Tips for Writing a Letter of Interest or Intent

Many funders, such as foundations, require prospective grantees to send a Letter of Interest or Intent before submitting a formal proposal. The purpose of the letter is to:

1. Inform the funder that you wish to submit a proposal.
2. Briefly describe the project you would like the them to fund.
3. Show them why it is in their interest to fund the project.

Preparing your Letter of Interest or Intent

• Be brief and concise! The letter should only be two or three pages long, double-spaced, and printed on letterhead.
  
  
• Tell the funder what you want in the opening paragraph which should include: agency name, mission statement, type of grant being sought (i.e., program, general support, capital, etc.), total project budget, and the amount that needs to be raised for the project.
  
  
• Show the funder how the project matches their funding priorities and interests. For example, "Your support of this pilot program will help the XYZ Foundation meet its goals of helping families overcome poverty and gain self-sufficiency in our community."
  
  
• Provide enough information to entice the funder to want to read a full proposal. Do not tell the funder everything about the project. You will do that in the proposal and its supporting documentation.
  
  
• Attach the program budget (or agency budget for a general support proposal) and a newsletter or general brochure. Do not attach additional materials, save them for the full proposal.

Source

Reprinted with permission from the Social Sciences and Humanities Reference - Michigan State University Libraries.

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