Many funders will request a Letter of Interest or Letter of Inquiry before reading your full proposal.  This allows them to quickly determine if your project meets their requirements and specifications for funding.  A Letter of Interest is generally quite brief (no more than 2 pages) and gives basic information without a lot of detail.  A Letter if Inquiry is a longer summarization of your proposal (3-5 pages) with more detail.  The elements to include are listed below but may vary depending on the funder.  Be sure to follow specific guidelines if provided.

A sample Letter of Interest might include:

• Name of your organization, address, phone number, fax number, email address and contact person
• The total project cost, the amount requested from this funder, and the amount and sources for the remainder of project costs
• A very brief description (one paragraph) of the project along with a list of collaborating agencies and the numbers and characteristics of the target population or community to be served
• Your definition of “success” for the proposed project and the methods you will use to measure the tangible results
• Your mission statement and narrative as to how this grant would further your not-for-profit mission
• A copy of your 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS may be required.

A sample Letter of Inquiry might include:

1. Cover Sheet
   (one page) with the following information: 
   • Name and address of the organization
   • Name of executive director and contact person(s), telephone and fax numbers, e-mail and web addresses
   • One paragraph summary of the organization’s mission
   • One paragraph summary of the purpose of the request
   • One sentence describing how the request fits the funders’ priorities
   • The organization's fiscal year
   • Dollar total of project budget (if not general support)
   • Dollar amount being requested
   • Dollar total committed from other funding sources
   • Beginning and ending dates for which grant funds are requested
   • Tax exempt status
2. Narrative
   (three to five pages) with the following:
   • The purpose of request
   • The problem or need being addressed
   • The population or community involved in the organization, and how it is involved in the design and implementation of your work
   • How you will address the problem or need you have identified
   • How your work promotes long-term change
3. Financial Information
   For project support requests, include a project budget detailing anticipated income and expenses and an organizational budget detailing anticipated income and expenses.