How to Nail Your Grant Letter of Inquiry
Scooping up a grant can supercharge your mission. But hold on to your hats before you unleash a full-blown proposal. There's a crucial first step that foundations sometimes want: a Letter of Inquiry (LOI).
This is your chance to be like, "Hey, cool foundation! We've got this epic project that aligns perfectly with your vibe. Let’s talk.”
But there are some times you’ll need to know to nail this letter and get funders’ attention.
In this post, I’ll break down…
What is a letter of inquiry
When you need to send a letter of inquiry
How to write a killer letter of inquiry that grabs funders’ attention
What is a letter of inquiry & When Should You Send One?
Think of a letter of inquiry as your backstage pass to the funder. It’s where you’ll tell them the highlights of your project and how it aligns with their vision for social good. It's not a full-on commitment, but it lets them know you're interested and have something incredible to offer.
Sometimes these are also called Letters of Intent or Letters of Interest — LOI being the shorthand. Howeverr you see it, it all means the same thing.
When do you send one?
Basically, when the grantmaker requests it. Some foundations have a thing for LOIs and want to know what you’re all about before you turn in a proposal.
Some funders even have a snazzy template or specific guidelines for the letter of inquiry — so read that fine print and follow their rules to a T.
If the foundation doesn’t specify that they want an LOI, then no sweat! You’ll just need to focus on the proposal and their submission requirements.
Now that you know when to bust out the LOI, let's get down to crafting a masterpiece that'll have grantmakers begging to fund you.
Here's your five-step guide to LOI mastery.
How to Craft a Letter of Inquiry That Puts You on Their Grant Radar
1. Hook 'Em Like a Boss
Start your letter off with a bang! Briefly explain the mega-important problem you're tackling and the mind-blowing impact your project will have.
Remember, you're looking for superhero vibes, not a bedtime story. Grab their attention and don’t let it go.
2. Problem, Solution, Pow!
Get specific about the issue you're facing. Think data, stats, real-life examples – the whole shebang! Then, unveil your solution like a magician pulling a live dove out of a hat.
Briefly explain what you'll do, who it helps, and how it'll transform lives.
3. You Got the Skills (to Pay the Bills)
Don't be shy! This is your time to shine. So brag about your organization's experience and the skills of your dream team. Let the grantmaker know you're not some rookies winging it, asking for money – you're a squad of superheroes ready to take on the world.
4. Funding Time!
Be upfront about the moolah you need and how it fits into your project's budget.
Don't be cryptic – grantmakers like transparency. After all, they want to make sure you’re worth their time and know what you’re doing -=- that’s what a budget shows them.
5. Keep it Short & Sweet
Remember, LOIs should give them a foretaste of your nonprofit — not the whole meal. The trick is to make that taste so irresistible that they request the entire meal — i.e., the grant proposal.
Most grantmakers have a page or two limit, so focus on the essentials and save the nitty-gritty for the full proposal (if you get invited, that is).
Bonus Tip: Proofread like a hawk! Typos and grammar gaffes can turn a good letter of inquiry sour in no time flat. You may even ask a couple of people on your team to look it over — fresh eyes and all.
In conclusion…
By following these boss moves, you'll craft an LOI that'll have grantmakers saying, "Yes, please!" Remember, it's your chance to showcase your amazing idea and convince them you're the perfect partner to make a real difference. So, unleash your inner rockstar, keep it fun, and get even closer to grant success!
Photo credit: Alvaro Serrano
