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Writing Letters of Inquiry

It's a good idea (and sometimes it's required) to send a letter of inquiry to a foundation before submitting a full proposal.

A letter of inquiry is just what its name implies -- a letter asking if the foundation is interested in receiving a full proposal in order to consider the project for funding.

Sending a brief letter (try to keep it under two pages or less) can save both you and the foundation valuable time.

What Should the Letter Include?

1. The amount of the request
	-- how much money do you need?
2. The total project budget
	-- what is the total cost of doing the project?
3. The total organizational budget
	-- what is the annual cost of running your entire organization?
4. Other project funders, if any
	-- who else is supporting the project?
5. The project objectives and the time frame
	-- what do you want to accomplish and how long will it take?
6. What methods will be employed
	-- what approach will be used to accomplish the objectives?
7. Organizational background
	-- what experience does your organizational have?

Tips

Writing Letters of Inquiry (or anything else)

Proofread carefully. Spelling and grammatical mistakes will not make a good first impression.
Avoid jargon. Use simple, straightforward English.
Don't overstate your case or make unsubstantiated claims.
Include a brochure if you have one but don't attach every publication ever created by your organization.
Ask at least one other person to read the letter before you drop it in the mailbox.