Letter of Inquiry Instructions

The grant application process begins with a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). A clearly written LOI of up to two pages will help the Trust determine whether or not your organization and project may be of interest. There are no deadlines for submission. If your proposed project appears to be eligible for Trust consideration, you will receive a letter inviting an application. A response is generally provided within three weeks.

What to Include in Your Letter of Inquiry

• A brief background of your organization, including an abbreviated mission statement, date founded, the size of staff and board, the constituency and geographic region served, the type of service provided, and the size of your annual operating budget.
• 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, the project’s importance to your organization and constituency, and the level and nature of commitment of your staff and board.
• A proposed budget, in summary form, for the total cost of this project and the amount you intend to request from the Trust. If possible, identify the specific budget item(s) for which you would be requesting Trust support. Indicate potential or actual sources of support in addition to the Trust.
• A brief discussion as to why you are approaching the Trust for this project. Indicate any past history with the Trust or any contact you have made with Trust staff or others leading to your decision to approach the Trust. List or note other factors that you believe would help the Trust understand your situation and request.