The cover letter can make or break whether people are interested in your cause. The objective is to make it crystal obvious how specifically potential funders may make a difference. Anyone who takes up your cover letter should be able to tell what you’re trying to do nearly right away.
Because of this, even if you have a distinct vision for your charity, you still need to translate it into a mission statement that includes goals and objectives. Without this information, potential contributors won’t know where their money will go.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a compelling cover letter:
- Research and Understand the Funder:
- Start by researching the potential funder’s mission, values, and areas of interest. Tailor your cover letter to align with their goals, demonstrating that you’ve done your homework and are a good fit for their funding priorities.
- Address the Letter to the Right Person:
- Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific individual rather than a generic “To Whom It May Concern.” Personalization adds a touch of professionalism and indicates that you’ve taken the time to research.
- Introduction:
- Begin the letter with a concise and engaging opening paragraph that introduces your organization and the purpose of the letter. Mention any previous interactions or connections you might have with the funder to establish a rapport.
- Tell Your Story:
- In the following paragraphs, provide a brief overview of your organization’s history, mission, and the impact you’ve made. Highlight any successful projects, partnerships, or collaborations that demonstrate your credibility and effectiveness in the field.
- Project Description:
- Clearly explain the specific project for which you’re seeking funding. Outline the project’s goals, objectives, methods, and anticipated outcomes. Describe how the project aligns with the funder’s priorities and how it will address a pressing need or issue.
- Demonstrate Impact:
- Use data, statistics, and real-life stories to illustrate the potential impact of your project. Explain how the funded project will lead to positive changes in the community or address a significant social problem.
- Budget and Funding Request:
- Provide a transparent breakdown of the project’s budget, including all relevant costs. Clearly state the amount of funding you’re seeking from the funder and explain how the funds will be used. Make sure the funding request is realistic and justifiable.
- Gratitude and Call to Action:
- Express gratitude for the funder’s time and consideration. Politely request the opportunity to discuss the proposal in more detail and provide additional information if needed. Include your contact information and be available for any follow-up inquiries.
- Professional Closing:
- Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and title.
- Formatting and Proofreading:
- Ensure the letter is well-structured, concise, and free of grammatical errors. Use a clean and professional format, and keep the letter to around one page.
EXAMPLE
[Your Organization’s Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Title]
[Funder’s Organization]
[Funder’s Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing on behalf of [Your Organization] to express our sincere appreciation for your commitment to creating positive change in our community. Our shared dedication to [Funder’s Mission/Values] has inspired us to reach out to you regarding an exciting opportunity for collaboration.
At [Your Organization], our mission is to [Briefly State Your Mission]. We believe that every individual deserves access to [Project’s Core Belief or Vision]. It is with this vision in mind that we are excited to introduce our upcoming project, [Project Name]. This initiative aims to [Briefly Describe Project’s Goals and Objectives] by [Highlight Project’s Potential Impact and Outcomes].
We are particularly drawn to [Funder’s Organization] due to its remarkable history of supporting projects that align with [Funder’s Mission/Values]. Our project strongly resonates with your focus on [Specific Funder’s Priority]. By investing in [Project Name], we are confident that together we can make significant strides toward [Shared Goal].
Your support will not only help us achieve our objectives but also contribute to your organization’s community impact. Your partnership will be prominently acknowledged in all project materials, showcasing your dedication to creating positive change.
Enclosed is a detailed overview of our project’s budget and funding needs. We are seeking [Requested Funding Amount] to ensure the successful implementation of [Project Name].
We would be honored to further discuss how our partnership can bring about meaningful change. If possible, we would love the opportunity to meet with you at your convenience. Please feel free to reach out to me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to schedule a meeting.
Thank you for considering our proposal. Your support would be a tremendous boost to our efforts, and we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and make a lasting impact together.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Signature]
Enclosure: [List of Enclosed Documents]
