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A compelling letter of support strengthens an application for a grant, scholarship, or award by providing a credible, third-party endorsement. Based on our assessment experience, an effective letter follows a structured approach: clearly stating your purpose, understanding the audience, and providing concrete evidence of the applicant's qualifications. This guide provides a step-by-step process, a reusable template, and a detailed example to help you draft a persuasive document.
A letter of support is a formal document written by a professional contact to endorse an individual's or organization's application for a specific opportunity, such as funding, a scholarship, or an award. Unlike a letter of recommendation, which is often requested by employers for a candidate's general character and skills, a letter of support is specifically tailored to advocate for the success of a particular request. Its primary function is to persuade the reviewing committee by validating the applicant's merits and aligning them with the opportunity's goals.
Crafting a persuasive letter requires careful planning. Following a logical sequence ensures you include all critical elements and present a convincing argument.
State Your Purpose and Clarify Intentions Before writing, confirm the exact purpose of the letter. Are you supporting a grant application for a non-profit or a student's scholarship bid? Based on our assessment experience, a clear understanding of the desired outcome—what action you want the reader to take—is the foundation of a focused and effective letter. Discuss the ideal outcomes with the requester to ensure your objectives are aligned.
Identify and Analyze Your Target Audience The recipient of the letter dictates your tone, language, and argument strategy. A committee for a community grant will have different priorities than an academic scholarship board. Tailor your message by researching the organization's values and mission. What will they find most compelling? Answering this question helps you craft a message that resonates directly with the reader.
Gather and Organize Your Supporting Evidence Persuasion relies on evidence, not just opinion. Pool ideas for specific examples, quantifiable achievements, and relevant anecdotes that demonstrate the applicant's suitability. Create a brainstorm list of bullet points, then organize them into a logical flow. A typical structure might start with the most significant achievement, followed by supporting qualifications, and concluding with the broader impact of granting the request.
A strong template provides a framework that ensures professionalism and clarity. Here is a template you can adapt:
[Your Name] [Your Title/Position, if applicable] [Your Address] [Date]
[Recipient's Name or Selection Committee Name] [Recipient's Title/Organization] [Recipient's Address]
Re: Letter of Support for [Applicant's Name/Organization's Name] for [Name of Grant/Scholarship/Opportunity]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to express my wholehearted support for [Applicant's Name/Organization's Name]’s application for [Name of Opportunity]. I have known [Applicant's Name] through [context of your relationship, e.g., "my role as a project manager at Company X," "volunteering together for three years"] and have been consistently impressed by their dedication to [relevant field or cause].
[Applicant's Name/Organization's Name] is an exceptional candidate primarily due to their demonstrated [Key Attribute #1, e.g., "commitment to community service"]. This is evidenced by [provide a specific, quantifiable example or achievement]. This quality aligns directly with your organization's goal of [mention a specific goal of the funding body].
Furthermore, their proven ability in [Key Attribute #2, e.g., "financial stewardship and project management"] ensures that any support provided will be used effectively. For instance, [provide another concrete example, such as managing a budget for a previous project].
I am confident that [Applicant's Name/Organization's Name] will exceed expectations and create significant positive impact if awarded this opportunity. The success of this [project/scholarship] would [describe the broader benefit].
Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature] [Your Typed Name]
Reviewing a finished example can clarify how to apply the template and structure your arguments. Below is a sample letter based on the template.
Jane Jones Community Outreach Coordinator 34 Cloud Street, London, SW3 T68 April 26, 2022
The Grant Selection Committee The Community Builders Foundation 4 Frost Lane, London, SW4 B98
Re: Letter of Support for The Tot's Foundation's Application for the "Playgrounds for All" Grant
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to express my wholehearted support for The Tot's Foundation's application for the "Playgrounds for All" Grant. In my professional capacity, I have collaborated with them on several community projects over the past two years and have witnessed their exceptional impact firsthand.
The Tot's Foundation is an exceptional candidate primarily due to their demonstrated commitment to youth development in underprivileged areas. This is evidenced by their successful installation of over 17 safe and accessible playgrounds across the UK, which has garnered positive national media coverage. This quality aligns directly with your foundation's mission to strengthen local communities.
Furthermore, their proven ability in financial stewardship and project management ensures that the grant will be used effectively. For instance, they equipped 10 playgrounds with a budget of just £15,000, demonstrating remarkable efficiency.
I am confident that The Tot's Foundation will exceed expectations and create significant positive impact if awarded this grant. The success of this project would provide a lasting, safe recreational space for hundreds of children.
Please feel free to contact me at jane.jones@email.com or 079 494 758 if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Jane Jones
To write an effective letter of support, focus on these key takeaways: always start by clarifying the purpose and audience, back up your praise with specific and verifiable evidence, and use a professional structure to ensure clarity. A well-crafted letter can significantly influence the outcome of an application.
Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with ok.com.
