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Appreciation Letters

by Janel Muyesseroglu

Have you received an award or honor and want to write an appreciative letter? Have your employees, colleagues, teachers, family, or friends achieved an accomplishment? Has someone done a job well? Have you received financial contributions or scholarships and want to express your gratitude?

Here are some tips on how to write your appreciation letter in a thoughtful way.

Other reasons to write an appreciation letter:

Group efforts
Introductions
Invitations to speak
Helpful advice or suggestions
Personal favors
Recommendations
References
Sympathy
Volunteers

Guidelines for writing appreciation letters:

State what you appreciate and briefly explain why. Do not add other news or information not related to the appreciative gesture, the message of appreciation should stand alone. Be brief, warm, and sincere. Postcards may be used for short notes. Personal notes should be handwritten. Business letters should be typed on letterhead stationary or memo paper.

Helpful words you can use: Click on each word to get definitions and examples from WordNet 1.6 Vocabulary Helper.

Admire	Appreciate	Approve	Commend
Delighted	Delightful	Elegant	Encourage
Encouraging	Generous	Gracious	Happy
Honor	Impress	Inspirational	Inspire
Interesting	Marvelous	Praise	Prize
Recognize	Recommend	Remarkable	Respect
Satisfy	Sensational	Superb	Surprise
Terrific	Thrilled/Thrilling	Touch	Treasure
Triumph	Unique	Valuable	Value
Welcome

Financial Contributions

Dear Dr. Emma Hour

I am very grateful for the numerous financial contributions you have made in support of my education. Without your help, I may never have been able to complete my studies. Your generosity and help have been an inspiration to me.

Again, thank you for your encouragement and financial support.

Sincerely,

Jane T. Jackson

Awards/Honors

To Mr. Mick E. Mouse,

We would like to express our appreciation for your remarkable service as a member of the Rodents for Education Club. The contributions you have made to our club over the past two years have been invaluable to us. We wish you much luck in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Chuk E. Cheeze

Recommendations

To Dr. Frank N. Stein,

I am applying to Oxford University's Graduate School of Bio-Engineering. I would appreciate it if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. Enclosed is a form that outlines what the recommendation should include, my resume, and a self-addressed stamped envelope in which to send your recommendation.

I appreciate you taking the time to do this for me. If for some reason you are unable to complete the recommendation for me, please let me know via email (dolly@lambchops.com) or phone.

Thank you,

Ms. Dolly Lamb

Reply to a Sympathy Card

Dear Ms. Angela Cloud,

Thank you so much for your lovely card. I appreciate your thoughtfulness at this time of sadness in my life. I will contact you again once things change for the better.

With Love,

Mrs. Terry Eyed