Letter of inquiry template
A one-page letter to a foundation, part by part, with an example for each. Find foundations that take letters on the foundation grants page.
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01Opening and request
Address the program officer by name if you can. Name your organization, the amount you are asking for, the project and how it fits the funder's priorities, in the first paragraph.
Example Dear Ms. Alvarez, Riverside Food Pantry requests $25,000 to open Saturday hours for working families, which fits the Foundation's priority on food security in Riverside County.
[to write]02Your organization
One short paragraph: mission, who you serve and a result that shows you can deliver.
Example Since 2011 we have run a client-choice pantry that served 18,400 people last year with 4 staff and 90 volunteers.
[to write]03The need
The problem in two or three sentences with one local number.
Example One in six Riverside households is food insecure, and our weekday hours miss parents who work shifts.
[to write]04The project
What you will do, for how many people, over what period.
Example Saturday hours from January to June for 120 families a week, with text reminders in English and Spanish.
[to write]05Expected results
Two or three measurable outcomes.
Example Waitlist cut from 64 families to 0 by June; 120 families served each Saturday.
[to write]06Budget and other support
Total cost, the request, and funds already committed.
Example Total cost $41,000; $16,000 already committed from the city and individual donors.
[to write]07Closing
Thank them, offer a full proposal or a call, and give a contact with phone and email.
Example Thank you for considering this request. We would welcome the chance to send a full proposal. You can reach me at (555) 010-0100.
[to write]
Questions
What is a letter of inquiry?
A short letter, usually one to three pages, that asks a foundation whether it wants a full proposal. Many foundations, such as the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Lilly Endowment, start every request this way.
How long should a letter of inquiry be?
Usually two pages or less. Lilly Endowment, for example, asks for no more than two pages; follow each funder's limit.
Should I include a budget?
Give the total cost, the amount you're asking for and funds already committed. Save the detailed budget for the full proposal unless the funder asks for it.