<p>We’re talking about 2 sets of people here – the donors, who may or may not have an expectation of thanks, and student recipients, who I feel should be appreciative/grateful for funding – no one from group 1 (donors) has to give a red cent to see that students (group 2) can benefit from receiving the merit dollars to attend any school. Although my family does not qualify for any need-based aid, if we had, I would expect to feel some sense of gratefulness for the assistance. Would I have d write a letter of thanks to the government? Um…seriously doubtful. But when some individual makes an effort to donate (and I’m not even worrying about their motiviations for tax purposes or whatever) so that another student can have an opportunity…yes, I am grateful, and well aware they didn’t have to donate to the school. If there is a kindness, we appreciate it, formally or not.</p>