How to Write a Sponsorship Letter for College for Financial Support

A sponsorship letter for college funding requests financial support from a scholarship committee, a business, a community organization or an individual. The purpose is to ask for financial assistance to attend college based on the applicant's character, educational record, community service, talent and special need for financial support. The focus of the letter will differ depending on the kind of scholarship: A letter to the Rotary Club will address community service and character, whereas a letter to a scholarship competition will emphasize previous academic success and grade point average.

Make a list of several specific audiences that have an interest in supporting the applicant's education, including community organizations, scholarship providers and individuals with resources to contribute. Determine each prospective sponsor's guidelines, criteria and areas of interest. Consider the audiences when drafting the letters.

Format a sponsorship letter to a business, community organization or scholarship foundation as a business letter with the date, potential sponsor's name and address in the upper left corner of the page followed by the salutation, "Dear Sir or Ma'am," "Scholarship Committee" or "To Whom It May Concern." Format a personal letter to an individual with the date in the upper left corner followed by Dear and the recipient's name.

Introduce or reintroduce the applicant to the reader and thank her in advance for taking the time to consider the request for financial assistance. Include a personal description, including background and interests, hopes and dreams related to attending college. Make a connection with the reader.

Provide specific information about the applicant's immediate and future educational and career goals and the resources needed to meet them. Describe the college and program of interest and the reasons for this particular choice. Set time-lines for personal educational goals and detail the ways the requested funds will be spent.

Give a detailed rationale for the funding request. Describe the applicant's current financial situation and other sources of income. List the costs of tuition, books, supplies, housing and food for the academic year at college and make a projection on unmet needs.

Ask for financial assistance based on demonstrated talent and past successes. Provide information on community service, grade point average, academic history, talent or athletic awards, depending on the potential sponsor. Address relatives or friends in a more personal way, reminding them of personal goals and needs in a less formal tone.

Conclude the sponsorship letter with another thank you for their time and attention. Sign a letter to an organization with, "Sincerely," followed by the writer's full name. Sign a letter to a friend or family member with a less formal "Thank you" and first name.