Write the Perfect Nonprofit Cover Letter With These Examples

Write the perfect cover letter for any nonprofit job with CVHelp’s nonprofit cover letter examples and templates.

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Nonprofit cover letter example

Cover letter tips and examples for nonprofit jobs

Nonprofit companies can be a source of very fulfilling work, but the hiring process can be competitive. Having the perfect cover letter can help your application package stand out over other job seekers. A cover letter will give you the chance to tell your prospective employer how your personal values align with their organisation. This is something you can’t convey as easily in a CV.

This guide will show you:

How a cover letter can make you a more competitive candidate
Tips to help you write your own cover letter for a nonprofit job
A nonprofit cover letter example you can use

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Best nonprofit cover letter sample

This nonprofit cover letter sample will show you everything you need to get a new job. Follow this nonprofit cover letter template to make the best impression on the hiring manager or recruiter.

[Today’s Date]

[XYZ Nonprofit Organisation Address]

[Phone Number]

[HiringManagerEmail@xyzorganisation.com]

Dear [hiring manager’s name],

I am applying for the position at XYZ Nonprofit Organisation. I have devoted my career to making a change in [the nonprofit cause]. Recently I have been working with [your recent experience]. My background and passion for making a difference are why I believe I’m a good fit for the [available job] position at [nonprofit organisation]. While at [recent experience], I was responsible for:

[three to five bullet points of hard skills or achievements from your recent experience.]

After graduating from XYZ University with a degree in [field of study], I volunteered/worked with XYZ Organisation as a [your job title]. This prompted my interest in [goal of the nonprofit organisation]. At XYZ Organisation, I was able to develop my [interpersonal skills] to make a difference. [Name of professional reference] recommended I apply for this job because of my proven track record working with [goal of the nonprofit organisation.]

I find [nonprofit organisation name]’s current initiatives regarding [goal of the nonprofit organisation] to be inspiring, and I would be honored to contribute in some capacity.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m looking forward to discussing this opportunity further. I can be reached by phone at [your phone number] or by email at [your email].

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

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Three tips to write your own nonprofit cover letter with this example

These writing tips will outline all of the elements you need for your own professional cover letter. Go step by step to build an effective cover letter in no time at all. Make sure to create a new cover letter for each job application in your job search. It may be easier to write a cover letter after you write your CV.

First paragraph: Introduction

Tell the hiring manager who you are and what you are passionate about. Note the highlights from your career that are relevant to the position. The opening of your cover letter should hook the reader so they want to keep reading. Writing a cover letter for a nonprofit is different than writing a business cover letter. You want to show your passion for the cause.

Second paragraph: Why they should hire you

Your second paragraph should note skills that make you a good fit for the role, the value you can bring to the company, and how you heard about the job. You can refer back to the job posting to find the skills and responsibilities the company is looking for. For a nonprofit, these are often tasks like outreach and fundraising.

Third paragraph: Call to action and sign-off

Your cover letter should end with a call to action. Start by expressing gratitude for the hiring manager’s consideration. Then invite them to call or email you to further discuss the available job opportunity. Be sure your contact information is up to date so the hiring manager can contact you. Include a professional website or profile link such as your LinkedIn profile if you have one.

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FAQ: Nonprofit cover letters

Q: Do I really need a cover letter to get a nonprofit job?

Yes. A cover letter is one of the most important tools you have to boost your chances of getting a new job. A cover letter goes hand in hand with your CV to give the hiring manager or recruiter a picture of you and how you would fit in at the company. A cover letter can also elaborate on your CV’s highlights, and allows you to make a connection with the company. You can use CVHelp’s Cover Letter Builder to create a cover letter for any job in just minutes.

Q: How long should my cover letter be to get a nonprofit job?

The best cover letter is between half a page and one page long. This is usually about 250 to 400 words. Using bullet points can help to shorten a long cover letter. Your cover letter should be concise so it’s easy to read.

Q: Does this cover letter example work if I don’t have a lot of experience?

You can use academic or volunteer experience to create a cover letter like the example. If you don’t have many years of experience, emphasise your other skills. Focus on your soft skills and passion for the organisation’s mission. If you have not been working and have a gap in your work history, there are tips for writing a cover letter when unemployed.

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