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To build on the previous post, ensuring that your project or organization aligns with the funder is crucial. It can also sometimes be a daunting task. How can you match what you want/need/have to have money for with what, say, foundations or trusts actually want to fund?
Foundations and trusts often do not offer the same level of detail about what they are looking for in a grant proposal as the federal government might in an RFP. Often, it is just a short list of bullets on a Web site. In this situation, sending a letter of inquiry to see if your project fits their interests is your best bet.
In the letter, you should:
-Briefly introduce your organization. Your already-established, no-more-than-35-words mission statement is a good place to start. Remember, right now you are the stranger introducing yourself, hoping for a date. Give them a clear picture of who you are, which is a good, confident, and capable organization that operates in their field of interest.
-Summarize what your proposed project is about in a few lines. You might mention a couple of successful projects your organization has done in the past that are similar to the proposed one, or any other major achievement in that area that builds your credibility.
-List some measurable outcomes you'd like to achieve with your project. These can be short bullet points, but should be project-focused (not just overall niceties) and have some meat on them.
-Tell the major project activities that will accomplish the outcomes you just listed—a line or two about each.
-Mention any community partners that will contribute the project (if any). Sometimes partners can strengthen the power your organization would have with the funder's contribution, so make sure to mention them if that is the case with your project.
-Tell the total amount of your grant request.
As noted in the previous post, though, make sure your desired outcomes and activities closely match what the foundation or trust gives money for. When writing the letter of inquiry, use a few of their words if possible. By using language from their mission or vision statements, you help them to see how well-aligned your organization or project is to their philanthropic interests. However, don't overdo it—copy and paste is not your friend (at least not for this).
Ever run into any issues when submitting a letter of inquiry? Have further inquires of your own about this topic? Please leave 'em in the blog!
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