Category — Fundamentals

In researching potential funding sources, you may find that some sponsors are requesting that you send in a letter of inquiry or interest prior to submitting a full proposal. In situations like this, the foundation is not ready to review a full proposal and may even reject it without reading it over. Other foundations may have already earmarked funds to certain organizations but may indicate in subtle ways that they are willing to consider other suggestions. Using a letter of inquiry can help to ease the way in and save you time and effort.

In some ways, writing an effective LOI can be more challenging than a full proposal. The LOI gives a first impression of your program or organization, and you want your first impression to have meaningful impact. Additionally, the LOI should be brief, no more than 3 pages, and succinctly packed with key points:

Introduction
Your introduction should include the name of your organization, the amount requested, a concise description of the project, your staff’s qualifications, what evaluative methods you will use, and a timetable. Keep this to one paragraph.

Description
The description of your organization and its project must convince the reader that it deserves further attention and consideration for funding. Give a brief history of the organization. Also, illustrate how what you do and want to accomplish are consistent with the aims of the sponsor’s funding program. The sponsor should come to understand how funding your program will help their organization accomplish its own mission.

Statement of Need
State clearly what the need is that will be met by your program or project. Include a description of the target population and geographical area and any relevant statistics and examples.

Methodology
How will you get the job done? The methodology should be suitable to the need identified and present a logical solution that is doable. Include a brief description of the project with its major activities, names and titles of key staff, and your desired objectives.

Other Funding Sources
List any other sources of funding especially grants from other organizations. Give a summary of funding from donations and fundraisers.

Final Summary
The summary allows you to restate your intent and further emphasize that your solution is a workable and necessary one. Let the sponsor know that you are ready to answer any additional questions that may come up, and thank the sponsor for his or her time and consideration. Include any attachments that are requested in the sponsor’s guidelines.

A budget may or may not be required. Check the sponsor’s guidelines. Some guidelines are very specific and should be followed exactly as stated. If it is required, include it.

The following are some sample letters of inquiry. Use any them, if appropriate, and make any adjustments to tailor it to your program or organization.

Samples:
http://www.stopvaw.org/Sample_Letter_of_Inquiry__1.html
http://www.stopvaw.org/Sample_Letter_of_Inquiry__2.html
http://www.npguides.org/guide/inquiry_letter.htm
http://literacy.kent.edu/Oasis/grants/samplefoundation.html
http://www.agmconnect.org/RCP/sample_letter.aspx
www.hmlt.hmco.com/downloads/Funding/HMLT_Sample_Letter_of_Inquiry.pdf