How to Write a Letter of Interest for a Grant
Grants can be obtained from foundations in a wide variety of projects. Many foundations have strict criteria for grants, such as the regions that are funded, the types of organizations the foundation finances and the foundation's funding amount limits. Before looking at an application for a grant, foundations may require a letter of interest before they will allow an organization to apply for funding. The letter of interest provides detailed information, such as the organization's structure, financial situation, services, needs, and ability to do the project.
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Instructions
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Know your organization's strengths and weaknesses so you can recognize what programs are needed. Consider the organization's mission, objectives and goals to determine the areas in the organization that need to be changed (reference 2, p.3, paragraph 1). Brainstorm ideas for new projects (reference2,p.3, paragraph 2).
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Research the foundation to ensure that your organization meets its criteria by reviewing its documents and website. Foundations vary greatly in the types of projects that they support.
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Bring the proposed project ideas to the executives of the organization, such as the director and a board officer. Ask them to agree that the organization meets the provisions of the foundation's criteria, such as residency. Include this acknowledgment officially in the letter of interest.
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Make sure that the letter is addressed to the right person, follows the format the funder requires, respects the word count limits and uses the foundation's terminology correctly.
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Gather contact, structural and financial information about your organization. Begin the letter with your organization's name, contact person, email address, and phone number.
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Provide statistical information in the letter of interest such as the date the organization was founded, history and the number of employees and board members. Include information on the expertise of the organizational staff who will be working on the project, if needed.
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Include any relevant financial information on your organization in the letter, such as the amount requested, the net assets and the annual operating budget for the last fiscal year.
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Describe the direct services that your organization provides to the geographic area it serves. State the organization's needs and back them up with compelling and relevant evidence. Explain the importance of the endowment fund to your organization and how the grant will benefit its work.
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Provide a summary of the main purpose and goals of the project. Highlight the milestones of the work and explain how the project will be evaluated by staff.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the Foundation Center's publication, "The Foundation Directory," which is available in most libraries and online. The directory gives information on every foundation in the United States, including descriptions of the kinds of projects the foundations will fund and the foundation's financial details.
References
Resources
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