A prospective donor may require that a letter of inquiry precede a formal grant proposal. Please review the grant guidelines of each prospective donor carefully before submitting a letter of inquiry.
The letter of inquiry is used to determine if your project/program fits within a prospective donor's eligibility guidelines. This is important to know before you expend resources to put together a full proposal.
Style
This letter should use a 12 point easy-to-read typeface and be no longer than two double-spaced letter-sized pages. The Executive Director or President of your organization should sign this letter.
Elements
The letter of inquiry should include the following information in this order unless the prospective donor indicates another format:
• The organization’s purpose.
• The geographic area served by the organization.
• A statement of the problem or need and an explanation of how it will be addressed.
• A brief description of anticipated achievements or outcomes.
• A brief description of how evaluation for the project/program will be accomplished.
• The timetable for the proposed activities.
• Estimated costs for the project/program, the amount to be assumed by the grant recipient, other organizations, and the amount requested from the prospective donor.
• Name, address and phone number of the primary contact person within your organization in the event that more information is needed.
Note: The application guidelines provided by the prospective donor will determine what you need to attach to your letter of inquiry. Among them may be:
• The organization’s IRS determination letter indicating 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
