Letters Of Support (With Examples)

Letters of support are important considerations to make when applying for a job, for acceptance to a university, or for an organization looking for funding to support a goal.

The objective of these letters is relatively the same: to convince the person who reads them to take a specific action.

Being able to write a successful supporting letter is a great skill to have. In this article we will go over how to write one, give an example, and give you tips to write the best support letter.

What Is a Letter of Support?

A letter of support is a document used to bolster your credibility through a third-party testimonial. Letters of support are essential to students, businesses, and governments. For each, letters of support are used for different reasons.

For example, an organization or business might be looking for funding. A government may be applying for a grant to achieve a specific goal in a set amount of time. A student may be looking for their acceptance to a school, and a letter of support could help give them the additional credibility needed.

Letters of support can make or break an individual’s chances of getting what they want. That’s why you’ll want to make sure your letters are both effective and persuasive.

Make sure you know what your specific goal is so that you can best instruct the narrative, whether you are writing one or requesting one.

How to Write a Letter of Support

Although it may seem simple and straightforward to write a letter of support, there are a few details to be aware of before you dive in. Remember, writing a persuasive letter is the best chance you have of getting financial support for the goal you’re trying to achieve.

• The header. Start the letter of support by including a heading on the top-left side of the letter. Here you can include the writer’s name, institution, and the date of writing.

  Next, include the recipient’s name and contact information. This can also include the date if you so choose.

• Salutation. Put the correct salutation in your letter, and be sure you are addressing the recipient correctly. Research to find out if they go by Dr., Mrs., Mr., or Ms., and address them with, “Dear.”

• The introduction. The first thing you’ll want to do is introduce yourself. Who are you, and why should the reader care?

  Next, be sure you clearly state your intent in the first few sentences and highlight your relationship with the applicant or the importance of your cause.

  Showing that you know the subject matter at hand and that there is value to be gleaned is the best way to position yourself with credibility.

• The body. The body of the letter should answer the question, “Why?” Whether it is what a student was like in class or why funding is necessary for a new initiative, it should clearly and articulately answer the “why” for the reader.

  Why should they care? Why should they fund your cause or accept your submission? This part of the letter should close the gap between you and the reader and address any of the big questions they may have.

• The conclusion. The ending of your letter of support should summarize your key points and restate the value of their support while offering any final details that could sway your reader.

As a best practice, a letter of support should be no longer than two pages in length, except for specific circumstances. Be sure to either ask for or provide any additional details or requirements that must be in the letter before the writer begins their process.

Letters of support can make a massive difference for applying students or certain causes, so it’s important to make sure you’re articulating your key points effectively. Use the template above as a starting point, but make an effort to personalize the letter as much as you can.

Letter of Support Example

When requested and submitted, letters of support can be extremely influential in determining an acceptance or whether your project is worthy of funding.

Consider three parts – your opening, which identifies the project and who you are supporting, a middle that indicates the relationship of the writer and the funding effort, as well as closing remarks.

Lastly, remember to ensure all letters of support are addressed to the same person at the same address and that all terminology such as project or company names is being used correctly.

Tips for Writing an Effective Letter of Support

Because this letter is so important, there are a few details you’ll want to take into consideration when you ask someone to write one or write one yourself:

• Keep it short. When crafting your letter of support, ensure you are as concise as possible. Use short phrases when you can and direct language that gets to the point quickly.

  Many individuals familiar with letters of support will agree that one-page letters are enough to deliver your message in a compelling way. However, if you need to extend past the single page, it’s acceptable to submit up to two pages.

• Use proper formatting. An important letter requires attention to detail. Remember, first impressions are everything. Be sure that you format your letter, so it’s as visually appealing and easy to read as possible.

  Feel free to include a photo of your organization, goal, projects, or individuals who may benefit from the support requested.

• Proofread. Since first impressions are everything, make sure you proofread your letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. If your letter is dotted with mistakes, it will tarnish the letter’s credibility and be a turn off for your reader.

  Take your time, let the letter sit for a few days before you go back to look at it again with fresh eyes. Be sure you also get a second pair of eyes on the letter to ensure all mistakes are caught and fixed before the letter is submitted.

• Be persuasive, but not pushy. Because this is a persuasive letter, you’ll want to make sure that comes through in the tone of your letter. Be sure to stay away from pushy or rough language.

  Get into a humble mindset so that you can write a respectful but persuasive letter. Remember, you are asking for help, so your letter will need to convince the reader that their support is necessary.

• Try not to stress fundraising. Making fundraising the focal point of your letter could be a detriment to your cause. Instead of focusing on the money, keep your primary focus on the support you need for the proposed projects, such as education support.

  Try to keep the mention of fundraising as short and to the point as possible.

• Give them an out. As with any letter of request, it’s essential to ensure your reader has a way out, should they choose not to participate.

  Remind them that financial support is not an obligation and reiterate your gratitude, should they choose to support you and your cause.

Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.