How to Write a Formal Letter of Appreciation

It's hard sometimes to know just how to write a proper letter to say Thank You. Maybe you was placed in charge of a school function. You really need to thank businesses and companies that donated items. You will increase the chances that they might continue to donate in events to come. It really does matter.

Things You'll Need

• A cause for righting
• Paper
• Computer or pen

Instructions

1. You will want to start with proper letter format.
   -Place your or your organization's name and address in the upper right hand corner. Go down a bit and place the date on the left hand margin in this format, January 16, 2009. Go down a bit and place the name and address of the person or company that you are thanking.

2. Now is time for the greeting. Dear _______works best, it is more thoughtful and not to formal. You want to actually address people. Examples: Dear Bob: Dear Rita: Dear Staff: Avoid greets like Dear Shop and Save or to whom it may concern.

3. The first paragraph should be 2 lines down from the greeting and do not indent. The first paragraph should say thank you. You want a direct approach. It's good news
   Example: Thank you for donations for the Springfield Elementary School auction held on December 12th. This auction raised $4,000.00 to help buy the much needed books for the library. The outcome was even great than anticipated.

4. Now for the second paragraph place it two lines below the first. You want to let the receiver of the letter know that this could have not been possible without their support.
   Example: This could have not been possible without your participation. Everyone at the school sends their deepest appreciation for your support. We are fortunate to have people such as yourself that are dedicated to improving the education of our children.

5. The last paragraph which is two lines under the second is just simply a couple of sentences to again thank the receiver so much.

   Example: Thanks again for your contribution to help make this auction a huge success. We really could have not done this without your support.

6. The closing should be two lines under the last paragraph. It should be Sincerely, ... You can use something else but I don't like over used words in letters and the work thank has been used several times.
   Now leave room for a signature... 2-3 lines and type the signers name one line and under the title of the person. This should all be done on the left margin.

7. So the letter should look like this....

   -------------------------------------------Springfield Elementary School
   ---------------------------------------------------------123 Main Street
   ----------------------------------------------------Springfield, XX 1111

   January 16, 2009

   John Smith
   555 Elm Street
   Springfield, XX 1111

   Dear John:

   Thank you for donations for the Springfield Elementary School auction held on December 12th. This auction raised $4,000.00 to help buy the much needed books for the library. The outcome was even great than anticipated.

   This could have not been possible without your participation. Everyone at the school sends their deepest appreciation for your support. We are fortunate to have people such as yourself that are dedicated to improving the education of our children.

   Thanks again for your contribution to help make this auction a huge success. We really could have not done this without your support.

   Sincerely,

   Jan Smith
   PTA Supervisor

Tips & Warnings

• You have my permission to use my letter and it's contents but I would change the names and dates to fit your needs hehe.

• I had to had the dashes to get the date in the correct place, do not use dashes in your letter.