A letter of interest (LOI) is an introductory document expressing an individual or organization's desire to receive grant funding from another organization or foundation.The letter of interest is used to gauge the foundation's interest in funding the project.A letter of interest is usually two to three pages in length and must include important details about the project.
Step 1: Know who your audience is.
You can learn everything you can about the grant.You can learn about the foundation's history and milestones so that you can think of the ways in which your vision is consistent with theirs.It is not always easy to learn about a non-local foundation, so try some unconventional methods, like reading their press releases.You can find the number at the Foundationcenter.org.
Step 2: Start on your proposal.
The proposal can only help the letter of inquiry if it is written concurrently with it.The broad outlines of your proposal should not be changed even though you apply for a grant.The details you learn from conducting the research and writing for your proposal should help you design a more effective pitch in the letter of inquiry.Being aware of those details makes you seem more knowledgeable.
Step 3: In concrete terms, what the grant is funding is something to think about.
If you are awarded the grant, your organization or academic department may benefit.Most foundations don't want to write a check for general operating expenses even though the department or organization as a whole will benefit.They want to point out something specific that their grant accomplished.Think of a program launched, a study completed, or a building constructed.Your complete proposal will include a detailed budget, but you should explain any major shortfalls in funding.If you apply for a $15,000 grant to help build a clinic, the foundation will want to know where the rest of the money will come from.
Step 4: Instructions and guidelines for submitting a letter of interest should be reviewed.
Instructions with respect to length, format, and content need to be followed exactly.You don't want to be disqualified because of a technicality.The preferred format for the request for letters of inquiry will be specified by most foundations.Check their website, email, or call them to make sure there aren't any special guidelines you need to follow.
Step 5: Your letter should be addressed to the grant reviewer.
You can find instructions on the website of most of the larger foundations.If you want to apply to a smaller foundation, just call or email them and ask who you should send the letter to.The letter should not stick out for the wrong reasons.Salutations and honorifics are used.Ms.Smith, rather than Mrs. Smith.The way to go is Rudy Lynn Smith.Full details about the street address, name, and position are included in the address block.
Step 6: A summary statement is what you should begin your letter with.
The first paragraph of your letter should stand on its own.Your summary statement should introduce you or your organization, describe your position on the problem, how much money you need to fix it, and how long you would need it for.Mrs.Smith, I am writing to let you know that my organization is interested in your grant.Our organization is active in areas that are consistent with the goals of the grant.The problem we seek to address is huge.Louisiana is the only state that does not require computer or computer science classes to graduate from high school.This state is going to be pointed in the right direction by Nola Code.We became a nonprofit corporation last year and immediately began to teach the students.In less than a year, we have taught more than 1,500 kids in Orleans Parish the rudiments of coding and the basics of computer science, and we are requesting $160,000 to get fully staffed so we can reach every student.The benefactor should have no doubts about when, where and how the money will be spent after reading the first paragraph.
Step 7: You should include a description of the organization in your summary.
People are drawn to narrative and don't want to go on too much of a detour.You should include completed projects and recognition and awards in your descriptions of your past accomplishments.You may want to tell the reviewers how you became involved as a leader.Bring a little personal touch to the organization's story, whether it was you and a few others who began as a group of volunteers, or you were drawn to their work as an outsider.In order to convince the people responsible for grant funding that you are capable of completing the project, this section should include familiarizing the foundation with your organization's work.In order to establish credibility, identify other grants you've received and explain what they accomplished.
Step 8: Explain how the nonprofit can help.
Your organization's financial needs should not be the sole focus of your statement of need.You should have convinced the foundation that you can use their funds to see your project through, now you need to convince them that there is a real need for such a project.The story of the area is told in this paragraph.The story of Nola Code would begin with the mass layoffs and reorganization of the school system.The organization is consistent with the rebuilding process that took place in the city.
Step 9: Give your audience a time frame for your project.
The purpose of this section is to show your grasp of the technical or logistical considerations involved with the project.This section needs to sound plausible if it is to be believed.It could be the benchmark of having all the new staff hired in 90 days and then trained within 120 days so they can get to work as soon as possible.List the other foundations you are applying to if you have written or will write another grant proposal.If there are aspects of the project which are not covered by the grant for which you are expressing interest, you need to know the costs of those other aspects and how you will pay them.
Step 10: It is a good idea to summarize your project and financial need.
As with any strong conclusion, start with a very specific point, an anecdote about the first kid taught by Nola Code, and make the paragraph more general as it continues, finally making a larger point.Let me know if you would like to submit a full grant proposal in the near future.