Often, a foundation will have a strict template format for its Letters of Intent (LOI); in those cases, it is best to follow it closely.
We have all seen those foundations that want us to email or mail an LOI with little to no additional guidance. Many grant writers skip over those opportunities, but not me.
Many small foundations give significant grant funding, but are not tech savvy. They want to evaluate their giving from an old-fashioned letter, which I respect. They don’t have a website or an online application- they simply want to learn about your organization in your words.
We, as grant writers, are so accustomed to direction. How do we know what to include in the letter that will convince the foundation to award a grant?
Here are the 6 types of LOIs I write…
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First, I head over to Instrumentl and check out their 990. I check out what types of organizations they have funded and the grant award amounts. I also Google them to find any news stories or other information to help me understand what they want to see in an LOI. Once I have gathered as much info as possible, I decide which LOI template will be most effective.
Sandwich Letter
If I learn that a foundation has recently received an award or funded another local organization, I lead with that. Something like, “I recently learned about XYZ and am inspired by your commitment to ABC.” I then proceed with the ask and close out with how they could continue their reputable impact by funding our grant request. It is a compliment-request-compliment sandwich.
Storytelling
In a previous email, I talked about how there is brain science behind why storytelling is so effective. I tell stories every chance I get, and letters are no exception. After the story I add, “Imagine how many more success stories we could tell with your support.” Or something like that.
Value Prop
If you get the feeling that the foundation is motivated by impact numbers and publicity, try a value prop letter. The formula for this letter is calculated and straightforward and looks like this, “We align with your goals and mission in this way. You have made a strong impact, but your investment in our organization can make an ever stronger impact in the following ways: X,Y,Z. We would share our partnership in the following ways. Let’s talk more to explore this potential synergy.” You get the point. Focus more on the benefits to the foundation and how you can help them maximize their desired impact.
Urgency
If something dire has happened in your community, like a natural disaster, a sudden increase in unemployment, or the closure of human service supports, writing a letter invoking urgency and empathy is appropriate. After Hurricane Ian decimated Southwest Florida, I wrote urgency letters to dozens of foundations. My client’s facility sustained heavy damage, the power was still out, and clients who had lost everything were lining up for help of any kind.
Collaborations
Some foundations only want to fund organizations actively partnering with other organizations within the community. If the foundation you write to is like this, focus your letter on how change requires a collaborative effort. Talk about your community partners and how working together has been impactful. Talk about how effective it is to harness combined networks, experience, and passion.
Name Dropping
There is no shame in leveraging relationships to form new relationships. Let the foundation know if someone in your network suggests that you write a letter asking for funding. If a staff member or board member is affiliated in some way, write that! “Recently, over lunch, John Doe mentioned the strong work you are doing within our community and that I should reach out.” Continue to talk about your organization and ask them for a time to meet and discuss how you could work together. If you are invited to submit a formal grant proposal, include a letter of support from the mutual connection.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants