General Grants
Letter of Inquiry

The application process for a General Grant in Education, Health & Human Services, and Arts & Culture always begins with a Letter of Inquiry. It is an essential first step in the General Grant application process. A clearly written Letter of Inquiry will save time for you and will help us understand how well your proposed project may fit with areas of Trust interest.

What to Include in Your Letter of Inquiry:

This letter, no longer than two pages, should include information about your organization, the type of project you would like the Trust to support, and a proposed budget for the project. Please include:

• A brief background on your organization, including an abbreviated mission statement, the size of staff and board, the constituency and geographic region served, and the type of service you provide.
• A description of the project for which you are requesting support. Include a discussion of how you reached the decision to mount this project, the factors that contribute to the need or opportunity, its importance to your organization and constituency, and the level and nature of commitment of your staff and board.
• A proposed budget for the total cost of this project and for the amount you intend to request from the Trust. If possible, identify the budget items for which you would be requesting Trust support. Indicate potential or real sources of support in addition to the Trust. Be sure to separate project expenses from normal ongoing expenses for your organization, including only direct project expenses in your budget.
• A discussion as to why you are approaching the Trust for this project. Indicate any past history with the Trust or any contacts you have made with Trust staff or others leading to your decision to approach the Trust. Add anything else you believe would help the Trust understand your situation and request.