Crafting a compelling non-profit cover letter can be daunting, especially if you've already dived into the job application process only to hit the snag of needing one. Remember, your cover letter is your chance to convey a powerful narrative about your proudest professional moment without echoing your resume. Strike the right balance between formality and authenticity, sidestep clichés, and keep it concise—a single page is your canvas to make a memorable impression.
- Personalize your non profit cover letter and get inspired by other professionals to tell a compelling story;
- Format and design your non profit cover letter to make an excellent first impression;
- Introduce your best achievement in your non profit cover letter to recruiters;
- How to make sure recruiters get in touch with you, using your non profit cover letter greeting and closing paragraphs.
What is more, did you know that Enhancv's AI can write your cover letter for you? Just upload your non profit resume and get ready to forward your job application in a flash.
If the non profit isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Non profit cover letter example
ISABELLE TODD
New Orleans, LA
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Highlighting relevant experience: Reference to successfully managing a significant multi-regional education initiative demonstrates practical project coordination skills that can be directly applied to the role in question.
- Quantifiable achievements: Mentioning a specific percentage increase in project efficiency and a ranking within the team provides measurable outcomes that validate the candidate's effectiveness and contribution to their previous organization.
- Alignment with the organization’s mission: Expressing excitement about contributing to the potential employer's mission indicates a shared vision and suggests that the candidate's values align with the company's, which is essential in the non-profit sector.
What about your non profit cover letter format: organizing and structuring your information
Here is one secret you should know about your non profit cover letter assessment. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't analyze your cover letter.
You should thus focus on making an excellent impression on recruiters by writing consistent:
- Header
- Greeting
- Introduction
- Body paragraphs (and explanation)
- Promise or Call to action
- Signature (that's optional)
Now, let's talk about the design of your non profit cover letter.
Ensure all of your paragraphs are single-spaced and have a one-inch margins on all sides (like in our cover letter templates).
Also, our cover letter builder automatically takes care of the format and comes along with some of the most popular (and modern) fonts like Volkhov, Chivo, and Bitter.
Speaking of fonts, professionals advise you to keep your non profit cover letter and resume in the same typography and avoid the over-used Arial or Times New Roman.
When wondering whether you should submit your non profit cover letter in Doc or PDF, select the second, as PDF keeps all of your information and design consistent.
The top sections on a non profit cover letter
- Header: Include your contact information and date, ensuring the recruiter knows who you are and how to contact you for further discussions about the non-profit role.
- Greeting: Address the letter to a specific person if possible, showing that you've done your research and are personally invested in the organization and its mission.
- Introduction: Briefly state your purpose for writing, your interest in the non-profit sector, and how your values align with the organization's mission.
- Body: Highlight relevant experience, skills, and volunteer work that showcase your commitment to social causes and demonstrate your potential contributions to the non-profit.
- Closing: End with a call to action, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss how you can support the organization's goals and thanking the reader for considering your application.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
Strong commitment to the organization's mission: Demonstrates a deep understanding of and passion for the nonprofit's cause, which is essential for inspiring stakeholders and driving the organization forward.
Proven fundraising experience: Critical for generating resources required for the organization's operations and projects, showcasing the ability to attract donations, grants, and other forms of financial support.
Volunteer management skills: Essential for engaging and coordinating the efforts of volunteers, who are often the backbone of nonprofit operations, ensuring efficient use of human resources.
Experience with budget management: Necessary for ensuring financial sustainability and responsible stewardship of funds, which is crucial for maintaining donor trust and organizational viability.
Cultural competence: Important for working effectively with diverse populations, which is often a key aspect of nonprofit work, demonstrating sensitivity and adaptability to different community needs.
Strong communication skills: Vital for articulating the organization's mission, advocating for its cause, and building relationships with donors, volunteers, and the communities served.
How to start your non profit cover letter: with a greeting, of course
Have you ever considered just how powerful a personalized salutation can be?
We sure have news for you! Your non profit cover letter should start with the right salutation to recruiters, nurturing a sense of respect and individuality.
Greet recruiters by using their first name (e.g. "Dear Tom" or "Dear Patricia") if you've previously established contact with them.
Otherwise, opt out for the less familiar, "Dear Ms. Peaches" or "Dear Ms Kelsey", if you've found the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or a corporate website.
"To whom it may concern" is never a good option, as it creates a sense that you've been sending out your non profit cover letter to anyone. Instead, use "Dear HR team" or "Dear (company name) recruiter" for a feeling of exclusivity.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
- Dear [Executive Director],
- Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms. Last Name],
- Dear [Members of the Search Committee],
- Dear [Board of Directors],
- Dear [Department Name] Team,
How to start your non profit cover letter introduction
The opening paragraph of your non profit cover letter can seem like a real enigma.
Where do you start writing?
In your non profit cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:
- gets you motivated and excited about the role;
- you like best about the company, from culture to awards.
Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Storytelling in the middle (or body) of your non profit cover letter
You've got your whole resume sorted, detailing your achievements and skills. What else can you write in your non profit cover letter?
For starters, take the time to re-assess the job requirements and re-discover the most crucial skills and requirements (or keywords).
After making a list of these important keywords, look back on your experience to select just one of your past accomplishments.
Choose the achievement that is the most noteworthy, relevant to the role, and matches the required skills.
Use the next between three and six paragraphs to narrate how:
- you've grown your skill set, thanks to your achievement;
- you'd use the know-how you've gained in your new role;
- your accomplishment could help your potential employers grow.
Remember that recruiters don't need a retelling of your whole resume, but want to find out what makes you, you.
Finishing off your non profit cover letter with what matters most
So far, you've done a fantastic job in tailoring your non profit cover letter for the role and recruiter.
Your final opportunity to make a good impression is your closing paragraph.
And, no, a "Sincerely yours" just won't do, as it sounds too vague and impersonal.
End your non profit cover letter with the future in mind.
So, if you get this opportunity, what do you plan to achieve? Be as specific, as possible, of what value you'd bring to the organization.
You could also thank recruiters for their interest in your profile and prompt for follow-up actions (and organizing your first interview).
Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your non profit cover letter?
Lacking professional experience isn't the end of the world for your non profit cover letter.
Just be honest that you may not have had roles in the industry, but bring about so much more.
Like, your transferable skills, attained thanks to your whole work and life experience (e.g. the skills your summer spent working abroad taught you).
Or, focus on what makes you, you, and that one past success that can help you stand out and impress recruiters (think of awards you've attained and how they've helped you become a better professional).
Alternatively, write about your passion and drive to land the job and the unique skill set you would bring to enhance the workplace culture.
Key takeaways
Summarizing the most important aspects in writing your non profit cover letter, remember to:
- Create a personalized non profit cover letter for each role you apply for, that includes the recruiter's name in the salutation;
- Format your non profit cover letter with single-spacing, one-inch margins, and a modern, yet ATS-friendly font;
- Always start off your non profit cover letter with two sentences that reflect what is most important about your application;
- Your non profit cover letter body should feature your biggest accomplishments and the job-relevant skills it has taught you;
- Instead of opting for the "Sincerely yours" ending, close your non profit cover letter with a nod to the future with what you aim to achieve in this potential role.
