Funding Request Letter: Format (with Sample Application)

Acquiring a fund donor is a significant part of any project. Therefore, it is paramount that you know how to write an effective funding request letter or application. You need to compose a message that inspires the recipient and proves that you deserve their money. You also need to convince them that you plan to put the funds to good use.

Are you looking to reach potential donors? Here is how to draft a savvy request letter for funding.

Before drafting your letter, you need to research potential donors. Come up with a list of people you could contact with your request. You can do this by visiting potential websites and reading their mission statements. If their ideas match yours, put down the name.

You can also search for grant programs available in your area for your specific cause. Note these down. Next, call the phone number provided on the website and request the name and address of the person who reviews funding requests.

As a rule of thumb, always start your correspondence with the most promising donor.

Now that you have a potential donor, you can draft your funding request letter. Here are some tips to help you craft a convincing message:

• Address the letter appropriately – From your research, you know who you are writing to. Make sure to mention them by their official title and name. Avoid using ‘to whom it may concern’ as this may come off as impersonal.
• Capture the donor’s attention – Start your letter with a line related to the donor’s mission statement. You want to convince the potential donor that they have something to gain from helping you. For example, you can ask, ‘Would you be interested in helping reduce suicide rates in Atlanta?’
• Relate your work to the donor’s cause – Help the donor understand what you do and how it relates to them. Following our example above, you can say, “I run a mental health support program for at-risk teens in Georgia.”
• Make your request – Now that you have the donor’s attention, mention what you need. How much money would you like the donor to provide you with?
• Give details – This includes:

  The name of the program
  The dates the funding will cover
  The scope of your project, i.e., how many people it will affect.
  A detailed budget on how you plan to utilize the funding

• Mention previous funding sources – If other organizations have agreed to fund your project in the past, briefly mention them. This should give the potential donor confidence that you are worthy of receiving funds.
• Summarize your letter by restating your reasons for writing
• Thank the potential donor for their time and consideration.

Funding Request Letter (Word Template)

How you compose your funding request letter or application could make or break your chances of getting a grant. Generally, you need to be professional, courteous, and convincing. Make sure your letter includes essential details such as your company’s identity and your reasons for requesting funds. Remember, be clear and to the point.