I’m sharing these thoughts because I know how crucial it is for young professionals and volunteers in our network to take that next big step—whether that means pursuing a postgraduate degree or landing a specialised grant.
When a selection committee asks for a motivation letter, they are essentially asking you to pitch your dream. They want to see your vision clearly enough to invest their money and resources into making it a reality.
Here is how you can write a letter that stands out:
1. Hook them in the first paragraph Right out of the gate, the committee needs to know exactly who you are, what your professional goals are, and why you are capable. Don’t bury the lead.
Example: “I am a 25-year-old professional with a degree in Environmental Science. I am applying for this program because of my deep commitment to the circular economy and public policy. Through my active volunteer work in grassroots waste-to-wealth initiatives, I have realized that pursuing this master’s degree will give me the specialized skills I need to drive large-scale sustainable development…”
2. Articulate your capability and potential to scale The committee wants to see how well you understand your own potential. Even if your current responsibilities seem small, how will their funding help you turn them into something much bigger?
If you currently help organize community clean-ups, explain how a postgraduate degree will help you transition into managing city-wide infrastructure projects.
Example: “As a volunteer, I mobilize local youth networks to run upcycling workshops and host policy dialogues three times a year. We’ve also established community gardens and grassroots education programs. These hands-on experiences have shaped my career goal to become a leading expert in sustainable infrastructure.”
3. Lead with value, not desperation This is a critical point: unless the scholarship is specifically need-based (e.g., for marginalized communities), do not let desperation drive your letter. Yes, you need the funding, but more importantly, you bring exceptional skills, passion, and experience to the table.
Think of this as brokering a business deal. You need to show them that they will be missing out if they don’t invest in you. Look at the difference between these two approaches. If you were on the committee, which one would you fund?
- (The weak approach): “I face many economic hardships, but I try my best to help my community deal with poverty and environmental pollution during my free time. I hope this scholarship helps me solve these problems.”
- (The winning approach): “Spending my free time developing grassroots solutions to environmental and economic challenges has fueled my drive to scale my impact. Interacting daily with these developmental hurdles has prompted me to rise beyond my current capacity, which is why this program is the natural next step for me.”
4. Be concise and paint a picture of the future Keep your writing tight, but make sure to show the committee exactly where you are coming from and where their funding will take you. Help them visualize your future.
Example: “If granted this scholarship, I plan to research the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities—a natural extension of my current volunteer work. Over the next decade, my goal is to advise international bodies on climate resilience and development policies. This scholarship is the launchpad for that vision.”
5. Get a second opinion Finally, never hit ‘submit’ without getting a second pair of eyes on your letter. Ask a mentor or colleague for an honest critique, and don’t take their feedback personally! Every piece of constructive criticism makes your application stronger. Just make sure to reach out early—last-minute requests often go unanswered, which will only leave you stressed.
