholarship donor,

Thank you for renewing my Skyhawk Leadership Scholarship. Your support means a great deal and helps me keep growing as a leader while I continue my studies at FLC.

I am a junior majoring in business administration with a minor in entrepreneurship, and I expect to graduate in December 2026. I serve as a resident assistant, help with new-student orientation, and play on the rugby club team. After college, I hope to work in marketing for an outdoor industry company.

This past year, I completed an internship with a local marketing firm and presented a class project at a regional conference. The scholarship helped cover conference fees and required course materials, and it gave me the flexibility to take on more leadership hours in my residence hall.

Thank you again for the Skyhawk Leadership Scholarship. Your generosity helps cover living and book costs, allowing me to focus on school, leadership, and my future. I am grateful for your continued investment in my education.

With appreciation,
Jordan Lee

How to submit your letter

Submit your letter as an attached PDF or Word document using one of the options below.

Please note: Letters pasted into the body of an email cannot be accepted.

Questions? Contact Emily Phillips at ehphillips@fortlewis.edu