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The Ask

The Ask . Formulating Ideas, Selecting Givers, Writing the Letter . Do you have a green light from the organization to proceed with this grant? Developing the Letter of Inquiry/letter of Intent Precedes the full proposal Serves to inquire whether a full proposal is merited/worth the time?

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The Ask

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  1. The Ask Formulating Ideas, Selecting Givers, Writing the Letter

  2. Do you have a green light from the organization to proceed with this grant? • Developing the Letter of Inquiry/letter of Intent • Precedes the full proposal • Serves to inquire whether a full proposal is merited/worth the time? • Typically specified in the guidelines for submission • Helps grant makers filter out unwanted proposals

  3. LOI Characteristics • Typically 1-3 pages • Convinces potential grant maker that they should invest in your organization • Shows how well developed your idea is • The more specific about the program the better

  4. Opening paragraphs • State why your organization is a good fit with the funder • Acknowledge any prior funding of your organization • Explain the amount your seeking and its purpose • Note if other foundations have already committed support

  5. Middle Paragraphs • Establish organization’s credibility • Past success? • Staff credentials? • Describe the problem and how your organization will fix it/respond to it • Include key statistics • Frames scope of the problem • Contextualizes issue within the community • Describe the results your organization hopes to achieve • Demonstrate how your organization will improve the lives of those you serve

  6. Final paragraphs • Thank the grant maker for their consideration • Provide a name and contact for an individual at your organization for follow up questions • Include signature (in ink) of executive director or chair of organization

  7. After Submission • If your letter has been submitted there is often a long wait period • Follow the principles of communication • Be honest • Ne forthright in all communication • Return all correspondence promptly • Don’t be a pest • Be prepared if your agency wants to host a visit

  8. When a funder says no • Use the rejection as an opportunity to establish a relationship with that funder • Send a return thank you letter • Seek constructive feedback on your letter

  9. When a funder says yes • Personal phone call to say thank you • Follow up with a written acknowledgement • Sign any applicable contracts • Consider how it will be publically acknowledged • Post a donor list/wall in a public space • Publish in agency new letters/reports • Send out a press release

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