Do you need financial backing for a volunteer project or nonprofit organization? If the answer is yes, then you’ll need to a write funding request letter – a formal letter asking for financial support or funding for a specific organization or project.
Since this may be your only form of communication with potential donors, it’s important to get the tone and content right. In this post, we’ll take you through the basics of writing an effective funding request letter – including a customizable sample template.
Most nonprofits rely on funding from others to operate, and they often request money from individual donors, companies, or local governments to fund events and projects. To do this, they use funding request letters that outline their objectives and the details of their organization or project.
When writing a letter like this, it’s important to be polite, use a formal, business-like tone of voice, and clearly communicate your goals for the funding.
All letters that request funding should contain the same basic information:
● Your contact information/the name of your organization.
● The recipient’s contact information, full name, and title (if applicable).
● An introduction and relevant background information.
● The funding request, including the exact amount you’re requesting and a breakdown of how the funds will be used.
● Supporting information, such as the timeline and budget of the project.
● A closing and signature.
Let’s look at a sample template.
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[Your Name]
[Your Organization’s Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Date]
[Donor’s Name]
[Donor’s Organization’s Name]
[Donor’s Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Donor’s Name],
I am writing to request funding for [briefly describe the project or initiative for which you are seeking funding]. Our organization has a long-standing history of [briefly describe your organization’s mission and track record of success in achieving its goals].
The project we are proposing is [briefly describe the project, including its goals, expected outcomes, and how it aligns with your organization’s mission]. We believe that this project has the potential to [describe the potential impact of the project and how it will benefit your target population or community].
To achieve these goals, we are seeking a total funding amount of [specify the amount of funding you’re requesting]. This funding will be used to cover [briefly describe the specific expenses that the funding will cover, such as staffing, materials, or other costs].
We have a solid plan for the successful implementation of this project, including [describe the specific steps you will take to ensure that the project is successful, such as project timelines, staffing plans, and quality control measures].
We would be happy to provide additional information about the project or our organization upon your request. We believe that this project has the potential to make a significant impact, and your support would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
[Your Name]
[Organization]
[Phone Number]
Always make sure to use the recipient’s full name and title in your salutation; if you’re unsure of the spelling, look it up online (using their LinkedIn profile or company website).
As shown in the sample above, the first two paragraphs should clearly address your reason for writing and provide some background on your organization. This is where you can describe your organization’s history, mission, and previous successful projects or programming.
You can then summarize how you plan to use the requested funds, including the budget for the project and a list of expenses. You should also briefly outline any collaborations or partnerships your organization has formed, a basic timeline for the project, and the expected outcomes or goals.
For your concluding paragraph, reiterate the importance of the project and its potential impact. Thank the donor for their consideration and support and provide contact information for your organization’s staff, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Sign off with a respectful salutation using your full name.
Whether you’re writing a formal letter, an essay, or a novel, make sure your writing is the best it can be by getting it proofread and edited by our experts. Send in your free sample today!