Hi, @Lynda Nesbitt,
Thank you for this great question! It can be difficult navigating the fundraising space, and if you haven't checked out our Community Conversations from November featuring discussions on fundraising, they might be helpful! I would encourage you to review the MPF post discussion, too!
If you've confirmed that the organization accepts LOIs, you'll want to do some additional research on what they fund and what they're looking for in a grantee partner by reviewing their website or talking to their staff. Hopefully the guidelines of the LOI are on their website. Generally speaking, some helpful information to include would be what your organization's mission is, what you're requesting funding for, and what the ask amount is. You may also want to include a budget.
Every foundation is different in terms of what might stand out to them. For example, a funder with a geographic focus may want to understand how your organization's services contribute to the community, and if other organizations are doing similar work (if so, do you collaborate)? Some want to know who your other funders are, any accomplishments, what population is being served, etc.
Again, any specifics in what a funder is looking for in a grantee partner would have to come directly from that funder.
Good luck!!
Irene
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Irene Chansawang
Senior Grants Specialist
Maddie's Fund
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-05-2023 04:03 PM
From: Lynda Nesbitt
Subject: Creating an LOI
Wondering if anyone has any tips to share on writing a letter of inquiry to a grant maker? I have successfully written grants for my organization for the last seven years, but I have no experience writing an LOI, and am looking at a grant opportunity opening in the spring that requires such.
How does one make a letter effective/stand out? Anything one should avoid including, etc.?
Any advice will be appreciated.
#FundraisingandDevelopment
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L.A Nesbitt
President
Pets In Need Action League
Casa Grande, AZ 85130
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