Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) are often treated like a quick step.
Short. Simple. Lower effort.
But in many cases, the LOI is where the real decision happens.
I first realized this when I submitted an LOI to a large family foundation.
I expected to hear back with an invitation to submit a full application.
Surprisingly, the funder emailed to ask for our W-9 and let us know that the LOI was thorough and that they would fund the full ask amount without a full application.
It was at this moment that I realized the weight that our LOIs carry.
Related: Grants don’t move at the speed of urgency
LOIs determine:
Whether you move forward
How your organization is initially perceived
If a funder is even interested in learning more
A weak LOI rarely turns into a strong full proposal opportunity. However, it could turn into immediate funding.
Action steps:
✅ Treat your LOI like a high-stakes document
✅ Be specific about outcomes and alignment
✅ Avoid vague or overly broad language
You’re not just asking to apply.
You’re making your case early.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants