cover letters for charity jobs

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The Ultimate Charity Cover Letter Guide

From charityjob by andrew fennell.

Charities and non-profits are motivated by far more than money—they want people with drive and passion, as well as experience. People who not only do the job well but do it with limited resources. So how do you show that you’re the candidate they’re looking for?

These days, many charity recruiters are turning to online applications to get to a more rounded understanding of a candidate’s experience and motivations. Online applications provide you more opportunities to sell yourself, with questions that allow you to elaborate on particular experience.

But what about the organisations that are after a more traditional CV and cover letter? How do you accomplish everything an online application offers in just a few succinct paragraphs?

First, you need to understand the basics. Then, you need to tailor it to your particular strengths and experience. Let’s explore how to do just that.

What’s the point of a cover letter?

Whatever role you’re applying for, a cover letter is about introducing yourself as a candidate and encouraging the recruiter to read your CV. It’s an opportunity to impress, prove your experience and talk passionately about your current and future career.

If you’re applying for a charity sector job , it’s especially important to write a well-researched and passionate cover letter . Just a few paragraphs will show you’re committed to helping the organisation make a difference and explain what kind of unique skills you can offer.

1. Show you’ve researched the charity in detail

Every charity has different aims, challenges and priorities and will be working with different types of people in different circumstances. Get to know their work by looking at their current campaigns and reading their reports.

The non-profit you’re applying to will be impressed if you already understand what they’re trying to achieve and why. This shows you know what the role will involve, and that you’re committed to the same goals.

2. Tailor it to the specific job description

Your cover letter will be much more impactful if it’s specific. The charity should know your cover letter has been written just for them and their role, not one that you’ve recycled over and over.

Look at the specifics mentioned in the job ad and requirements list, and then explain what relevant skills and experience you have to match. These will already be on your CV, but your cover letter is the ideal place to explain them in more detail.

And don’t underestimate the power of transferable skills . If you don’t have charity-specific experience explain how some of the skills from you gained from your previous job will apply in a charity context.

3. Prove you’re a great fit

It’s okay to explain why you think you’ll be a great addition to the charity’s team, but it’s much better to prove it. Recruiters in any sector like to see tangible examples, rather than statements that sound a bit vague or non-specific, because it shows what kind of impact you could bring to the role.

So, make sure your cover letter proves that your experience and skills have actually led to positive results. These will inevitably differ depending on your specialism, but it might include working on influential projects, bringing in lots of donations, team leadership or any other big achievements.

4. Be passionate and committed

Tell the charity what you love about their mission statement and how it matches your own beliefs and values. Explain what it is about their cause that resonates with you and why that makes you want to work for them. A charity depends on its passionate and committed team, so this is an essential attribute in a candidate. Be authentic and tell them why you care!

These cover letter essentials will make a big difference to how charity recruiters see you as a candidate. Passion, experience and eagerness are all really important in the charity sector but communicating what you’ve got to offer in a clear, memorable way is even more important.

And that’s it. Keep it simple, poignant and passionate. A bit of enthusiasm will go a long way, especially in the charity sector.

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Non Profit Cover Letter—Sample for Non Profit Organization

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Non Profit Cover Letter Examples

Example #1: cover letter for a non profit with experience, example #1: cover letter for a non profit with experience—text version, example #2: cover letter for non profit internship, example #2: cover letter for non profit internship—text version, how to write a non profit cover letter, 1. square up the cover letter format, 2. make a header with your contact information, cover letter for non profit organization: header , 3. introduce yourself by identifying the position you’re applying for, non profit cover letter: introduction, 4. give them reasons to hire you, non profit cover letter sample: second paragraph, 5. present your research of the employer , non profit cover letter sample: third paragraph, 6. request an interview and sign off , non profit cover letter example: sign off with a call to action, about resumelab’s editorial process, was it interesting here are similar articles.

35+ Cover Letter Templates to Try Right Now [Free & Premium]

20+ Best Cover Letter Templates for Google Docs for 2023

5 Short Cover Letter Samples That Will Get You Hired in 2023

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Advice and support

Writing cover letters

You should send a cover letter when you apply for a job with a CV. Write it as a formal letter and attach it to the email along with your CV.

Writing a CV

If you have less work experience on your CV, your cover letter can improve your application.

Aim to write half a page unless you're asked to do more. Cover everything that’s relevant, but keep the recruiter interested.

Standard cover letter

Present yourself positively, describe who you are and what you can do, tell them how you can do the job.

Use a standard cover letter for sectors like business, law, accountancy and retail.

Dear [insert name],

I am keen to apply for the [insert job title] position at [insert organisation name] as I have the skills and experience to fulfil this role to a good standard.

I can bring [insert your skills] and experience, which I gained working for organisations including [insert organisations].

Please find attached my CV for the post advertised [insert job advert location] on [insert date].

In my most recent role as a [insert job title] at [insert organisation name], I was responsible for [list relevant responsibilities]. This has equipped me with [discuss skills].

The nature of my [insert degree or course] has prepared me for this role. It involved independent research, initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills. An understanding of the [insert sector] industry was essential during my education.

I feel I have the enthusiasm and determination to succeed in this role. I would be very grateful for the opportunity, and I am available to take this position immediately.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

[your name]

[contact details]

Cover letter template (Word download)

Disabled people face discrimination in the job market.

Disability discrimination at work

A short, powerful cover letter can help dispel any concerns that the employer may have. Be honest, do your research and take your time.

Use your cover letter to show your best self and to tell your story. You should include:

who you are and what you can do for the company
how you can do the job
how you fit into the organisation

Describe the journey that you took to get to this point. Tell the recruiter why you're the right person for this job and how you're ready to step into it.

Research the company and role. Make sure you can answer these questions:

What does the company do?
What does the role involve?
What essential skills do they want?
Which skills do you have?

Being interested in and knowing about the company and role will help you to write a strong cover letter. It will also help if you get an interview.

Job interviews

Use specific examples from past relevant employment if you have them. Link these directly to the job you are applying for. If you have less or no experience, use examples of skills from outside paid work.

Start by making a list of skills you can choose from. Present your skills positively, but be truthful and try not to exaggerate.

Choose skills that you think are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. When you mention a skill in your cover letter, add some detail and context that will explain why you are a good candidate. For example:

Can you use Photoshop?
What can you do with it?
When did you use it?
What did you do with it?

It’s fine to use an example from outside paid work if that’s the best way for you to prove that you have a particular skill.

Use the STAR method

STAR stands for

situation - the situation you had to deal with
task - the task you were given to do
action - the action you took
result - what happened as a result of your action and what you learned from the experience

The STAR method (National Careers Service)

Here are some examples.

Retail skills and examples you can use to demonstrate them

IT for clerical and administrative work

IT skills and examples you can use to demonstrate them

Paper-based admin

Paper-based admin skills and examples you can use to demonstrate them

Domestic work

Skills for domestic work and examples you can use to demonstrate them

Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills and examples you can use to demonstrate them

Managing people and delegating work

Example of a skill relating to managing people and delegating work and an example you can use to demonstrate them

Focus on what you can do rather than what you cannot do

This can mean presenting information in a positive way or leaving out things if they're not relevant.

Example of a positive and negative interview response

If you've recently become disabled

Focus on what the employer wants now, and what you can do now. Your CV will cover what you’ve done in the past, but your cover letter is your living story.

Your cover letter should be concise and well-presented. Use clear paragraphs written in a font such as Arial. Do not use multiple colours, pictures or Word art.

Be formal but natural when writing your letter. Imagine that you're speaking to your grandmother or a teacher. Do not copy and paste someone else's cover letter from Google. It will not be your story and employers can tell.

Addressing your cover letter

Address your letter to the person who is managing applications. This information should be in the job advert. If it is not, try to find out by tracking it down on the company website or LinkedIn. If you cannot find it, call and ask. You'll be able to address your letter properly and show that you're keen.

If you find a name, start the letter with 'Dear Mrs Smith' or 'Dear Mr Smith'. Otherwise, 'Dear Sir/Madam' is fine.

First paragraph: State why you are getting in touch

As well as saying why you're getting in touch, it's also good to mention where you found out about the job. For example, say "as advertised on reed.co.uk" or mention someone's name if they referred you. Include the job reference number if there is one.

Second paragraph: Say why you are suitable for the job

Briefly describe your professional and academic qualifications that are relevant to the role. Cover each of the skills listed in the job description.

Third paragraph: Tell them what you can do for them

Write about what you can do for the company. Talk about your career goals and make these relevant to the position you're applying for. Provide examples from your CV that prove you have the skills that they need.

Fourth paragraph: Sum up why you’re the right person for the job

Summarise why you're interested in the role and why you would be the right fit. Finish by saying that you'd like to meet the employer for an interview.

Signing off your cover letter

Use "Yours sincerely" if you know the name of the hiring manager, or "Yours faithfully" if you do not. Follow this with your full name. You may also wish to include your email address and phone number.

Last reviewed by Scope on: 11/10/2023

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Charity Cover Letter Example: 4 Templates

This letter includes all your skills and qualifications by which your future employer can take you on the basis of your capabilities. Include those things which can create a good effect on your future employer. Here are some templates for the same, have a look at them.

Letter Template: 1

Table of Contents

Charity Cover Letter

James Brown

238 Broadway

United States

The HR Manager

XYZ Company

354 F 63rd Street

Sub- Charity cover letter.

Respected Sir/Madam

I got to know that you are searching for candidates for charity purposes. I am willing to work for the charity. After going through the description box, I believe that I am suitable for this job. I can do all the work which was mentioned in the description box.

I graduated from [mention the name of the institution] in the year of [mention the year] as I used to work for [mention the name of the charity] as a [mention the name of the poa] so each and every duty is well known by me. Duties such as planning donation campaigns and events, recruiting of volunteers and coordinating their work, and organizing and helping with fundraising activities such as sponsorships and promotional activities.

These duties will be done by me in a proper manner. Nothing wrong will be done by me as I have proper skills in me, which includes sales and negotiation abilities, good communication, social media skills, good organizational skills and many such skills that support me to do well in this field.

My resume and other documents, which were mentioned in the description box, are attached to this letter. I would be really grateful if you would choose me for this post. Thank you so much for taking time from your busy schedule.

[Handwritten signature]

[Mention the contact details]

[Mention here, if there is any post note to be given]

Download Template : ( pdf, docs, ODT, RTF, txt, HTML, Epub, Etc )

Letter Template: 2

Recently, you posted on your website about the requirement of candidates for the charity. I read the description box properly, and I believe that I am suitable for this job. If you select me for this position, you will not get disappointed by my work. I would do anything to perform well in this job.

I am a student of [mention the name of the institution] and got graduated in the year of [mention the year]. I have work experience of [mention the years], which I received from working at many charities where I was appreciated for my work. My skills which include creative thinking, the ability to take the initiative, resourcefulness, management skills, and communication skills help me to do all the duties properly.

All the duties, such as writing reports and press releases, controlling budgets and working with targets, planning donation events, and hiring volunteers, will be done by me in a proper manner. I can assure you that you will be amazed by my work. If you give this opportunity to me, I will prove that your decision is right.

I would be grateful if you would give me this wonderful opportunity to prove myself. My documents are attached with this letter which were mentioned in the description box. If you require any further information, kindly contact me. Thank you so much for your precious time.