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Working for a non profit organization can be very rewarding, whether you’re advocating for a cause, supporting a community or driving meaningful change.
To get the opportunity to create a lasting impact in your next role, building your resume and highlighting your experiences is crucial. But, a truly successful job application is incomplete without a persuasive cover letter that shows organizations what you have to offer and why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
We’re here to help you craft a compelling cover letter with our guide tailored specifically for non profit professionals.
Here’s What Our Guide Offers:
- A standout sample cover letter for a non profit position.
- A template you can copy, paste and customize to align with your mission and values.
- Tips from experts to help your letter resonate with hiring managers.
- Key strategies to keep in mind when you work on your cover letter.
Need a Hand Getting Your Letter Off the Ground? Our Cover Letter Builder simplifies the process by offering practical advice, content suggestions and formatting guidance. In just a few minutes, you can create a personalized cover letter that reflects your unique dedication and aligns with the goals of the non profit organization you aspire to join.
Non Profit Cover Letter Example
What Makes This a Great Sample Cover Letter for a Non Profit?
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Simple Style
This cover letter uses a neat layout that sticks to the basic rules of cover letter formatting to showcase the candidate’s qualifications.
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Focuses on Values
This letter is perfect for a non profit role because it focuses on both the candidate’s values and how they align with the organization’s mission.
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Measurable Data
Including results with specific numerical outcomes makes this candidate’s experience feel particularly impactful.
Cover Letter Template for a Non Profit
Tired of facing down a blank page? Get started by copying and pasting this non profit cover letter template. Then, edit and customize it to highlight your experience and values.
Andrew Richardson
Brandon, FL 33510
555-555-5555
example@example.com
Aug. 11, 2025
Avery Torres, VP of Human Resources
Learn2Earn Charitable Foundation
40 Spring Road
Brandon, FL 33510
Dear Ms. Torres,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the executive director position at Learn2Earn Charitable Foundation. With over 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, I am eager to bring my leadership, strategic planning and fundraising skills to your organization, especially in furthering its mission to empower communities through education and financial literacy.
In my current role as executive director at Community Impact Foundation, I launched a ground-breaking educational initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide for low-income families. This program, which involved securing partnerships with tech companies and local schools, provided over 2,000 students with access to laptops and internet services, resulting in a 25% increase in school retention rates among participating students. This success underscored the importance of strategic community engagement and highlighted my ability to identify and address critical needs within underserved populations.
What excites me most about the opportunity with Learn2Earn Charitable Foundation is your innovative approach to tackling financial literacy through community-driven initiatives. I am particularly impressed with your recent “Earn2Learn” campaign, which aligns closely with my passion for empowering individuals to achieve financial independence. I am confident that my experience in scaling programs, securing strategic partnerships and driving organizational growth will make me a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to Learn2Earn’s continued success and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience and vision align with your goals.
Warm regards,
Andrew Richardson
Format Your Non Profit Cover Letter
You never know how many applications the hiring manager or recruiter for your desired non profit role is reviewing. In a sea of passionate candidates, your cover letter needs to stand out in the right ways to make a lasting impression.
Follow these standard formatting guidelines to ensure your letter has the polish and professionalism to hold the organization’s attention:
- Font Style and Size: Choose a clean and professional font like Arial or Calibri in a size between 10-12 points. This will make your letter easy to read and show that you value clarity and accessibility.
- Spacing: Maintain consistency with line spacing set between 1.15 and 1.5. This will make your letter easy to scan, ensuring it’s both visually appealing and compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Margins and Alignment: Align your text to the left for a clean, organized appearance, and use 1-inch margins to frame your content neatly.
Choosing a Non Profit Cover Letter Template
Select a simple and professional cover letter template to create a strong first impression on hiring managers. While non profit roles may not require flashy designs, a well-organized and thoughtfully laid-out letter demonstrates your commitment to the cause.
Explore our collection of templates to find one that meets your needs. For a cohesive application, choose a template that matches your resume template, ensuring your materials present a unified and professional package.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Non Profit Role
Intimidated by the idea of writing a cover letter? You’re not alone! But don’t worry, crafting a compelling letter is easier than you might think.
In just a few steps, you can create a cover letter that highlights your passion, experience and commitment to making a difference in the non profit sector.
Step 1
Review the Job Description for the Non Profit Role
Customizing your cover letter for each specific role is a crucial step. Every non profit organization seeks different experiences and skills in their ideal candidate. To make a strong impression, pay close attention to the qualifications listed in the job description.
A tailored cover letter uses keywords from the job listing to demonstrate how well you align with the role. This approach also increases your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that organizations may use to filter for qualified candidates.
Step 2
Include Your Contact Information in the Header
Ensure your contact information is easily accessible by placing it neatly at the top of your cover letter. Make it simple for employers to reach you with:
- Your name.
- City and state.
- Phone number.
- Email address.
- Optional: Relevant links to your professional profiles, such as LinkedIn or a portfolio showcasing your non profit work.
Use a professional email address. If your current email is too casual or personal, consider creating a new one using a combination of your name and initials.
Step 3
Address the Hiring Manager by Name
Whenever possible, address your cover letter to the hiring manager. This personal touch shows that you’ve done your research and adds warmth to your letter.
If there’s no name available on the organization’s website or social media, then addressing it to “Dear Hiring Manager” is a professional alternative.
Step 4
Introduce Yourself in the First Paragraph
Start your cover letter with an introduction that briefly sums up your career highlights and passion for the cause.
Example Opening Paragraph for Someone New to the Non Profit Sector:
I am thrilled to apply for the [position name] at [organization name], as advertised in [source]. With a strong foundation in [relevant skills or experiences], I am eager to contribute my energy and enthusiasm to advance your mission of [specific mission or cause].
Example Opening Paragraph for an Experienced Non Profit Professional:
I am writing to express my interest in the [position name] at [organization name]. With over [number] years of experience in [specific areas of expertise], including [notable projects or achievements], I am confident in my ability to drive impactful initiatives and further your mission of [specific mission or cause].
Cover letter real estate is valuable. Ensure the introduction of your letter quickly establishes some of your top qualifications. This section should be no longer than three sentences.
Step 5
Explain Why You’re the Best Candidate for the Role
Your body paragraphs are the heart of your cover letter. Use this section to detail your relevant qualifications and shine a light on your most significant career accomplishments.
Focus On:
- Specifying Relevant Experience: Describe your experience in the non profit sector, whether it’s managing community programs, fundraising initiatives or volunteer coordination. Highlight specific outcomes and use numerical data to demonstrate the impact you’ve had in previous roles.
- Highlighting Your Skill Set: Discuss both your hard and soft skills. Mention your expertise in areas such as grant writing, project management or community outreach, as well as your ability to build relationships, communicate effectively and work collaboratively with diverse groups. Illustrate how you’ve combined these skills to drive meaningful change and support the organization’s mission.
- Addressing Unique Qualifications: Have you completed specialized training in non profit management? Attended a workshop on fundraising strategies or earned a certification in a relevant field? Highlight these unique qualifications in your body paragraphs to showcase your dedication and preparedness for the role.
Example Body Paragraphs for a Non Profit Cover Letter:
During my time at [organization name], I was responsible for coordinating a community outreach program that successfully engaged over 500 local residents in sustainability initiatives. I managed all aspects of the program, from planning and promotion to execution and follow-up, resulting in a 30% increase in community participation and a significant boost in local environmental awareness.
In a previous role at [organization name], I played a key role in a major fundraising campaign that raised over $100K for our education programs. My work not only exceeded our fundraising goals by 20% but also strengthened relationships with key donors and partners, ensuring continued support for our initiatives.
Step 6
Write Your Cover Letter Closing
In the conclusion of your cover letter, restate why you’re interested in the role, why it excites you and how you expect to contribute. Your conclusion should:
- Reinforce your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
- Highlight your readiness to contribute to the team’s success.
- Invite further discussion during an interview.
- Express gratitude for considering your application.
Example Closing Paragraph:
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my passion for social impact and my experience in non profit management to [organization name]. I am confident in my ability to contribute to your mission and am eager to discuss how my background, skills and dedication align with your organization’s goals. Thank you for considering my application.
Step 7
Sign Off Professionally
End your cover letter with a professional closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.
Write a Matching Resume
When writing a cover letter, should you start with the header or the introduction? Trick question! You should really start by creating a resume that tells the story of your non profit career in clear and simple terms. If you don’t have a resume yet, begin by looking at resume examples from non profit professionals to get inspiration.
Just like your cover letter, your resume should be polished and should summarize your skills and track record. Our Resume Builder tool can help you create a strong resume that pairs perfectly with your cover letter.
Key Takeaways
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Explore Non Profit Cover Letter Examples
Start by looking at some non profit cover letter examples to get inspired by successful professionals in the field. These examples can give you a good sense of how to structure your own letter and what information to include to make a strong impression.
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Highlight Essential Skills for a Non Profit Role
Summarize the skills that make you a strong candidate for non profit roles. Highlight both your technical proficiencies, like grant writing, project management or fundraising, as well as the soft skills that help you collaborate effectively and drive meaningful impact.
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Choose an Appropriate Non Profit Cover Letter Template
Pick a template that reflects your professionalism and commitment to the cause. A clean and simple design will help you stand out while keeping the focus on your qualifications and dedication to the organization’s mission.
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Keep Your Introductory Paragraph Short
Start your cover letter with a brief and compelling introduction. This is your chance to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences right at the top of your letter, making a strong first impression.
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Compose Detailed Body Paragraphs
Use your body paragraphs to describe specific outcomes and accomplishments that demonstrate how well you fit the role. Focus on the impact you’ve made in previous non profit positions and how your experience aligns with the organization’s goals.
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Ensure Appropriate Formatting
Format your letter appropriately and proofread carefully to eliminate errors. This attention to detail will convey your professionalism and dedication to producing high-quality work.
Resources to Help Prepare for Your Interview
Last Updated: August 27, 2024
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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.
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