How to write a letter of inquiry (LOI) for a grant

Many foundations want a short letter before they will read a full proposal. A good one is clear, specific and easy to say yes to.

A simple outline

1. Opening. Say who you are and what you are asking for in two sentences, including the amount and the purpose.
2. The need. Who is affected, where, and one or two facts you can source.
3. Your plan. What you will do, for whom, and over what period.
4. Results. What will change, and how you will know. Use numbers you can report on.
5. Your organization. Mission, track record and why you are the right group to do this.
6. The budget. The total cost, what you are requesting and where the rest comes from.
7. Close. Thank them, offer to send more and give a contact name, phone and email.

Tips that help

• Use the funder's own words from their guidelines, and match their priorities honestly.
• Keep paragraphs short. Skip jargon and long histories.
• Follow their format and word limit exactly.
• Have someone outside your organization read it. If they cannot explain it back, rewrite it.
• Do not send the same letter to every funder. Change the opening and the match.

An invitation to apply is not a promise of funding, but it is a good sign. FundLuma's Document Studio can help you produce a first draft that you review and edit.