What Is Included in a Grant Cover Letter?
Just as with a resume for a job application, a grant proposal also needs a good cover letter. Your proposal can be a work of art, but if your cover letter isn't sufficiently compelling, the proposal may end up on the reject pile before it's even opened. Cover letters are generally written for applications to private foundations and corporations, but not for federal or state grant proposals, unless specifically requested.
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Format
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If you have formal letterhead, use it. Address your cover letter to the relevant person who will receive and consider your proposal. If you aren't sure who this is, it's best to call and ask. At the same time, double check you have the correct address to send the application, and ensure that's on your cover letter too. Underneath the salutation and before the body of the letter, include a subject line that names the grant you are applying for.
Introduction
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Your first paragraph should be brief and to the point. Include the formal name of your organization and one descriptive sentence about your mission. State the amount of funding you are applying for and a brief summary of the reason for the application.
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More Detail
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In one or two subsequent paragraphs, go into a little more detail about your organization's mission and beneficiaries, and explain how these mesh with the goals of the foundation or corporation you're applying to. Give concrete details about how the requested funding would be spent and what outcome you would look for. If you have secured any matching funding, mention this. If you have links with the funding body include this also.
Tone
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Your tone needs to be upbeat and positive, and to excite the reader about the possibilities of partnering with your organization. Use details and figures sparingly, but give them impact.
Signature
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The top level person in your organization should sign the cover letter. If you have an executive officer and a board president, have them both review and sign it. However, if the contact person for the grant is different, include their contact information--direct line and email--in the final paragraph.
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