Writing a Letter of Support for Grants: Examples and Frameworks | Grantboost

grant application letter of support for grant

Asking for a grant can be a daunting process. You know that the competition is fierce, and the Grantor’s organization is looking for the best and brightest. You need a team behind you that is as dedicated and committed to your cause as you are. That’s where letters of support come in.

What Is A Letter of Support?

Who normally writes a letter of support, how long should a letter of support be.

  • Letter of Support Frameworks

Problem, Solution, and Impact Framework

Personal connection framework.

  • Evidence Based Framwork
  • Letter of Support for Grants Templates

Examples of Letters of Supports for Grants

  • Writing Letters of Support for Grants w/ AI

A letter of support (not to be confused with a Letter of Inquiry ) is a document that advocates for a project, program, or organization and is typically written by an individual or organization outside of the project or organization itself. It is used to supplement a grant proposal and provides additional evidence to support the proposal’s objectives, methods, and potential impact. The letter of support should emphasize the writer’s personal connection to the project and highlight the project’s importance and potential benefits. The letter should be persuasive, clearly written, and provide examples of how the project can make a difference in people’s lives.

Letters of support are a powerful tool in your grant application arsenal. They provide evidence that your project has the backing of respected professionals, organizations, and individuals. They demonstrate that your proposal is not just your own opinion, but that it is supported by the wider community. Most importantly, they show that you have a plan that others are bought into as well.

A letter of support is usually written by an individual or organization outside of the project or organization seeking funding. This can include community leaders, elected officials, experts in the field, or organizations with a similar mission or interest. The writer of the letter should have a personal connection to the project and be able to speak to its importance and potential impact.

It is important to choose a writer who is well-respected and influential in the community, as their support can add credibility to the project and increase the chances of funding. Additionally, the writer should have a clear understanding of the project’s goals, methods, and expected outcomes, as they might be asked to provide specific examples of how the project has made a difference in the community.

In some cases, the grant organization may provide guidelines for who can write a letter of support and what should be included. It is important to carefully review these guidelines and ensure that the writer is able to meet the requirements outlined by the grant organization.

When it comes to the length of a letter of support, there isn’t a strict rule. As a general guideline, it should be no longer than one page, two at the absolute max. The most important thing is to make sure that your letter is concise and to the point. A letter that is too long may be overwhelming and lose the attention of the reader. On the other hand, a letter that is too short may not provide enough detail to convince the grant organization of the merits of your project. This should give you enough space to provide all the necessary details while keeping the letter short and sweet.

Frameworks You Can Use When Writing a Letter of Support

Advocates can follow different frameworks when writing a letter of support. One popular framework is the “Problem, Solution, and Impact” model. In this framework, the letter first introduces the problem that the project is addressing, then outlines the solution proposed by the project, and finally discusses the expected impact of the project. This framework is useful because it presents a clear narrative that connects the problem with the solution and the expected outcome.

Another framework is the “Personal Connection” model, which emphasizes the personal connection between the writer of the letter and the project or organization. This framework can be particularly effective when the writer has a personal relationship with the project or organization, as it can add a sense of authenticity and credibility to the letter.

A third framework is the “Evidence-Based” model, which focuses on providing evidence to support the project’s goals and expected outcomes. This framework typically includes data and statistics that demonstrate the need for the project and the expected impact it will have.

Regardless of the framework chosen, it’s important to keep the focus on the project and its goals. The letter should be written in a clear and concise manner, with a persuasive tone that highlights the project’s importance and potential impact.

The problem, solution, and impact model is a framework that can be used when writing a letter of support for a grant opportunity. This model is particularly effective in highlighting the need for the proposed project, the unique solution being offered, and the potential impact of the project on the community or field.

The components that make up this framwork are:

Problem: The first component of the framework is to clearly identify the problem or need that the project is addressing. This can include data and statistics to support the argument that the problem is significant and widespread. The writer should also explain why the problem is important and how it affects the community or field.

Solution: The second component of the framework is to explain the unique solution that the project is offering. This can include a description of the methods, techniques, or strategies that will be used to address the problem. The writer should also explain why this solution is effective and how it differs from other approaches that have been tried in the past.

Impact: The third and final component of the framework is to discuss the potential impact of the project on the community or field. This can include both short-term and long-term impacts, as well as any specific outcomes or goals that the project aims to achieve. The writer should also explain why the proposed project is likely to be successful and how it will make a difference in people’s lives.

By using the problem, solution, and impact model, the writer can provide a clear and compelling case for why the project is needed, how it will work, and what the potential benefits will be.

Ready to try the Problem, Solution and Impact Model for your letter of support? Check out our template and start crafting your compelling letter today.

The personal connection model is a framework for writing a letter of support that emphasizes the writer’s personal connection to the project or organization. This framework can be particularly effective when the writer has a strong relationship with the project or organization, as it can add a sense of authenticity and credibility to the letter.

The personal connection model typically includes several key components:

Introduction: The letter starts with an introduction that establishes the writer’s relationship to the project or organization. This can include how the writer first became involved with the project, why they believe in the project’s goals, and any personal experiences that have influenced their support.

Personal anecdotes: The letter includes a short personal anecdote or story that illustrate the writer’s connection to the project or organization. These anecdotes can be powerful in demonstrating the importance and impact of the project, as they provide concrete examples of how the project has made a difference in people’s lives.

Emotional appeal: The letter makes an emotional appeal to the reader by highlighting the writer’s passion and commitment to the project or organization. This can include expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be involved with the project and conveying a sense of urgency about the need for funding.

Call to action: The letter concludes with a call to action that encourages the grant organization to fund the project. This can include a clear statement of the project’s goals and expected outcomes, and an invitation to the reader to contact the writer for more information.

When using the personal connection model, it’s important to strike a balance between personal anecdotes and a persuasive tone that highlights the project’s importance and potential impact. The letter should be written in a clear and concise manner, with a focus on how the project will benefit the community or achieve its goals. By emphasizing the writer’s personal connection to the project, the personal connection model can be an effective way to persuade grant organizations to fund important projects.

Click here to access our Personal Connection Model template and start writing your letter of support faster, today.

Evidence Based Framework

The evidence-based model is another framework that can be used when writing a letter of support for grants. This model focuses on presenting evidence to support the need for the proposed project and the effectiveness of the proposed solution. Here are the components that make up a successful evidence-based letter of support:

Background: The first component of the framework is to provide background information on the issue or problem being addressed by the proposed project. This can include data, statistics, and research studies that support the argument that the issue is significant and widespread.

Evidence: The second component of the framework is to provide evidence to support the effectiveness of the proposed solution. This can include studies, research articles, or other types of evidence that demonstrate the potential impact of the proposed project.

Expertise: The third component of the framework is to highlight the expertise of the individuals or organizations involved in the proposed project. This can include descriptions of the qualifications and experience of the project team, as well as any relevant partnerships or collaborations that have been established. Outcomes: The final component of the framework is to describe the specific outcomes or goals that the proposed project aims to achieve. This can include both short-term and long-term outcomes, as well as any specific metrics that will be used to measure success.

By using the evidence-based model, the writer can provide a compelling case for the need for the proposed project and the effectiveness of the proposed solution. This framework can be especially effective when used in combination with other types of evidence, such as personal anecdotes and expert testimonials, to support the argument. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the language used in the letter is clear, concise, and easy to understand, as well as tailored to the specific audience and purpose of the grant application.

Ready to try the Evidence Based Model for your letter of support? Click here to access our template and start crafting a strong, evidence-based argument to support your grant application!

Letters of Support For Grants Templates

If you’re struggling with writing your own letter of support, we encourage you to try some of the templates we’ve provided below. By using them as a guide, you can craft a compelling letters of support that will strengthen any grant application and increase the chances of securing funding.

Problem, Solution, and Impact Template

Dear [Funder’s Name], I am writing in support of [Name of the organization] and their proposed [Name of the project/program]. As someone who is passionate about [Relevant issue], I believe this project has the potential to make a real impact in our community. The problem we are facing is [Brief description of the issue or problem], which has had a negative impact on our community by [Impact of the problem]. This is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action. Fortunately, [Name of the organization] has developed an innovative and effective solution to this problem. By [Briefly describe the proposed solution], we can address this issue and make a real impact in our community. The potential impact of this project is significant. [Statistics or data that support the impact of the proposed solution]. If we can successfully implement this project, we can [Positive outcomes that will result from the project]. I strongly believe that [Name of the project/program] is the right solution for our community. [Name of the organization] has a proven track record of success and has the experience and expertise to execute this project with excellence. Thank you for considering this proposal. Your support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community members. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Personal Connection Template

Dear [Funder’s Name], I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for [Name of the organization] and their proposed [Name of the project/program]. As someone who has experienced the [Relevant issue], I can personally attest to the urgent need for this project in our community. The team at [Name of the organization] understands the challenges that individuals like me face every day. They have been a trusted resource and source of support for me, and I am grateful for their work. The [Name of the project/program] has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of people like me. By [Briefly describe the proposed solution], this project will provide critical support to those in our community who are most in need. I believe that [Name of the organization] is uniquely positioned to execute this project with excellence. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication to this issue are unparalleled. I am proud to support [Name of the organization] and their efforts to make our community a better place. I hope that you will join me in supporting this important project. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Evidence-based Template

Dear [Grantor Name], I am writing this letter in support of [Organization Name] and their proposed project [Project Name]. As [Your Position] of [Your Organization Name], I have had the privilege of working alongside the [Organization Name] team and can attest to their expertise in [Field/Area of Work]. The need for [Project Name] is significant and widespread in the [Community/Population] we serve. [Insert statistics or data that supports this claim]. The proposed solution put forth by [Organization Name] has the potential to make a real impact in [Community/Population] and address the issue at its root cause. In support of the proposed solution, I would like to highlight [Insert evidence, such as studies or research articles, that demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution]. Additionally, the expertise of the [Organization Name] team is unparalleled in the [Field/Area of Work]. They have a proven track record of success in [Insert examples of previous projects or initiatives that demonstrate expertise]. The specific outcomes and goals of the proposed project include [Insert short-term and long-term outcomes that the project aims to achieve], with a specific focus on [Insert metrics that will be used to measure success]. I wholeheartedly endorse the proposed project [Project Name] by [Organization Name] and believe that it has the potential to make a lasting impact in the [Community/Population] we serve. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Letter of Support Example: Personal Connection Framework :

Dear John Doe, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the Women’s Health Initiative and their proposed Breast Cancer Survivor Support Program. As a breast cancer survivor myself, I can personally attest to the urgent need for this program in our community. The team at the Women’s Health Initiative understands the challenges that individuals like me face every day. They have been a trusted resource and source of support for me, providing critical emotional and physical support during my journey. The Breast Cancer Survivor Support Program has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of survivors in our community. By providing access to counseling, support groups, and educational resources, this program will help women navigate the challenges that come with a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. I believe that the Women’s Health Initiative is uniquely positioned to execute this program with excellence. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication to women’s health are unparalleled. I am proud to support the Women’s Health Initiative and their efforts to make our community a better place. I hope that you will join me in supporting this important program. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jane Doe ”

Letter of Support Example: Evidence Based Framework :

Dear John, I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed Literacy for All program, which I believe will have a significant impact on improving the literacy rates in our community. The need for this program is evident from the alarming statistics that indicate that nearly 50% of the adult population in our community lacks basic literacy skills. The Literacy for All program is based on a wealth of research that demonstrates the importance of early childhood literacy interventions, particularly for children from low-income families. Studies have shown that children who are not reading proficiently by third grade are more likely to struggle academically, drop out of school, and face a range of social and economic challenges later in life. The proposed program includes evidence-based strategies such as providing high-quality literacy instruction, offering family literacy programs, and providing access to books and other resources. It is designed to reach children and families in the most vulnerable communities in our area, where the need is greatest. The Literacy for All program has the potential to transform the lives of thousands of children in our community. By improving literacy skills at an early age, we can help set these children on a path toward success in school and in life. I urge you to support this vital program and invest in the future of our community. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Ezenwa ”

Writing Letters of Support w/ AI

At Grantboost, we’re excited to announce the upcoming release of our cutting-edge Proposal generator to the beta stage. It’s a game changer in the world of grant writing, and we’re confident that it will revolutionize the way you write letters of support. With its intuitive design and powerful AI technology, you’ll be able to generate compelling, persuasive letters in minutes. We’re offering it for free to our beta users, so you can see for yourself just how effective it is. This is just the beginning of what Grantboost has in store for the grant writing community, and we can’t wait to see how our technology will help you secure the funding you need to make a difference.

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Learn How to Write a Persuasive Letter of Support for Grant

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Acquiring funds for your research is an important milestone for every researcher. As the deadline for submitting the grant proposal approaches, there’s a sense of fear that engulfs you into thinking that your application is probably not the best one. While every element of your grant proposal is important to the reviewer, your letter of support for the grant has a potential to strengthen their belief in your research idea. A letter of support may probably not clinch the funding; however, it could make your grant proposal more competitive, especially when it is written by highly influential and renowned individuals or organizations.

What is a Letter of Support for Grant?

A letter of support is a document used to validate the credibility of your research through a third-party testimonial. This testimony should back up your claims of success as well as the promises to deliver results.

The letter implies that other organizations or funders think your proposal has merit. It signifies that your project has the potential of delivering proposed results. In addition, it provides a compelling and persuasive reason for a funder to support your grant proposal .

Who Should Write a Letter of Support for Grant?

Letters of support play a major role in determining whether or not your research project is worthy of funding . Therefore, it is important to identify the right people to write it.

A letter of support can be written by:

  • A partner organization
  • A major funder
  • Another foundation
  • A congressional representative
  • An outside business such as professional grant writing services
  • A key stakeholder

Furthermore, it could be from community leaders who believe in your project, or from people who will receive the services you propose of providing.

What is the Purpose of a Letter of Support for Grant?

A letter of support for grant helps in determining whether your project is worthy of funding.

The purpose of a letter of support is-

  • Firstly, to establish a level of credibility
  • Secondly, to demonstrate commitment to a research project
  • Thirdly, to show that the planned collaboration is genuine
  • Lastly, to address the applicant’s qualifications and abilities to complete the proposed research

Which are the Four Categories of Letter of Support for Grant?

Ideally, letter of support for grant are of two types:

  • Letters from knowledge partners who are supporting the research with monetary aid
  • Letters from a person who supports the research idea.However, depending on where the letters of support are sourced from, they are categorized as:
  • Community Leaders: Letters sourced from community leaders help in establishing the proposers’ credibility.
  • Collaborative Partners: Letters sourced from collaborative partners help in demonstrating that the proposed project will be beneficial to the service community.
  • Contributing Supporters: Letters written by contributing supporters demonstrate tangible resources being dedicated to the project.
  • Impacted Constituents: Letters written by impacted constituents help the funder in determining the benefits or repercussions of actions.

Differences Between “Letter of Support” and “Letter of Recommendation”

While confusion may arise from the fact that both letters of support and letters of recommendation provide key information for reviewers of the funding agency, there still are differences between the two.

Key Elements of a “Letter of Support” for Grant

The letter of support consists of three main sections: an opening statement or introduction that identifies the project, one or two main body section of the letter to indicate the relationship of the writer to the project seeking funding, and a closing statement to summarize with key points. However, there are some additional sections such as the header and the salutation. Here we discuss the key elements of a letter of support for grant in sequential order of their occurrence.

A Professional Introduction

The first thing one must do while creating a persuasive letter of support is introduce themselves. Writing an attention-grabbing introduction will encourage the reader to continue reading until the end. The simplest way to start your introduction section is to inform the reader—who you are and why they must care?

The Conclusion

Important points to consider while writing a letter of support for grant.

As letters of support can make a significant difference for applicant/s grant approval, it’s important to consider the following points while writing one.

  • It must not be longer than two pages in length.
  • Mention correct proposal details.
  • Provide any additional details or requirements about the project, if necessary.
  • Give a brief description about the role of the letter writer’s organization in the project.
  • Discuss expected outcomes from implementation.
  • Letter must follow a professional format with the original signature of the writer.
  • Most importantly, proofread before sending it out to the potential funder.

Example of “Letter of Support”

Janice Clark XYZ Company 1456 Trafalgar Square Hampstead, London, UK. Dear Dr. Clark, I am pleased to be writing a letter in support of the proposal (name of the project) being submitted to the (name of the program) Program by our (name of department) at (name of institution). We strongly support this grant application and the focus on (mention the purpose of the study). As an organization whose mission is to (state the mission of your organization in alignment to the purpose of the research), we know your true passion is fostering the brilliant minds of tomorrow. We admire your initiatives to fund projects that have greatly benefited the research community. We acknowledge the specific roles and responsibilities fulfilled by us in this partnership. (mention your roles and provisions to the funding point-wise). Sincerely, Clara Montero Senior Director PQR Ltd. Southampton, UK

As you know by now, letters of support can make or break the chances of your project receiving funds, it is important to make sure that these letters are crafted scrupulously. Make sure you follow these tips while gleaning your letter of support or writing one for another applicant. Let us know how this article helped you in formulating a letter of support for grant. You can also visit our Q&A forum  for frequently asked questions related to different aspects of research writing and publishing answered by our team that comprises subject-matter experts, eminent researchers, and publication experts.

To write a formal letter of support for a funding application, keep the following in mind: 1. Begin by addressing the letter to the appropriate recipient and state your purpose clearly. 2. Provide specific reasons why the project or initiative is deserving of funding, highlighting its potential impact and benefits. 3. Conclude with a positive statement expressing your confidence in the applicant's abilities to effectively utilize the funds for the intended purpose. Remember to maintain a professional tone and adhere to any specific guidelines provided by the funding organization.

In a letter of support for a grant application, express your strong endorsement for the project or initiative, emphasizing its importance, relevance, and potential positive impact. Highlight the applicant's qualifications, track record, and commitment, while also emphasizing the alignment between their goals and the grant's objectives.

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11 free grant letter of support templates & examples.

Boost your grant chances with our  grant letter of support templates  and expert guide. Learn how to get strong, persuasive letters.

Are you struggling to get those crucial letters of support for your grant? You know they’re important, but how do you get busy people to write glowing recommendations for your project? That’s where we come in! Think of letters of support as supercharged references for your grant proposal.

Table of Contents

What’s a Letter of Support?

It’s a short, official letter written by someone who believes in your project. This could be a local business owner, another nonprofit, a teacher – anyone who knows your work and thinks your project will make a difference. Good letters of support add a powerful boost to your application!

Key Elements of an Effective Letter of Support

Here’s a key components of a letter of support, focusing on what each section accomplishes:

Opening and Introduction

Writer’s Credentials:

  • Why it matters: Establishes the writer as a knowledgeable, credible voice. This isn’t just anyone, but someone whose opinion holds weight in relation to the project.
  • Example: “As Director of the City Parks Department…” or “As a teacher at [School Name] for 15 years…”

Clear Endorsement:

  • Why it matters: No beating around the bush! Immediate enthusiasm sets a positive tone and grabs the grant reviewer’s attention.
  • Example: “I wholeheartedly support [Organization]’s grant proposal for the [Project Name] initiative.”

Understanding of the Project

Demonstrate Knowledge:

  • Why it matters: Shows the writer didn’t just sign a generic letter. They took the time to understand the project’s purpose and methods.
  • Example: “Your plan to expand after-school tutoring aligns perfectly with our district’s focus on improving reading scores…”
  • Why it matters: Strengthens the support by connecting the writer/their organization to the project’s mission.
  • Example: “As a company committed to sustainability, we’re excited about your community recycling program…”

Value and Impact

Benefit to the Community:

  • Why it matters: Moves beyond “This is a good idea” to showing how it solves a real problem or improves lives in the community the grant serves.
  • Example: “This playground renovation will provide a safe, accessible play space in an area where children desperately need it.”

Unique Contributions:

  • Why it matters: This is where the writer seals the deal! Shows they’re not just cheerleading, but will actively help make the project successful.
  • Example: “Our organization can offer marketing expertise, a network of volunteers, and the use of our community center…”

Commitment and Collaboration

Level of Commitment:

  • Why it matters: Vagueness is the enemy here. Are they offering money, volunteer hours, specific skills?
  • Example: “We pledge $5000 toward this project, along with…”

Tangible Examples:

  • Why it matters: Proves the commitment is genuine, not just empty words.

Reiterate Support:

  • Why it matters: Leaves the grant reviewer with a strong final impression of the writer’s belief in the project.

Contact Information:

  • Why it matters: Shows a willingness to answer further questions and makes follow-up easy.

When to Ask for Support Letters

Letters of support can seriously boost your chances of winning grant money. But when’s the right time to ask for them?

  • The Grant Requires It: Duh! Some grant applications specifically say you need letters of support. Read the instructions carefully!
  • You Want to Stand Out: Even if letters aren’t required, strong ones can make your application way more impressive than the competition.
  • You Have Awesome Partners: If you’re already working with businesses, other nonprofits, or experts who love your project, ask them to write a letter! This shows the grant funders you’re a team player.
  • You Need Specific Help: Maybe you need a space to hold events, volunteers, or someone to donate supplies. A letter of support can promise those things, making your grant application stronger.

Things to Remember:

  • Ask Early! Don’t wait until the last minute. Give your partners time to write a thoughtful letter.
  • Make It Easy: If possible, provide a short template or some bullet points of the key info to include.
  • It’s Not Just About the Letter: Build real relationships with your partners. That makes their support genuine, which shines through in their writing.

Why You Need Letters of Support for Your Grant

Think of your grant application like applying for a really important job. Letters of support are like glowing recommendations from people who know you and your work. Here’s why they matter:

  • Shows You’re Legit: These letters prove that other people in your community believe in your project and think you can pull it off.
  • Teamwork Power: Grant funders want to see you have partners. This shows your project is connected to the community and has a better chance of long-term success.
  • Why Your Project is Special: A good letter of support doesn’t just say, “This is cool.” It explains exactly how your project solves a problem and why the person writing the letter wants to be part of that.
  • Standing Out: Lots of people apply for grants! Strong letters of support can give you the edge and show that your project deserves the money.
  • Extra Info: Sometimes these letters mention things about your project that aren’t in the main application. This gives the grant people a fuller picture!

Who’s the Perfect Person to Write Your Support Letter?

Choosing the right people to ask is key to getting awesome letters of support. Here’s how to find them:

  • Mission Match: Look for people or groups whose work is similar to your project’s goals. Example: If you’re building a playground, a school principal or child health organization would be a good fit.
  • The Helper Squad: Who have you worked with on successful projects in the past? They already know you rock!
  • Boost Your Business: Could your project help a local business? Maybe they attract more customers, or you’ll need to buy supplies from them. Showing that benefit makes them more likely to help.
  • Community Stars: Is there a well-known teacher, community leader, or organization that people respect? Their support carries a lot of weight.

How to Write a Great Grant Letters of Support?

Here’s how to make those letters powerful:

Step 1: Introduce Yourself with Impact

  • Who are you?: Your title and organization – make sure it’s clear why your opinion matters.
  • Pump Up the Enthusiasm!: Start strong with “I’m totally excited to support [Project Name]…”

Step 2: Make It Personal

  • Why Does This Project Matter to YOU?: Connect it to your own work, expertise, or your organization’s mission.
  • Real-World Change: Explain how this project will make a positive difference in the community.

Step 3: Show Off Your Superpowers

  • How Will You Help?: Be specific! Offer money, volunteer time, supplies, your special skills, or a place to meet.
  • Prove Your Awesome: Mention a past project you helped with that was a success (if you have one!).

Step 4: The Grand Finale

  • Summarize Your Support: Remind them in a few sentences why you believe in this project.
  • Easy to Contact: Include your email or phone number so the grant people can reach out with questions.

Need more grant writing guidance? Check out our full suite of resources [Link]”.

Common Mistakes in Grant Letters of Support (And How to Fix Them!)

You’ve asked someone to write a letter supporting your grant project – awesome! But there are a few ways these letters can fall flat. Here’s what to avoid:

Mistake #1: Generic Praise

Problem: Saying “This project is great” isn’t very helpful. The best letters are personal.

How to Fix It:

  • Ask for specifics: Suggest the writer explain why the project matters to them and fits their organization’s goals.
  • Give them a nudge: Ask if they have a past success story that relates to your project. They can mention that!

Mistake #2: No Real Promises

Problem: Just saying “We support this idea” is weak. Funders want to see action!

  • Be upfront: When you ask for the letter, clearly state what kind of help you need (money, volunteers, supplies, etc.).
  • Make it easy: Give the writer a few options for how they could help. This gets their ideas flowing.

Mistake #3: Misaligned Expertise

Problem: A letter from someone who has nothing to do with your project is confusing.

  • Choose wisely: Pick people or organizations whose work or mission connects to your project’s goals.
  • Explain the connection: When you ask for the letter, briefly mention why you think their expertise would be a perfect fit.

Mistake #4: Neglecting Proofreading

Problem: Sloppy mistakes make your whole project seem less professional.

  • Stress the importance: Let the writer know a polished letter makes them look good too!
  • Lend a hand: If they’re short on time, offer to proofread their letter before it goes out.

Extra Tips:

  • Templates Help, But Don’t Be a Robot: A basic template is a good start, but make sure the final letter sounds like a real person wrote it.
  • Don’t Rush: Give your partners time to write something great. Rushed letters are rarely amazing.
  • Say Thanks! A thank-you note after shows you’re grateful and makes them more likely to help out again in the future.

Free Grant Letter of Support Templates & Examples

Templates are like a recipe for writing a letter of support. Here’s a simple one:

Grant letter of support template

Grant letter of support template

Grant Letter of Support Templates Concise and Impactful

Basic Grant Letter of Support Templates Concise and Impactful

Basic Grant Letter of Support Templates Concise and Impactful

Grant Letter of Support Templates Emphasis on Expertise

Basic Grant Letter of Support Templates Emphasis on Expertise

Basic Grant Letter of Support Templates Emphasis on Expertise

Basic Grant Letter of Support Templates Focus on Partnership

Basic Grant Letter of Support Templates Focus on Partnership

Environmental grant letter of support template

environmental grant letter of support template

environmental grant letter of support template

Gates Foundation grant letter of support Sample

Gates Foundation grant letter of support format

Gates Foundation grant letter of support format

Letter of support for educational grant

Letter of support for educational grant

letter of support for grant example

letter of support for grant example

Nonprofit grant letter of support template

nonprofit grant letter of support template

nonprofit grant letter of support template

Research grant letter of support template

research grant letter of support template

research grant letter of support template

Sample NIH grant letter of support Letter

Sample NIH grant letter of support Letter guidelines

Sample NIH grant letter of support Letter guidelines

Why Use Templates

Here’s why:

  • Saves Time: Templates give your partners a basic outline, so they don’t have to write a letter from scratch. This is great for busy people!
  • Makes Sure Nothing’s Missing: A good template reminds the writer to include all the important stuff – who they are, why they support your project, and how they’ll help.
  • Looks More Pro: If you need several letters, templates help them all sound similar and polished. This makes a stronger impression on the grant funders.
  • Don’t Forget to Customize! Templates are a starting point. The best letters still feel personal and show the unique connection between your project and the partner

Important Tips to Make Your Support Letters

  • Customize!: Templates are a helpful start, but the best letters feel personal. Add details about why YOU care about the project and how your unique skills will help.
  • Choose Wisely: Choose people or organizations who are truly excited about your project, not just anyone who will say yes. Their enthusiasm will come through in the letter.
  • Check for Mistakes: Typos or confusing sentences make your whole project seem less polished. Read your letter out loud to catch errors, or ask a friend to help edit.

The Winning Formula

A strong letter of support can make a huge difference when you’re applying for a grant. Download some templates, start writing, and show everyone why your project deserves support!

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How to Write a Convincing Letter of Support for Grant

Matthieu Chartier, PhD.

Published on 09 Nov 2022

Man writting

Applying for a research grant is a daunting task. Between the main research proposal and all of the additional documents required, it can be overwhelming. While some people enlist the help of professional grant writers , many others turn to Google (which may be how you found our blog). 

In this article, the focus is on an important part of that grant application process: Requesting and writing letters of support.

If you’re seeking a letter of support or have been asked to write one, don’t leave it until the last minute. While it may seem like a simple, supporting document (pun intended), well-written proof from the right people can get a grant applicant those final few steps across the approval line.

What is a letter of support for a grant?

A letter of support is an important argument in favour of a research proposal. It lends credibility to a grant application in several ways:

  • Provides a third-party testimonial that backs up the applicant’s claims and promises.
  • Shows that other organizations or individuals believe in the research proposal.
  • Gives examples of the writer’s commitment (i.e. money or resources) to the project.
  • Demonstrates a genuine and enthusiastic collaboration between the involved parties.

This letter can be written by a variety of people. But, writers tend to fall into two categories: (1) partners providing monetary or in-kind support and (2) influential people or organizations that believe the research project is worthwhile. For example: An applicant may seek support from a partner organization, an outside business, another major funder of the research project, or key stakeholders (including community leaders and individuals who will be impacted). 

How to request a letter of support for a grant

If you’ve been asked by someone to write a letter of support, then you can skip to the next section. However, if you’re here because you’re applying for a grant that requires you to submit a letter of support (or several), this section is worth noting. 

How you request a letter of support makes a difference. So, whether you’re the principal investigator (PI) in an application or someone assisting them, here’s the steps you should take: 

  • Make a list - In the academic world, as in any industry, it’s often about who you know. Even if you wish research could speak entirely for itself, you’ll have to reach out to at least one individual (more likely several) to get proof of support.
  • Set up meetings - Explain your project in detail and ask if each person would be willing to write you a letter of support. Don’t just assume they will.
  • Provide important information to include - If someone agrees to help, make it easier for them by highlighting the info they’ll need. This could include: a project summary, details of the funding agency, how the research supports the interests of the funder, and how the grant can help the writer or their organization.
  • Discuss any disagreements - In the support request process, you may realize that your understanding of the collaboration is different from your collaborator’s understanding. Be sure to sort out any disagreements now so that you go into the grant proposal fully aligned.
  • Give a reasonable timeline - Ensure that the person who is writing the letter is aware of when you’ll need it back to include it with your grant application. Be considerate of the writer’s schedule and give them at least 2-3 weeks to prepare the letter.

All grant applications have different requirements. So, before you begin requesting or writing a letter of support, review the funding agency’s guidelines first and foremost.

What is the difference between a letter of support and a letter of recommendation?

In the midst of a grant application, it can be easy to get your wires a little twisted on what’s what, especially when distinguishing between letters of recommendation vs. support. Some funders expect both, but most will be looking for the latter. To help you out:

A letter of recommendation… 

  • Is primarily requested in scenarios related to career development (like applications to fellowships or other programs).
  • Requires the writer to be familiar with an applicant's qualifications, but does not require them to be involved in the project.
  • Is submitted separately from an application.

A letter of support…

  • Demonstrates the writer’s commitment and role in the project.
  • Requires the writer to be a significant contributor or stakeholder in the research.
  • Is submitted as part of a grant application.

How to write a letter of support

A letter of support should include a few key sections. Here’s an in-order outline to use if you’re the writer (plus a few bonus tips to help with the writing process):

  • Header - At the top of the letter, include your name, institution, and date of writing. This may already be included as part of an organizational letterhead (which you should use if you have one). Include the recipient’s name and contact information in the line below. The letter may be addressed to the reviewer at the funding agency or to the person applying for the grant.
  • Salutation - How does the recipient of the letter prefer to be addressed? Include this at the start (e.g. “Dear Dr. Strange,” or “Dear Mrs. Robinson,”). Avoid using “To whom it may concern.”
  • Opening statement - Introduce yourself (i.e. Who are you and why should the reader care?). State the intent of your letter clearly and succinctly. Highlight what you know about the project and the value you see in it.
  • Key points of support - This is the main body of the letter. Justify why funding is needed for the research project and how it will benefit you and others. Emphasize your belief in the research and its results. Discuss expected outcomes and be clear on the kind of support that you will be providing to the project. Try to anticipate and address questions that the funding agency may have for you.
  • Closing statement - Summarize your key points. Convince the reader of your enthusiasm for the project. If you’re addressing the letter to the applicant (instead of the funding agency), you may want to add a note here wishing them well in the application process.
  • Sign off - End with a polite close (e.g. “Sincerely,”) and be sure to actually sign the letter. Include your full name and title below the signature space. Provide further personal contact details if you can’t be reached at the number/email on your organization's standard letterhead.

Even if it’s a good start, including all the sections above isn’t a surefire way to write a convincing letter of support. So, here’s a few other tips to help…

  • Start with key talking points - Draft your first version of the letter in bullet points. With an outline of important information that you want to include. Then, sweep through and write the “real first draft” without having to worry about missing something.
  • Watch that page count - Keep to a single page if possible (two maximum). It can be tempting to include everything you think is even slightly relevant. But, that will only drown out the most important parts. For reviewers reading through mountains of application material, shorter is definitely sweeter.
  • Enlist some grammar help - Consider getting Grammarly (or a similar free software) to help carry some of the load of all that wordweaving and editing.
  • Check (and double-check) grant requirements - Many funding agencies provide a list of rules for applications (like this helpful outline from the Canadian Institute of Health Research). So, whatever you’re applying for, be sure to review the preferences that have been highlighted by the funding provider.

Sample letters of support for an educational grant

There’s no single formula for a perfect letter of support. However, samples can give you a good place to start. Just don’t fall into the template trap! Advice from a collection of grant reviewers highlighted the importance of “unique letters that show the writer’s actual support.” So, draw inspiration from a few examples, then, use that to write something original.

For a straightforward template to help you visualize: APCCP created this simple document that presents a letter layout in a more visual way.

For more helpful tips on writing letters of support: Enago provides a list of suggestions, plus a letter of support template further on in the article.

For a bit of a laugh: Junee Community Network has an entertaining how-to outline that includes a sample letter on the topic of “Funding for Dragon Cages at Camelot Castle”.

Summary: What makes or breaks a letter of support?

Researchers face endless challenges in securing much-needed financial resources. A well-written letter of support goes a long way toward convincing funding agencies that a research proposal is worth taking a chance on.

At the end of the day, a great letter of support is to-the-point, personalized, and full of genuine enthusiasm for the writer’s participation and the potential research findings.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go on and get writing!

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How to Write a Letter of Support for a Grant: Expert Tips and Techniques

When seeking funding through grants, a well-crafted letter of support can make a significant difference in getting your project approved. In this guide, you’ll learn the ins and outs of writing an effective letter of support for a grant application. From establishing credibility to addressing the needs of the project, we’ll walk you through each step to ensure your letter stands out and makes an impact.

To begin, it’s essential to understand the purpose of a letter of support. Such letters demonstrate your connection to the grant-seeking organization or individual and showcase your commitment to the success of the project. By providing concrete examples of how the project aligns with the grant’s objectives, you’ll help strengthen the case for funding.

When drafting your letter, focus on three main aspects: relevance, impact, and sustainability . Illustrate how the proposed project is relevant to the grant’s goals and the community it serves. Discuss the potential impact and the lives it could positively change. Lastly, address the project’s long-term sustainability to show the grantor that their investment will yield lasting results. With these foundational elements in place, you’re on your way to crafting a compelling letter of support for your grant application.

Understanding the Purpose of a Letter of Support

When it comes to grant applications, a well-written letter of support can make a significant difference. This section delves into the essence of a letter of support, elucidating its purpose and impact on the success of your grant proposal.

First and foremost, a letter of support serves as a testament to the validity and significance of your project. By obtaining the endorsement of a respected individual or organization, you’ll show that others recognize your project’s potential and are willing to back it up. It’s essential, though, to choose endorsers who are knowledgeable about or involved in your field.

Another notable aim of a letter of support is to demonstrate community need for your project. Grant committees are interested in funding initiatives that address gaps and solve pressing issues. By including letters from those directly affected by your project, you’ll highlight the extent to which your work benefits and meets community needs.

Moreover, a letter of support serves to bolster your credibility and strengthens your application’s overall merit. An endorsement from a reputable source provides an unbiased evaluation which, in turn, helps the grant committee comprehend the project’s worthiness.

A well-structured letter of support can also strengthen your grant proposal by providing additional information or demonstrating project collaborations. Some examples of valuable contributions include:

  • Data and statistics relevant to your project
  • Details on how your project aligns with the goals of the supporting party
  • Information on resources donated or services provided by the supporter

To arrange these contributions, use bullet points:

  • Data and statistics: Showcase the numbers that substantiate your project’s significance.
  • Project alignment: Explain how your goals coincide with those of the supporting party.
  • Resources and services: List the specific contributions made by the endorser.

In summary, understanding the purpose of a letter of support will aid you in crafting a more persuasive and compelling grant application. By validating your project, demonstrating community need, and fortifying your credibility, a well-written letter of support will enhance your chances of receiving the grant you seek. Remember to convey relevant information, collaborate with strategic supporters, and present it all in an articulate manner while focusing on the core aims of your project.

Identifying the Grant’s Key Requirements

Before you begin writing a letter of support for a grant, it’s essential to identify the grant’s key requirements . This will help you craft a persuasive and targeted letter that addresses the specific needs of the grant-maker. To do this, follow these important steps:

  • Research the grant-maker: Familiarize yourself with the organization or agency offering the grant. Understand their mission, values, and priorities to tailor your letter of support accordingly.
  • Analyze the grant guidelines: Carefully read through the grant guidelines or request for proposals (RFP) document. This will provide you with crucial information on desired outcomes, project criteria, and eligibility requirements.
  • Highlight the main objectives: Based on your analysis, identify the grant’s primary objectives and desired outcomes. Keep these principles in mind while writing your letter to ensure you address key concerns.

To help you streamline this process, be sure to:

  • Take note of important deadlines and submission requirements.
  • Contact the grant-maker for any clarifications or additional guidance, if necessary.

Once you have identified the key requirements, it’s time to emphasize how your project or organization addresses them. Here are some effective strategies:

  • Link your project goals with the grant-maker’s objectives: Clearly demonstrate how your project aligns with the grant’s goals by outlining your specific objectives, actions, and outcomes.
  • Highlight your credibility and expertise: Establish your organization’s unique qualifications and past accomplishments. This can help build trust with the grant-maker and affirm your ability to achieve the desired outcomes.
  • Showcase your project’s impact and scalability: Provide concrete evidence of your project’s potential impact on your target audience and explain how it can be expanded or replicated in other settings.

When presenting data or statistics in your letter, use markdown tables to make your message clearer. For example, if you want to share details about the project’s reach and impact, you can use the following table:

In summary, identifying the grant’s key requirements is an essential step in crafting a persuasive letter of support. By understanding the grant-maker’s priorities and aligning your project with their objectives, you can increase your chances of securing funding and making a lasting impact.

Addressing the Funder’s Goals and Expectations

When writing a letter of support for a grant, it’s essential to address the funder’s goals and expectations clearly. By doing this, you’ll demonstrate that you are well aware of what the funder is looking for in a grant recipient and that the project you’re supporting is aligned with their objectives.

First and foremost, research the funder’s mission as well as their past giving history. Familiarize yourself with their areas of interest, and analyze their funding patterns. This information will help you understand what aspects of your project to highlight. Some key insights to focus on when addressing a funder’s goals:

  • Their primary funding areas
  • Types of projects they have funded before
  • Any recurring themes in their grant making

Make sure to tailor your letter to the specific funder you are addressing. Show that you’ve done your homework and that you understand their philanthropic goals. This will make your letter stand out and increase your chances of receiving the grant.

To effectively address the funder’s expectations, highlight specific aspects of the project that match their interests. Use concrete examples to illustrate how your project aligns with their goals, such as:

  • Sharing successful outcomes of similar projects
  • Demonstrating how your project addresses a need within the funder’s target area
  • Outlining the project’s potential impact on the community or target population

Use bullet points for clarity and to help the reader quickly grasp the essential aspects of your project. For example:

  • Project goal: Improve access to clean water for 1,500 residents in a rural community
  • Project timeline: 12 months
  • Expected impact: Reduce waterborne illnesses by 30%

Moreover, touch on your organization’s track record and specific expertise within the field. Providing this context will reassure the funder that their investment will be wisely spent. Ensure your tone is both confident and humble. Admit any shortcomings while emphasizing a commitment to continuous improvement.

Remember that funders often receive numerous grant applications, so it’s essential to make your letter stand out. By specifically addressing the funder’s goals and expectations, you’ll demonstrate that you’re a worthy candidate for their support and help to make their decision easier.

Crafting a Compelling Narrative

Crafting an engaging, persuasive narrative is a crucial component of a successful letter of support for a grant. In this section, you’ll learn how to create a powerful narrative that emphasizes your project’s impact, supports strong relationships with stakeholders, and demonstrates your organization’s credibility. Ready to dive in? Here are some essential elements to consider.

Showcase the project’s importance : Start by stating the problem your project aims to address. Be sure to make it clear why it’s crucial that your organization tackles this issue. Use specific examples and numbers, when possible, to highlight the importance of your work. For example:

|Problem|Impact|Proposed Solution| |–|-|-| |High school dropout rate|Reduced earning potential, increased crime rates|Implement mentorship program|

Build on existing success : Share details of previous successes and how your organization has made a difference. By showcasing proven results, you’ll inspire confidence in your ability to navigate the project through to completion. Use bullet points to emphasize key accomplishments:

  • Increased graduation rate by 10%
  • Partnered with local businesses to create job opportunities for students
  • Expanded access to after-school programs

Paint a vivid picture : To truly capture your reader’s interest, paint a clear and appealing picture of the potential future that your project will create. Describe the many ways it’ll benefit the community, address pressing needs, or solve long-standing problems. Use language that helps readers imagine the impact your project will bring, like:

Imagine a community where…

  • Each student has access to engaging, high-quality education
  • Drop-out rates plummet and graduation rates soar
  • New job opportunities attract a skilled workforce

Establish trust : To help build credibility, share information about your organization’s qualifications, experience, and dedicated staff. Discuss any affiliations, partnerships, or endorsements you’ve received. Describing your team’s passion and expertise can make a significant difference in demonstrating your readiness for the grant.

Clarify the ask : Lastly, always provide a clear ask in your narrative. Make sure your reader knows exactly what you’re requesting from the grant funder and how that support will be used to unlock your project’s potential. Be transparent about your funding needs, and reiterate the positive impact their contribution will make.

Remember, crafting a compelling narrative takes time, effort, and practice. By including these essential elements, you’ll be well on your way to creating an effective letter of support that could secure your grant and bring your project to life.

Demonstrating the Applicant’s Expertise and Competence

When it comes to writing a letter of support for a grant, effectively showcasing the applicant’s expertise and competence is crucial. By highlighting their abilities and achievements, you’ll make a strong case for why they’re best suited to receive the grant. The following strategies will help you communicate the applicant’s potential clearly and convincingly.

Focus on relevant skills and experience: Start by listing the applicant’s most relevant professional, educational, and training backgrounds. This may include:

  • Degrees or certifications
  • Work experience in the field
  • Training courses attended
  • Supplementary workshops or seminars

Make sure to provide context and specificity. For example, mention the institutions where they obtained their degrees, and discuss any relevant courses they’ve completed.

Emphasize past accomplishments: Show the applicant’s history of success by detailing their key achievements, awards, or accolades in the field. Relevant examples might include:

  • Published research or articles
  • Presentations at industry conferences
  • Successful implementation of projects or initiatives

Describe the impact these accomplishments have had and material evidence of their success, such as data on how a project improved specific outcomes.

Highlight collaboration and teamwork: If the grant project requires teamwork, emphasize the applicant’s ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. You can do this by showcasing the applicant’s past experience working in teams, or by providing examples of how they have contributed to group efforts.

Include testimonials and endorsements: To reinforce your points and build credibility, consider including quotes or testimonials from colleagues, supervisors, or other professionals who can attest to the applicant’s expertise and competence. Make sure these testimonials are genuine and specific, as they will help readers form a more comprehensive view of the applicant’s strengths.

Here’s a brief example table providing an overview of an applicant’s experience and competencies:

By following these guidelines, you can paint an accurate picture of the applicant’s skills, achievements, and potential, helping to strengthen your letter of support and improve the chances of receiving the grant.

Highlighting the Project’s Impact and Significance

It’s essential to showcase the impact and significance of your project when writing a letter of support for a grant. This section will guide you on how to effectively demonstrate the importance of your project and ultimately increase your chances of securing the grant.

To begin with, emphasize the benefits your project will bring to the community or target audience. List specific ways the project will improve people’s lives, foster community growth, or address significant issues. Here are some possible benefits:

  • Increased access to education or healthcare services
  • Job creation and economic growth
  • Environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives
  • Community building and cultural exchange

Next, back up your claims with solid evidence . Data and statistics are powerful tools in illustrating the need for your project and its potential impact. Gather credible research from reliable sources to support your statements. For example:

When presenting evidence, remember to keep it accurate, relevant, and up-to-date. This will enhance your credibility and show that you’re well-informed about the issues your project aims to address.

After providing evidence, demonstrate your project’s uniqueness by explaining what sets it apart from other initiatives. Why is your approach different from the existing programs, and how will it create a lasting difference? Offer insights on:

  • Innovative methodologies or technologies used
  • Partnership with local or international organizations
  • Long-term sustainability and scalability of the project

Finally, don’t forget to touch on the project’s feasibility . Ensure that you’re able to:

  • Execute the project within a reasonable and specified timeframe
  • Make efficient use of resources, including staff, equipment, and funding
  • Regularly monitor, evaluate, and adapt your implementation plan as needed

By systematically addressing these points, you’ll effectively highlight the impact and significance of your project, which is of paramount importance in securing grant funding.

Providing Credible Evidence and Testimonials

When writing a letter of support for a grant, it’s crucial to present credible evidence and testimonials to strengthen your case. This section will guide you on how to effectively include these elements in your letter.

First, demonstrate the impact of the project on your target audience. Highlight quantitative and qualitative data that emphasizes the positive outcomes of the project. For instance, you might include:

  • Quantitative data : Percentage increase in the number of participants served, improvement in test scores, or reduction in crime rates.
  • Qualitative data : Feedback from stakeholders, observations, or anecdotes demonstrating the success of the project.

By incorporating these types of evidence, you’ll illustrate the project’s value and boost your chances for securing the grant. Here’s an example of a data table presenting quantitative results:

Next, gather relevant testimonials that can validate the project’s success. Testimonials from participants, partners, and other stakeholders serve as powerful endorsements . When selecting testimonials, consider the following:

  • Diversity : Choose testimonials that represent a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.
  • Specifics : Opt for testimonials that provide concrete examples of the project’s impact.
  • Credibility : Ensure the individuals providing the testimonials hold respectable positions or have relevant experience to vouch for the project.

You can use bullet points to present the selected testimonials, as shown below:

  • “The project has genuinely transformed our community, creating a safe and supportive space for our children.” – Local School Principal
  • “As a participating family, we’ve seen a remarkable improvement in our child’s academic performance and confidence.” – Program Participant

Finally, always ensure the cited evidence and testimonials are reliable and representative of the project’s overall impact. It’s essential not to misrepresent any data or statements, as this can undermine the credibility of your letter and the entire application.

By following these guidelines, your letter of support will be well-rounded, impactful, and more likely to secure the grant for your project. Remember, providing credible evidence and testimonials is integral to a successful letter of support.

Using a Clear, Professional Tone and Format

To make your letter of support stand out, it’s essential to maintain a clear and professional tone throughout. Demonstrating confidence and knowledge in your writing not only strengthens your credibility, but also increases the likelihood of receiving the grant. Here are some tips to help you achieve a well-structured, convincing letter:

  • Be concise and specific : Avoid using lengthy sentences and unnecessary jargon. Clearly state your purpose, the goals of the project, and explain why the grant is crucial for its success.
  • Address the right audience : Always research the grant provider and tailor your letter to their values and priorities. Using the correct language and addressing their concerns can build rapport with the reader.
  • Adopt an error-free writing style : Make sure you proofread your letter and check for any grammar or spelling mistakes. A well-edited letter leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
  • Use formatting effectively : To ensure your message is easily digestible, be sure to use bullet points, headers, and numbered lists. Break your content into smaller paragraphs, making it more accessible for the reader.
  • Adopt a formal format : Start your letter with a proper salutation and close with a professional sign-off. Include your full name, title, organization, and contact information at the end of the letter.

For instance, if you’re illustrating project achievements, you could use a markdown table like so:

By including relevant statistics or bullet points, readers will have a clear understanding of your previous triumphs. For example:

  • Reached over 1,000 individuals
  • Partnered with 20 local schools
  • Achieved 5% increase in engagement

Additionally, highlighting the importance of the grant can provide more concrete reasons for the funding to be awarded. Consider presenting these key points using a bulleted list:

  • Covering salaries for three full-time staff members
  • Purchasing vital equipment and resources
  • Supporting community outreach programs

Remember to provide a comprehensive overview without overwhelming the reader. By using the above techniques, you’ll be able to craft a clear, professional, and persuasive letter of support for a grant.

Reviewing and Revising the Letter of Support

After you’ve drafted your letter of support, it’s crucial to review and revise it to ensure it’s both accurate and persuasive. Here are some steps to help you refine your document:

  • Check for accuracy : Make sure your letter contains factual information about the grant applicant and the proposed project. Inaccurate statements may harm the credibility of your support and the applicant’s chances of receiving the grant. Double-check figures, dates, and names mentioned in the letter, and correct any errors.
  • Ensure clarity : Your letter should be easy to read and understand. Simplify complex ideas and use concise language, avoiding jargon and buzzwords that may confuse the reader. Break large chunks of text into smaller paragraphs for easier readability.
  • Economic impact
  • Social implications
  • Environmental benefits
  • Community involvement and support
  • Highlight the applicant’s qualifications : Clearly explain why the grant applicant is the right organization or individual to carry out the project. Include relevant expertise, experience, and past successes that demonstrate their ability to deliver the desired results.
  • Proofread and edit : Don’t underestimate the importance of a well-written letter. Poor grammar, spelling, and punctuation can detract from your message and appear unprofessional. Take the time to proofread your letter and edit any errors or awkward phrasing.
  • Get feedback : Share the letter with colleagues or other individuals who are familiar with the project. Their input can help you identify any missing information, unclear language, or inconsistencies. Incorporate their suggestions to strengthen your letter and improve your chances of making a compelling case for the grant applicant.

When reviewing and editing your letter, consider using the following markdown formatting options to highlight essential information:

  • Bold : Emphasize important points and key phrases by using the double asterisks ( ** ) at the beginning and end of the text you want to bold. Example: **Important point** will appear as Important point .
  • Italics : Emphasize less critical information or quotes by using single asterisks ( * ) at the beginning and end of the text you want to italicize. Example: *Quote from an expert* will appear as Quote from an expert .
  • First point
  • Second point

Remember, the goal of the letter of support is to bolster the grant applicant’s case. By following these steps, you’ll improve the quality of your letter and increase the likelihood that your support will make a difference in the grant application process.

Conclusion: Submitting a Persuasive Letter of Support

Writing and submitting a persuasive letter of support for a grant proposal is crucial to increasing your chances of being awarded the grant. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to craft a compelling letter that effectively showcases the applicant’s strengths and qualifications.

Ensure your letter:

  • Clearly states your relationship to the applicant and your credentials
  • Outlines the need for the proposed project
  • Highlights the applicant’s achievements and capabilities
  • Demonstrates the impact the grant will have on the community or targeted population
  • Uses specific examples and data to support your claims

It’s also important to keep your language straightforward and concise, making your points easy for the grant reviewer to understand and evaluate. Edit and proofread your letter thoroughly to eliminate any errors or inconsistencies.

Use statistics and measurable outcomes to support your points wherever possible, as this will add credibility to your letter. Remember that a well-crafted letter of support can have a significant impact on the decision-making process. A table can be an effective way to present relevant data.

Finally, ensure your letter is formatted professionally, and that it adheres to any specific guidelines provided by the grant organization. This demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to carefully review the requirements and that you’re genuinely committed to supporting the applicant’s project.

By following these steps, your letter of support will contribute to a stronger grant proposal, giving the applicant the best opportunity to secure the necessary funding and make a lasting, positive impact.

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How to Write an Effective Letter of Support

Letters of support from collaborators and consultants.

The following suggestions are for grant proposal letters of support from consultants and collaborators. Funding agency guidelines (e.g. NIH , NSF , other) and funding opportunity requirements take precedence over these suggestions.

If you need a letter of support, we recommend that you offer to draft the letter for your collaborator(s)/consultant(s). Providing a draft will help achieve two important outcomes:

  • That the letter of support will contain all of the information you need, and
  • That you will get the letter back from your collaborator(s)/consultant(s) in a timely fashion, assuming you give them enough lead time. We suggest 2-3 weeks.

Drafting your own letters of support also serves another important purpose. It can give both parties an early warning of unrealistic expectations. It is a vehicle for negotiating exactly what services, reagents, or expertise will be provided to support your work. Note that drafts of Letters of Support may need to be reviewed for compliance by the appropriate Tufts office before sending to your collaborator(s)/consultant(s).

The goals of a letter of support are to:

  • Specify what the collaborator(s)/consultant(s) will contribute to the research
  • Convince the reviewer that the collaborator(s)/consultant(s) will fulfill the request
  • Convey enthusiasm for the work
  • Lend credibility to your proposal

Letters of support should:

  • Be unique and written from the point of view of your collaborator(s)/consultant(s)
  • Be on institutional letterhead and signed by the appropriate party (someone authorized to make the commitment of support)
  • Be addressed either to the PI of the proposal or to the granting agency – check the guidelines of the specific grant and/or agency
  • Be focused on requested topics and not contain details that are expected to be in the research description section (this is required by NIH and a good idea for most agencies)
  • Address any specific guidelines (e.g., particular assurances) required by the funding agency or the university, as outlined in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) or as requested by your Research Administrator.
  • 2020 NIH Research Forms F indicate that letters of support from consultants should include rate/charge for consulting services, level of effort, and if access to core facilities will be provided as a fee-for-service.
  • Most NSF letters of collaboration have a specific, one-sentence, template that should be used unless the solicitation states otherwise; see the 2020 NSF PAPPG .

Be sure to follow all FOA, funding agency, and Tufts University guidelines. Beyond that, as long as your letter demonstrates specifically what your collaborator(s)/consultant(s) will be contributing to the project, there is no one way to draft a strong letter of support. One format that you might consider in the absence of specific agency guidelines follows.

Example Letter of Support Format

First Paragraph  (1-3 sentences)

  • Statement of support for the project/research – use words that convey enthusiasm
  • Identify the research project by name/title

Examples: “I am pleased to support your research proposal titled xxxx.” “Your proposal to do xxxx has my enthusiastic support.”

Body Paragraphs  (1-3 paragraphs, or more as necessary)

  • If applicable, state how the goals/research of the collaborator(s)/consultant(s) are well-aligned with the goals of the proposed research. What is the collaborator’s motivation to work with you?
  • State as specifically as possible the role of the collaborator(s)/consultant(s) in the project.
  • What is their relevant experience/expertise? Have they previously worked on a similar project? Do they have a successful track record?
  • Do they have specialized equipment or reagents? Other resources?
  • If you have worked with this collaborator before, be sure to say so! It demonstrates that a productive relationship has already been established.
  • Be sure to include all information required by the funding agency; for example, for NIH, the rate or charge and level of effort for consultant services.

Last Paragraph  (1-3 sentences)

  • Include a cordial closing. The level of formality should be determined by the level of personal relationship between the PI and the collaborator(s)/consultant(s). If you know each other very well, it can be less formal.

Examples: “I look forward to collaborating with you on this work.” “Best of luck with your grant application.”

Last updated: May 2020                                                     

Source: OVPR Research Development , Tufts University

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Getting Stellar Letters of Support for Your Grant

A common topic that comes up is how to get quality letters of support. Below is the 7-step approach we teach in the Global Grant Writers Collective on how to collect genuine, inspirational letters of support that can nudge your application ahead of the rest. Don't waste this opportunity to pull your reviewer's heart strings!

Step 1: Develop A Contact List

We provide a spreadsheet template in our online Grant Writing Training , but it’s something you can easily reproduce. Before you host your kick-off meeting, list any and all organizations that benefit or would support your project. At a minimum, your spreadsheet should include: organization, contact name, phone, email, and columns for tracking if the letter has been sent and received.

Letters of Support Spreadsheet

You can download a free spreadsheet template here. Remember to go File > Make a Copy or File > Download > Excel.

Stumped on who to request a letter from?

Seek support from as many disciplines and perspectives as you can. When we seek letters of support for EPA brownfield grants for instance, we collect them from neighborhood groups, environmental organizations like the Nature Conservancy, housing authorities, development organizations, professional associations, and non-profits.

When casting a net that wide, you can accomplish two things: 1) demonstrate broad support among unlikely collaborators (i.e. environmental groups and land developers); and 2) basically get 15 more pages of narrative content! Target a list of 15-20 organizations.

What if I’m a rural community and don’t have many options?

Here’s what we have to say about that, it’s a self-limiting belief! No matter how small or isolated your community is, there are many organizations and neighboring communities that care about your project’s success. Consider these options when you feel stumped:

State departments in health and social services, environment, and transportation. Cultural organizations like Museums, Heritage Centers, or Art Councils. Neighboring communities. Professional associations like AARP and their Livability program. Job or skills training organizations and programs. Regional and State colleges and educational programs. If you are an Alaska Native tribal community, consider a letter from your Village Corporation, Regional Corporation, and organizations like the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.

Discover Grant Writing as a Career

If you’re interested in becoming a grant writing consultant, check out this free training on how you can pull off a meaningful career change.

Step 2: Prep Your Request For Letters Of Support

We also provide a template for this in the Global Grant Writers Collective but the basics is that you want to provide instructions on how to submit a letter of support to you. This structure provides a comfortable outline as a starting point, while still allowing plenty of room in the "sandbox" for them to add creative anecdotes. Prepare the following information in a Google Doc or Word Doc:

  • An overview of your organization and name of the grant you are pursuing.
  • A 1-2 sentence description of your project.
  • A request for a letter of support from the organization you are inviting to respond.

Instructions for the letter including:

  • Putting on organization letterhead.
  • Addressed to whoever the grant guidelines specify or your organization’s highest in command.
  • Brief description of their organization as it applies to the project.
  • Statement confirming support and, if applicable, information on how they will support the project during implementation.
  • Statement describing any past collaboration.
  • Close with a deadline on when letters are needed back (10-14 calendar days).

Step 3: Who Will Request Which Letters

Decide during the grant kick-off meeting who will request which letters. Getting letters of support from people in senior roles requires some tact. In many instances, the best way to get the letter is if the person highest in your organization (or as appropriate), requests it.

Generally, you want to match whoever has a personal or professional relationship within your organization with the other organization you seek a letter from. This helps pull letters through as it's easier to agree to the chore of letter writing if you are doing it for someone you respect.

After deciding who is requesting which letter, provide your team with the information developed in step two. Our preference is to include the information above in a word document so the organization can use it as a quasi-template. People also tend to shy away from long emails. It’s less intimidating if we only write 2-3 sentences in an email when requesting a letter of support (often following a phone call first).

Step 4: Prepare To Be Amazed!

When you ask for a letter of support and don’t provide a ghosted template, you receive far more compelling, heart-felt, free-form letters than you could possibly produce on your own. The authenticity of the letter shines through when you read it, and your grant reviewer will feel it as well. Pretty quick, you will have several more pages of content that essentially serve as extra narrative!

Step 5: Only Write a Ghost Letter If You Must

Sometimes an organizational representative will ask that you ‘ghost’ or prepare them a letter that only requires signature. This will happen, so be prepared to write a template letter. We still try to highlight specific areas where they can add personalized content like past collaborations. Generally though, this doesn’t happen with more than one or two letters.

Step 6: Save Letters Immediately

Save letters immediately in your project folder. As always, we recommend saving any attachments or emails related to your project immediately in your project folder. Nothing is worse than losing track of a letter (or worse – forgetting to include it!), because your inbox swallowed it. Track incoming letters in your spreadsheet.

Step 7: Assemble Your Letters As An Attachment

Once all letters have been received, consider including an attachment cover sheet that lists all organizations that provided letters. This helps the reviewer locate a specific letter and gives them a general overview of what to expect.

Want to Learn More About Letters of Support?

If you want to learn more about letters of support, or any common attachment, we encourage you to take our FREE grant writing mini course or download our FREE audiobook on the grant writing process.

Serious about becoming a grant writer? Learn about our online grant writing training course.

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Want To Learn More?

We made this video to answer your questions about how to build a career in grant writing without the fear of where you will find clients or the fear of failure. We cover the top three mistakes that keep people from making the leap from a soul-sucking job to something more meaningful.

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grant application letter of support for grant

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What to include in a letter of support for a grant

Some grant applications ask for a letter of support or commitment when there’s a partner organization or multiple stakeholders involved in a project. We find that organizations usually leave these for the last minute and find themselves scrambling to get a third party to write a letter of support.

A letter of support is similar to an MOU in a federal grant application. They’re usually a little less formal, though. This letter is often included as an attachment to a grant application, but you should think of it as an important piece of the argument you’re making in favor of your work.

Letters of support should:

  • Thoroughly detail the agreement or relationship as it pertains to the grant application
  • Include the representative’s signature and organization letterhead
  • Add testimonies that prove the grant applicant’s suitability for the project/relationship
  • Cite specific successes, metrics, goals, and objectives
  • Name specific resources or people involved in the project

To save time, you can draft a letter for the signer. Or, give them bullet points to start with. No one likes staring at a blank page! There are plenty of great examples on the internet if you search for “ sample letter of support ,” or something similar.

Learn more about our grant writing services here .

Avatar for Tom Nardone

Tom Nardone

Thanks for this. I’m writing my first grant ever. We are a small volunteer group that cleans up rivers and lakes. I have no experience with this, but we have social capital from cleaning up in the past. Now I know what to request from our supporters. We are called Trash Fishing. Thanks again.

Avatar for Erica Mason-Colvin

Erica Mason-Colvin

I am wondering if my signature is included in the word count for a letter of recommendation in a grant proposal. Please advise

Avatar for PGWAdmin

Hi Erica, Thanks for the question. That’s hard to answer. If the letter needs to be uploaded into some sort of online system with a built-in word counter, then yes, any character (signature included) will go toward the word count. If it’s just a paper letter that you’re mailing as a hard copy, then I wouldn’t worry about the signature adding to the word count.

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grant application letter of support for grant

Junee Community Network

Requesting a ‘Letter of Support’ for a Grant Application

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This is the first of a two-part series — This article will explain how to ask other Community Groups, Businesses and other Partners, for a ‘Letter of Support’ for a project to show to grant providers that other groups will benefit from the project.

The second article in the series, “Writing a ‘Letter of Support’ for a Grant Application” will cover how actually write such a Letter of Support.

What is a Letter of Support?

For grant submissions, a Letter of Support is a letter written by people in the community, often representing other community groups, local businesses, or other key stakeholders, to show support for a project and why that project is important for not only the grant applicant, but also the wider community.

Most grant applications now require at least one or two Letter(s) of Support to be included with the grant application to demonstrate this broader community support.

Who to ask for a Letter of Support

It all depends on what the project is that you’re requesting funding for and who is the actual organisation that’s providing the funding as to who you ask to supply you with a Letter of Support.

Some suggestions include; Local Council — If your project is going to benefit a number of residents or local organisations, many Local Councils may be willing to provide a Letter of Support for your project.

State or Federal MP — Many state and federal government grants may require you to obtain a letter of support from your local MP — where as others may specifically state that a Letter from your Local MP MAY NOT be included.

That said, even if it’s not a formal requirement of the grant, it can often be beneficial to still have a such a letter of support — or even just make your local Member aware of your organisation and the project.

Often the relevant Minister of the Department providing the funding (or someone from their office) will approach your local MP and ask “What do you know about Dragon Breeders Group or the grant application?” and if your MP has to respond “I’ve never heard of them” than this can dramatically reduce your chances of getting your grant application approved.

But, on the other hand, if your local MP (or their staff) can respond with something like:

“Oh yes, they are a wonderful group. There’s about 20 of them involved ranging from a couple of 10 year olds, up to a lovely lady who just turned 99… and you should how cute those baby dragons are… but the current breeding cages are so old it would be nice to see larger ones with a nice new nesting area… and the more dragons they can breed the better protection the local castle treasure rooms will have… OH!!! and did you know that the Werewolf Breeders have also expressed an interest in leasing them during the winter months…”

the better the chances of your application progressing to the next stage of processing and hopefully approval.

Landlord/Building Owner — If your project involves major structural renovations, or new buildings to be erected on a property owned by someone else, you will usually need their permission to commence the project.

This written permission can also become a Letter of Support! In their letter, they not get to say they approve of the project, but they can also demonstrate they actually actively support your project.

If you are limited to number of Letters of Support that can be included with your grant application (sometimes there is a limit of say 6 pages or 3 letters) and other “tenants” or users of the premises can also benefit from your project, a simple way to get more organisations listed without going over the allowed page or file limits is to have your Landlord include a paragraph along the lines of

“Not only will the Dragon Breeders benefit from this project, so will other community groups utilising our premises. These include the Vampire Association, Frankenstein Dating Group and the Witches Coven.”

Seek permission from these other groups first, asking if it is OK to mention their organisation; and then when approaching your Landlord for the Letter, suggest they list the groups that agreed to be included.

Crown Land Manager — If your project occurs on Crown Land or a Crown Reserve, than you may require a letter of support from your local Crown Reserve Land Managers, stating they approve or support the project. This may be your local Council, a Government Minister, or an ‘independent’ Land Manager organisation.

They are effectively your landlord, so the advice about multiple groups that use the Crown Land, that could also benefit from your project would apply here too.

Like-mind Community Organisations — More and more often funding suppliers are looking at ways they can maximise their grant funding and one of the simplest ways for them to do this is to see that more than one community group will benefit from the project. So clearly demonstrating that other groups can also benefit from your project, even indirectly, can increase your chances of successfully obtaining funding.

Local Businesses — Often community lead projects can benefit local businesses and those businesses might be willing to provide a Letter of Support for your project.

They might want to focus on the economic benefits a particular project might bring to the local community or how a project may provide opportunities for local youth, the unemployed or disadvantaged and how these improvements could improve the local community.

Existing Sponsors or Grant Providers — If your current project is part of a larger program or project that has already received funding or sponsorship for another component, then sometimes it can be advantageous to have the first funder provide a letter of support.

For example, let’s say that the current project we are applying for funding is for new Breeding Cages for Dragons… and stage one of the project was to build the Dragon Dungeons under your castle, which has already been funded and completed thanks to a previous grant received from the Goblin Bankers Association, you might ask the Goblin Bankers to write a Letter of Support along the lines of:

The Goblin Bankers Association were pleased to provide funding to allow the Dragon Breeders and Trainers of Fairyland to build new dungeons under their castle to allow them to expand their dragon breeding program. They finished the project 3 months ahead of schedule and kept the project on budget. We fully support the next phase of their project — the purchasing of new, improved breeding cages. The cages currently in use were transferred from the old Dragon Cave and are in need of urgent replacement — unfortunately our funding criteria only allows for Major Capital Projects (like new buildings or major renovations to exisiting premises) and does not allow for “operational equipment expenses” (like the cages) otherwise we would consider a further funding application for this project. We wish them success with finding appropriate funding for the next stage of their project’s development.

Think Outside the (Town) Square — Consider any, and every, community group, sporting club, local business, resident and visitor who might benefit from your project receiving funding to enable to proceed.

Also consider any groups from outside your immediate local town or location — often your “local” project may enable other groups from nearby, neighbouring communities to have some benefit from your project.

How to ask for a Letter of Support

It all depends on how well you know the person you’re going to be asking AND how well they know your project!

If you know the person well enough and they already know about your project, then often a simple email will suffice.

If you know the person, but they aren’t fully aware of your project, a quick phone call to explain the project and to ask if they’d write a letter might be appropriate — follow up with an email containing the details below.

If you don’t know the person who will write the letter very well — let’s say you know the Treasurer of the organisation you are asking for a Support Letter extremely well, but you are aware the Secretary or President will be the ones writing and signing the Letter, and you don’t know them that well, it may be better to try and meet in person (or via Zoom) with all the people involved to discuss the Letter.

If you meet in person (or via Zoom) to ask about a Letter of Support, ALWAYS follow up with an email that contains all the required information — immediately! With ready access to email on Smartphones and Tablets, you could send the email at the end of the meeting — if not, try and send it within an hour of leaving the meeting (even if you have to get someone else to send it on your behalf). If you wait too long, the importance and urgency can be lost.

What to include in your request for a Letter of Support

There are a few keys points you need to include in your email when requesting another organisation to supply you with a Letter of Support so that you get a quality and usable Letter of Support in response.

What your project is all about First of all, be sure that you list the Project Name, so it can be referred to in the Letter of Support — and try and keep the project short and succinct, ideally under ten words!

Then, include a couple of paragraphs about what your project involves, so the Letter Writer has a clear understanding of your project. Maybe link to your web site if you have relevant information about the project up there.

Who you’d like the Letter of Support addressed to Avoid having the Letter Writer use vague salutations like “To whom it may concern” by providing precise details on who the letter should be addressed to — usually you’ll want it addressed to your own organisation and normally to either the Secretary or President by name.

Provide the correct spelling of the relevant person’s name and your postal address (even though the Letter of Support should be coming via email).

If the particular grant provider requires the Letter of Support to be addressed directly to them (and if this is the case the letter also often needs to specifically reference the actual grant name and round identifier), then provide this information and clearly state you need you the letter addressed to the grant provider and not you! [This is not common, but it occasionally happens]

When you need the Letter of Support See the section below called “Time Frames” for more details

Some Bullet Points No one likes staring at a blank page or screen! Provide a couple of bullet points with some key factors about your project to help the letter writer’s creative juices flow.

If there is a single point you want the supporting organisation to highlight about your project, make this clear in your request. If you are approaching multiple organisations to provide letters of support then try and give each one at least one unique fact or idea — this can help prevent all the letters sounding exactly the same!

Ask them to explain how the project will benefit them! This is the most important part of the Letter of Support! Grant providers are looking at getting the best value out of the funding they provide — so the more community groups, local residents and others can directly benefit from a single project, the better.

If your project can assist other groups, ask the letter writer to explain how and why it will benefit their own group .

Ask for the letter as a PDF!

grant application letter of support for grant

99.9999999% of the time you will want the Letter of Support supplied as a PDF! So be sure to remind the Letter Writer this is the format you’ll require the final letter to be supplied in.

By using PDF, it ensures the letter looks exactly as the original writer intended… if they provide it as say a Word document, your system (or more importantly the grant assessor’s) may not have a particular font used in the document so the layout may change.

Occasionally, the grant provider may request ALL documents be supplied in Word format (or Excel for Budgets) — if this is case, follow their instructions and ask your Letter Writer to provide their letter as a Word Document.

All modern word processors can export to a PDF! On a Mac there is usually an Export option under the File Menu in most word processors… worst case scenario is use the PDF pop-up menu in the bottom left of the Print screen to Save as PDF.

Under Windows, recent versions of Microsoft Word have a Save as PDF option on the Save Window.

Time Frames

Give the authors of the Letters of Support as much time as possible to write the letter — ideally a minimum of a fortnight’s notice is polite. This allows time for the person you asked to seek formal approval from their committee, if required, to write such a letter of support and for them to actually have time to think about exactly how they want/need to word the letter.

But ensure you allow plenty of time before the grant application needs to be submitted — so you can chase up late letters, ask for minor modifications or clarifications to be made, or worse case scenario find someone else to supply a letter of support. Your cut off date for Letters of Support should be at least a week before the Grant Application needs to be submitted (You don’t leave the actual submission to the very last minute do you???)

Is it OK to ask for modifications to a Letter of Support?

Short Answer: Yes 🙂

Longer Answer: Yes, but think about what effect the change is actually going to have before asking for it to be modified.

If there is a glaring mistake in the letter, like “we support the Goblin Breeders project for new breeding cages…” and your organisation name is actually “Dragon Breeders and Trainers of Fairyland” then YES, ask the Letter Writer to fix the error and send through an updated version.

If it is a minor grammatical or even spelling error, you can usually let it pass — sometimes it shows that a human wrote the letter and it isn’t just copy and pasted from somewhere else.

If you personally don’t like the style (ie you think it’s too formal or too casual) don’t worry about that! The author may have their own corporate identity standards to follow and may be required to write that way if they are using that groups’ letterhead. Also the greater variety in writing styles helps show the grant provider that there is diversity amongst your supporters.

If you need the date updated because you are resubmitting a grant 6 or 12-months later to another funding provider, then ask the Letter of Support writer to provide a new copy with an updated date — DO NOT modify the letter yourself, even it if just a change of date!

If you really aren’t happy with the Letter of Support, it may be more diplomatic to simply seek an alternative supporter; rather than ask the original person for a major re-write.

What if someone says “No!” to a Letter of Support Request?

Politely thank them for their consideration of your request! And immediately move on to another contact to see if they can provide you with an appropriate Letter of Support.

Don’t take the negative response personally! There can be many reasons why they can’t assist you at this particular time, but they may be able to assist in the future for a different project.

Often the person who has declined your request will provide a short reason why — it may be that your current project doesn’t align with their organisational goals and aims. Or they may not currently have the time to write the letter at this particular moment, or the person who needs to authorise and sign the final letter is on leave until after your deadline. They may simply not have the same enthusiasm for your project as you do!

Also don’t ask the same people nor organisations time and time again for Letters of Support — try and approach different groups each time.

Further Reading

This article is part of a two-part series on Letters of Support for Grant Applications.

Part 1: Requesting a ‘Letter of Support’ for a Grant Application [This Article] Part 2: Writing a ‘Letter of Support’ for a Grant Application

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By Nicholas Pyers

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How to Write Letters of Support for Grants

by Stephanie Faris

Published on 21 Nov 2018

Organizations rely heavily on grant money, which often means spending at least several weeks each year completing applications to request funding. A letter of support is an important part of any grant request, demonstrating to potential donors that the cause has supporters. If you’ve been asked to write a support letter for a grant, you're likely to feel pressured to do a good job. In actuality, though, you can easily equip yourself to write a winning letter.

Gather Information

Before you get started, it’s important to know as much as possible about the type of letter you’re writing. If you look at a few examples of letters of support, you’ll likely find that many of them have similar elements. From the start, you can see a few essentials you’ll need to put in your letter, including the purpose of the funding and how that money will help the organization further its mission.

On your end, you’ll need to stress the value that the funds will make to the cause, as well as the compelling reasons behind it. For that you’ll need information from the organization on how the money will be spent and what benefits will result from the grant. Apply this information to what you personally know about this organization for a more convincing letter of support. Make sure to ask any questions of the organization that will help you prepare.

Write the Letter of Support

A letter of support for grant money begins with an introduction of its writer. Once you’ve given your name, state the reason you believe the funding is a good idea and present any arguments you have for its benefits to the organization. If it will help a nonprofit to purchase additional equipment that will bring value to members of the community, be specific about the current need for this benefit and the relief it will offer.

To close your letter, mention other organizations that have benefited from this type of support. This could strengthen the nonprofit’s chances of receiving the grant. Sign the letter by stating your own relationship to the organization, whether as a member or simply as someone who supports the work they’re doing. If you have standing in the community that’s notable, it may make an even better impression if you sign using that title.

Being asked to write a letter of support for a grant request is an honor. By taking the time to first ask the organization questions, you’ll have the information you need to create a letter that gets positive results.

Letter of Support Example

Dear Grants Committee:

As a small business owner in South Central, I'm acutely aware of the problem of aimless children in our neighborhood. Groups that work toward directing these children's energies in positive directions are a huge benefit to our local community.

I support The Kids Collective's request for funding to create an afterschool STEM program in our neighborhood. I believe this project is important because of the real difference it can make in the lives of the children of South Central.

The purchase of instruction booklets, science kits and museum memberships will help the group meet their goal of helping every member get a C grade or better in science and math class in the coming year.

I've seen similar programs do amazing things for children who might not otherwise have any interest in the hard sciences. The group at Northwest now has a science bowl team that's going to the state finals this year.

Please give this proposal your full consideration. If you have any questions I can answer, feel free to contact me at 555-5555.

John D. Businessowner

How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Grant Proposal

Customer Success Manager at Instrumentl

Reviewed by:

October 27, 2021

Last Updated:

November 20, 2023

Table of Contents

If you’re applying for a grant, the funder will often ask you to submit a cover letter with your grant proposal.

I know, this can be frustrating. You’re already dedicating time to writing a successful grant proposal . Why do you also have to write a cover letter? 

Although it may seem like extra work, it’s actually a critical step to get right. If you don’t nail it, the funder may pass over your application entirely.

To avoid this, we’re going deep into how to write effective cover letters for grants. In this article, we’ll unpack:

  • What cover letters for grant proposals are
  • Why it is an important piece of your grant application
  • And the six parts of a successful cover letter
  • Templates to get you started
  • Pitfalls to avoid

Let’s dive in!

Grant Proposal Template for Nonprofits (+5 Tips Included)

What are Cover Letters for Grant Proposals?

A cover letter for a grant proposal is a document that goes along with your completed proposal. It is your opportunity to demonstrate that you understand the priorities and interests of the funder and how your work aligns with their goals.

An effective cover letter will communicate why your organization and your program deserve to be funded . It should pique the funder’s interest, getting them to read your full proposal. 

Pro Tip : Cover letters are typically only requested by foundations and corporations . In the case of government grants , they don’t ask for cover letters because they have very specific proposal layouts and requirements.

Only submit a cover letter if the funder requests one. Many funders now utilize online application systems which do not require a cover letter, so make sure you understand the requirements of the specific funder.

Overall, the cover letter provides a taste of your organization and request. It should entice the funder and demonstrate why you are a good fit.

Good grant application letters reference the funder's requirements, is directed toward the funder and not generic, and includes a cover letter.

Why Are Cover Letters Important for Nonprofits?

If you see the cover letter as just a nother checkbox you need to complete before submittign your application, think again. Here are 4 reasons why you need to think hard about writing a grant proposal cover letter that captures the attention of funders.

What good grant cover letters include

First Impressions Matter: Setting the Tone for Your Proposal

The cover letter is the first point of contact that your nonprofit has with a potential funder, and you want to make a good impression ! 

A professional, concise, well-written cover letter sets the tone with the funder for the rest of your proposal. It’s also a chance for you to capture the reader’s attention and get them excited about your proposal.

Building a Connection With Potential Funders

Your cover letter is your opportunity to get the funder engaged .

The cover letter gives you a chance to share your “elevator pitch” with the funder. If a funder walks away from your cover letter feeling excited about your project, you’re leagues ahead of the competition that submitted a dry, cookie cutter cover letter.

Highlighting Key Points From Your Grant Proposal

A grant proposal’s cover letter isn’t all that different from a potential job’s cover letter.

Highlight the key points that will help you stand out above other applicants . Don’t be afraid to brag a little bit! Tell the funder why your proposal or project is unique and impactful. 

But remember—a cover letter is not an executive summary .

Demonstrating Organizational Maturity and Professionalism

Your cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate your organization’s maturity and professionalism . Make it known that you receive and manage a large grant portfolio of grants every year, and that you have experience in maintaining grant compliance .

In doing so, you are showing the funder that they can trust you with their award.

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6 Parts of a Successful Grant Proposal Cover Letter

Below are general formatting tips for your grant’s cover letter:

  • Your cover letter should be written on company letterhead.
  • The date on the cover letter should match the date of your proposal or application.
  • The letter should be contained to one page, consisting of 3-4 paragraphs.
  • Find the appropriate contact person at the funding organization so you can address your letter to a specific person.
  • The address of the funder should be placed at the top of the letter. Format the address as: contact name, title, funder name, address.
  • Use a formal introduction in the salutation, such as “Dear Mr/Mrs.”
  • The letter should be signed by an appropriate official from your organization, such as the Executive Director.
  • Include the word “ENCLOSURE” or “ATTACHMENT” at the bottom to indicate that the letter is part of a larger packet.

In addition to these basic formatting tips, there are 6 basic parts that you should be sure to include in your grant proposal cover letters.

Introduction: Who You Are

Be sure to introduce your organization at the beginning of your cover letter. 

This provides readers with a background understanding of your nonprofit and its purpose. You want to include things such as the name of your organization, your mission and values , and how long you have been in existence.  

About Your Organization: What You Do

In this section, you want to concisely explain what your organization does—include relevant programs and projects. 

This will show that your organization’s work aligns with their mission and giving priorities.

Need Statement: The Problem You're Addressing

Clearly state the problem that your program or project intends to address. 

This demonstrates to the reader that you are filling a gap that exists in your community. You should include data to support your statements when possible so that the funder knows the need is real.

Project Overview: Your Plan

While space is limited in a cover letter, it is important to share outline a well-thought-out project plan. Showing funders how you plan to utilize their funds will help your proposal stand out.

Core parts of a grant cover letter

Funding Request: What You Need

The whole purpose of submitting a grant proposal is to secure funds for a program or project. 

Don’t dance around it. Call out exactly how much money you need for your initiative so that the funder knows up front whether or not your request is in alignment with their giving priorities. 

Pro tip: Often, nonprofits don’t ask for enough funding. To not leave anything on the table, Instrumentl users can quickly uncover how much to ask for in a grant by using our insights on funders.

Closing: Why They Should Support You

You want to end your cover letter by telling the funder why they should support you. Whether it is because your missions are aligned, your project is super unique (ideally, both!), you want to clearly state these reasons in your cover letter. 

Consider closing the letter with an invitation for a site visit or program observation, if appropriate. Be sure to include the contact information for whoever can answer application questions. And end with a confident statement such as “I look forward to speaking with you more about this program.”

 Arguments Why They Should Support You

3 Sample Cover Letters for Grant Proposals

In this section, we have written original sample grant proposal cover letters. Following each example, we break down the good and bad parts of each letter.

1. Following Up After Meeting With The Funder

Grant proposal cover letter example one breakdown.

Here’s why we like this cover letter:

  • Referencing those prior conversations will remind the funder that you’ve already done some leg work in terms of outreach and research into the foundation.
  • This letter includes erveral of the key parts of a successful cover letter, such as the introduction, information about the organization, funding request, project information, and a confident closing. 

The letter is also signed by the executive director and provides her contact information. However, there could be a bit more emotion incorporated into this letter to help the funder form a connection with the organization and the project .

2. Breaking The Ice With A New Funder

Grant proposal cover letter example two breakdown.

Our second grant proposal cover letter example also covers many of the key components: organizational info, funding request, project information, and a closing. 

We really like how the closing in this letter includes an invitation for the funder to tour the facility and see the work in action—this is such a good idea!

This letter is lacking a statement of need , however. Although it clearly shows alignment between the nonprofit’s work and the funder’s mission, there’s no information about why there is a need in this community for support for people suffering from PTSD . Again, some data points would go a long way here in making this a more compelling case for support.

Also note that this letter does not reference any prior conversations with the funder. This is a good template to use if you are applying to a funder for the first time.

3. Renewing Funding From A Previous Funder

Grant proposal cover letter example three breakdown.

Our final example demonstrates how you would write to a funder that has previously funded your organization.

The nonprofit explains how a prior grant from this foundation helped their program; we LOVE that they included data about how many youth were served from the prior grant. This helps the funder really understand the impact of their donation, which will give them confidence in choosing to fund this organization again. 

This letter also does a great job of showing the nonprofit’s alignment with the funder’s mission and work . Again, this instills confidence in the funder that they’re making a good investment with their money.

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Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Grant Proposal Cover Letter

So, we’ve reviewed what a grant proposal cover letter is, why it is important, and what the key parts are that should be included in the letter. 

You’re probably feeling like you’re almost ready to start writing your own cover letters—but hold on. Before you dive in, let’s review some common pitfalls in cover letter writing and how you can avoid making these mistakes.  

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Grant Proposal Cover Letter

Overloading the Cover Letter with Jargon

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when you’re writing a grant proposal cover letter is filling it with industry-specific jargon .  

Don’t try to impress the funder with all the fancy terminology of your industry. Not all funders will understand this lingo, and it could end up confusing them instead of helping to make the case for your project.  

Ignoring Specific Funder Guidelines and Requests

This is a critical mistake that many grant applicants make. Don’t ignore the funder’s guidelines !

Every funder will have different requests—whether they want you to hand-deliver 10 copies of your single-sided application or request a signature from your Board Chair, it’s imperative that you follow these guidelines.  

This relates to the cover letter as well! If a funder specifically says to not include a cover letter, listen to them!

Being Vague or Generic in Your Statements

Another common pitfall that nonprofits fall into is being overly generic and vague in their cover letters . 

To demonstrate why your nonprofit is a good fit for the funding opportunity, share specifics about your organization, background, mission, and goals.  

Another piece of advice—don’t use the generic “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Human Resources” salutation. Find a specific contact to direct your proposal to so that you can personalize the letter.

Instrumentl is a great resource for finding funder details, providing clear insights into who some of the key people within a foundation are.

Overlooking the Importance of Follow-Up Information

All of the examples that we showed you included details on who the funder should contact if they have any questions . This is so important! 

You don’t want a potential funder to be stuck Google-searching information on your nonprofit if they need to contact you. That’s a sure fire way to get your application declined.

Wrapping Things Up: Cover Letters for Grant Proposals

To conclude, make sure you understand funder requirements, obtain information for a direct contact at the funder, and write the cover letter after you complete the grant proposal application. 

If you follow these steps, you will be well on your way to writing a good grant application letter.

For more tips on enhancing your grant proposals, check out these 21 grant writing examples for nonprofits !

Amelie Heurteux

Amelie Heurteux

Amelie Heurteux, a Customer Success Manager at Instrumentl, works day in and day out training nonprofits and grant writers how to efficiently prospect new funders and streamline their grant tracking and management processes.

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grant application letter of support for grant

What Are Grant Letters of Support?

Definition and Examples of Grant Letters of Support

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Grant letters of support are testimonials in favor of a nonprofit from donors, partners, or people served by the nonprofit. Nonprofits can include these testimonials with fundraising letters , in cases for support, and in annual reports.

Learn what makes a letter of support successful, how to get one for your organization, and how these letters compare to a memorandum of agreement.

What Is a Letter of Support?

A letter of support is an outside testimonial that backs up a nonprofit's claims of success and promises to deliver. Letters of support usually accompany a proposal or application for  grant funds . These testimonials show that other people, businesses, and organizations believe that the nonprofit can get the job done.

A letter of support can come from a partner organization, a major donor, another foundation, a congressional representative, an outside business, or a key stakeholder. A support letter might be from community leaders who believe in your program, or it might be from people who will receive the services you propose providing.

Letters of support may include a commitment to help the project. This type of letter might indicate that a certain business not only supports a nonprofit, but it wants to provide a gift-in-kind to support the project. A donor could use their letter of support to commit a specific amount of money to the project. A business's letter of support could include a pledge to loan pro bono volunteers to your project.

How a Letter of Support Works

A letter of support won't necessarily clinch an award, but it could make your grant proposal more competitive, especially when the letter comes from high-level individuals or organizations.

A letter of support shows that others think your proposal has merit. It can signal that your organization enjoys an excellent reputation and that your community supports your work. It provides a compelling and persuasive reason why a funder would want to support your grant application or proposal.

The best letters of support describe how a partner will support the project as applicable. It should convey enthusiasm for the project and lend credibility to your work.

The foundation or government agency offering grants will be impressed by letters of support, commitment, or partnership. The more you can demonstrate that the funder won't be alone in supporting your work, the better your proposal will be received.

Including Letters of Support in Your Grant Proposal 

Before you submit a grant proposal, make a list of people or organizations that will benefit from your proposed project. Set up meetings so you can explain in detail what the project will be, and ask if they would be willing to write a letter of support to help you get the funding you need.

The details of your project should explain the benefits to them and their community. If they agree, provide a draft of a letter that they can use. Ask them to send the letter to you by a particular date so you can include them with your grant application.

If the person or organization would prefer to write their own letter of support, you can instead provide vital information in bullet points or short paragraphs to make it easier to write a great recommendation. Examples of helpful information might include:

  • A summary of the project the grant will fund
  • How the project meshes with the interests of the funder
  • Examples of how the grant will help your organization fulfill its mission
  • Excerpts from a previous letter of support that worked well
  • The person or organization receiving the letter

Encourage the writer to avoid generic and vague salutations like "To whom it may concern." Provide specific names and, if it applies, a grant application number.

Letter of Support vs. Memorandum of Agreement

Letters of support frequently come from other organizations that have agreed to be a partner for the project your group is offering. Sometimes this type of support letter takes the form of a formal partnership agreement or a memorandum of agreement (MOA). Some grantmakers may even require an organization to have an MOA with a partner group.

If you plan to work closely with another group on a project, the terms of the partnership should be clearly spelled out in writing. The MOA should describe a cooperative relationship between two organizations, in addition to detailing how you'll use the funds from a potential grantmaker.

Details to include in an MOA include a description of roles, responsibilities, terms, and the details of the partnership on which both parties agree. It should be signed by authorized representatives of both organizations. Submit it with your proposal or application for a government or  foundation  grant.

Key Takeaways

  • Grant letters of support are testimonials on behalf of an organization written by that organization's previous donors, partners, or people served by the organization.
  • Some grantors may require letters of support before grant money can be distributed.
  • A letter of support can also be a memorandum of agreement, which outlines how two groups will work together on a project.

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How to Write a Letter of Support for a Grant

grant writing

December 17, 2021

Letter of support for a grant

Get started on writing a letter of support for a grant with this blog!

When applying for grants, a letter of support showcases your suitability and improves future chances of further funding. It’s a small but important part of the grant funding process . With this blog, you’ll be clued in on what you need in a letter of support for a grant.

What is a letter of support?

A letter of support is used to add validity to your grant proposal. In the case that multiple stakeholders or organisations are involved in delivering your project, they’ll have to write this document..

A letter of support for a grant can come from your partners. They can also come from any third party that have faith in you achieving the grant’s goals. They outline their contributions to the project, and how they will help you achieve your desired goals. If you’ve worked with the partners before, these letters should also be seen as testimonials.

They help to:

  • Assure the funder of the applicant’s credibility
  • Showcase their level of commitment to the project
  • Give the applicant a chance to present their qualifications and past successes
  • Convey enthusiasm for the project
  • Provide a unique, written point of view of your collaborator/consultant.

The structure

So, we’ve defined the functions of a letter of support for a grant . Now let’s outline how the third party would structure the document.

Heading, introduction, date

This is vital, as it’ll be the first thing they assess in their search for the right applicant. The proposal title needs to be near the top of your document. Make sure you address the funding contact in the correct title and capture them with personal, persuasive writing. Inform them of who you are, and why your opinion should matter to the funder.

If you have experience with the specific subject matter, utilise this to win the funding. Showcase the suitability of the applicant through their work with you. This is a good place to describe your relationship with the applicant.

Main body of text

What conclusions have you come to about the applicant and how they will fulfil the grant? Do you feel they’re cut out for it? This is where your faith comes into play. What problems did the applicant solve when they were working with you? How hard did they work to get the desired result? If you’ve worked previously with the applicant, what specific skills did the applicant showcase? In doing this, you answer questions the funder might have about the applicant’s abilities. You also provide evidence of a productive working relationship.

Ultimately, this document is your last chance to appeal to the funder and demonstrate the applicant’s suitability for the grant. At this point, you’ll be outlining and recapping the points made throughout the document. You will be ensuring the reviewer knows just how suitable the applicant is. A letter of support for a grant needs a conclusion, as the funder weighs up your points.

Here are some tips to help you improve your letter of support for a grant:

Proofreading.

This is one of the first things the grant funder will read whilst they are considering the applicant. If you can’t effectively communicate your enthusiasm and faith in the applicant, they’re unlikely to succeed. It helps if you have a second pair of eyes to look over the document. If you don’t have anyone available to proofread it, take a day out and come back to it. You’ll be looking at the document through fresh eyes, which helps immensely.

Ensure correct formatting

If your formatting is incorrect, it cuts into the credibility you’ve been building throughout the document. In the grant documents, the funder might set out specific formatting instructions, so it’s wise to follow them.

Try not to transform the letter into sales

This may seem strange, but the funder will know if you’re being too pushy. Refrain from using pushy language and the funder will appreciate you for it. It may be the case that your letter is refreshing, as your competition litters their pages with sales-focused language.

Discuss the outcomes

Describe how you will be an active part in the success of this project if it were to be funded. More importantly, what outcomes are to be expected? This step is vital in writing a letter of support for a grant.

Page limits

Depending on the size, an average letter of support shouldn’t go over two pages in length. This ensures that you’re writing about relevant information and allows you to focus on larger parts of the proposal.

Now you have a greater idea of how a letter of support for a grant can help you win your proposal . Although a smaller part of the process, they still help in your first, second or third grants.

In case you need a recap, we looked over:

  • What exactly a letter of support is and its function
  • How you should structure your letter of support
  • Tips on what to include in your letter of support.

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Pottawattamie County Supervisors Approve Letters of Support for the City of Walnut and Play Haven Childcare Grant Application

(Pottawattamie Co) The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors approved a letter of support for the Play Haven Childcare Grant application.

Board Chair Susan Miller said Play Haven Childcare is a project that has been in the works in the City of Walnut.

The Supervisors also approved a letter of support for the City of Walnut for the Walnut Main Street Program Application.

And, the Supervisors approved a request from the Historical Society to put a historical plaque on the Green Valley Cemetery gate.

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COMMENTS

  1. Writing a Letter of Support for Grants: Examples and Frameworks

    The letter of support should emphasize the writer's personal connection to the project and highlight the project's importance and potential benefits. The letter should be persuasive, clearly written, and provide examples of how the project can make a difference in people's lives. Letters of support are a powerful tool in your grant ...

  2. Writing a Letter of Support for Grant (Persuasive Examples)

    Following are some examples: Sample 01. Dear Grant Review Committee, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the grant application titled "Impact of Urbanization on Local Bee Populations," submitted by Dr. Marcus Yi, a distinguished colleague at the University of Springfield.

  3. Learn How to Write a Persuasive Letter of Support for Grant

    To write a formal letter of support for a funding application, keep the following in mind: 1. Begin by addressing the letter to the appropriate recipient and state your purpose clearly. 2. Provide specific reasons why the project or initiative is deserving of funding, highlighting its potential impact and benefits. 3.

  4. 11 Free Grant Letter of Support Templates & Examples

    Offer money, volunteer time, supplies, your special skills, or a place to meet. Prove Your Awesome: Mention a past project you helped with that was a success (if you have one!). Step 4: The Grand Finale. Summarize Your Support: Remind them in a few sentences why you believe in this project.

  5. How to Write Support Letters for Grants Nonprofit

    Attach the PDF to the email and mention it in the email body. 3. Personalize Your Message. In the email body, provide a personalized introduction and context for the support letter. Address the recipient by name, express your connection to the nonprofit, and briefly explain the purpose of the letter. 4.

  6. How to Write a Convincing Letter of Support for Grant

    Convince the reader of your enthusiasm for the project. If you're addressing the letter to the applicant (instead of the funding agency), you may want to add a note here wishing them well in the application process. Sign off- End with a polite close (e.g. "Sincerely,") and be sure to actually sign the letter.

  7. How to Write a Letter of Support for a Grant: Expert Tips and

    Highlight the main objectives: Based on your analysis, identify the grant's primary objectives and desired outcomes. Keep these principles in mind while writing your letter to ensure you address key concerns. To help you streamline this process, be sure to: Take note of important deadlines and submission requirements.

  8. How to Write an Effective Letter of Support

    Statement of support for the project/research - use words that convey enthusiasm. Identify the research project by name/title. Examples: "I am pleased to support your research proposal titled xxxx.". "Your proposal to do xxxx has my enthusiastic support.". Body Paragraphs (1-3 paragraphs, or more as necessary)

  9. Getting Stellar Letters of Support for Your Grant

    Step 2: Prep Your Request For Letters Of Support. We also provide a template for this in the Global Grant Writers Collective but the basics is that you want to provide instructions on how to submit a letter of support to you. This structure provides a comfortable outline as a starting point, while still allowing plenty of room in the "sandbox ...

  10. How to Leverage Impactful Letters of Support For Your Grant

    A letter of support for a grant is a testimonial from another person or organization. It serves as a character witness, backing up your claims with tangible evidence that your organization is able to do what you say it can do. This document is an important part of a grant proposal, and it adds another layer of credibility to your organization ...

  11. What to include in a letter of support for a grant

    Letters of support should: Thoroughly detail the agreement or relationship as it pertains to the grant application. Include the representative's signature and organization letterhead. Add testimonies that prove the grant applicant's suitability for the project/relationship. Cite specific successes, metrics, goals, and objectives.

  12. Types of Letters for Grant Applications

    Letters of Support. Your application must include letters of support from your institution, key personnel, collaborators, and other significant contributors. Reference Letters. Some types of programs, such as fellowships (F) or mentored research career development (K) awards, require you to request letters of reference before you apply.

  13. 12 Persuasive Letter of Support Examples (Grant, Financial)

    A letter of support is a document written by a third party to explain why a nonprofit organization deserves to receive funding for its programs and services. It is written to boost the nonprofit's application or proposal for a grant. In addition, the third-party organization or business writing the support letter is required to demonstrate ...

  14. Writing a 'Letter of Support' for a Grant Application

    The Letter of Support should be a minimum of half a page long (including letterhead) but ideally no longer than a single page. There are always exceptions to this rule, but 95% of the time a single page is sufficient and any longer can actually have a negative effect. Some tips for helping make the letter fit on a single page;

  15. Requesting a 'Letter of Support' for a Grant Application

    For grant submissions, a Letter of Support is a letter written by people in the community, often representing other community groups, local businesses, or other key stakeholders, to show support for a project and why that project is important for not only the grant applicant, but also the wider community. Most grant applications now require at ...

  16. Letters Of Support

    Letters Of Support - Done Right. 2017-07-28 / in Grant Writing Success / by GrantsEdge. Letters of support can seem like an "add-on" and you may even wonder if they really make a difference. We're here to say they do. Quality letters of support can help you get a "yes" verdict on your grant application. Keep reading to find out what ...

  17. How to Write Letters of Support for Grants

    Write the Letter of Support. A letter of support for grant money begins with an introduction of its writer. Once you've given your name, state the reason you believe the funding is a good idea and present any arguments you have for its benefits to the organization. If it will help a nonprofit to purchase additional equipment that will bring ...

  18. How To Write a Grant Proposal Cover Letter (With Example)

    If you're planning to write a cover letter for your grant proposal, here are some helpful steps you can follow: 1. Use a formal header. At the top of a grant proposal cover letter, most professionals choose to include a formal header. In this section, you can include elements such as: Your contact information.

  19. How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Grant Proposal

    The address of the funder should be placed at the top of the letter. Format the address as: contact name, title, funder name, address. Use a formal introduction in the salutation, such as "Dear Mr/Mrs.". The letter should be signed by an appropriate official from your organization, such as the Executive Director.

  20. Grant Letters of Support: What Are They?

    Grant letters of support are testimonials on behalf of an organization written by that organization's previous donors, partners, or people served by the organization. Some grantors may require letters of support before grant money can be distributed. A letter of support can also be a memorandum of agreement, which outlines how two groups will ...

  21. Letters of Support

    Your application should include letters of support from your institution, key personnel, collaborators, and other significant contributors. Relevant letters of support will assure your peer reviewers that your collaborations and institutional commitments are on the right track. What To Include The letter text should demonstrate the commitment of your institution and contributors. Summarize the ...

  22. How To Write An Effective Grant Proposal

    Before sending over a full, long grant proposal, you'd typically first send a letter of inquiry. Many trusts and foundations require a letter of inquiry or request of an application prior to submitting your application. The letter of inquiry serves as an introduction to your project and a way to gauge interest from the funding committee.

  23. How to Write a Letter of Support for a Grant

    When applying for grants, a letter of support showcases your suitability and improves future chances of further funding...

  24. Pottawattamie County Supervisors Approve Letters of Support for the

    (Pottawattamie Co) The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors approved a letter of support for the Play Haven Childcare Grant application. Board Chair Susan Miller said Play Haven Childcare is a project that has been in the works in the City of Walnut. And, the Supervisors approved a request from ...

  25. Applications for New Awards; Graduate Assistance in Areas of National

    Minimum and Maximum Award: The amount of a grant to an academic department may not be less than $100,000 and may not be more than $750,000 in a fiscal year (648.5(a)). Estimated Average Size of Awards: $336,306 based on an average of 6 Federal GAANN fellowships requested per grant application. Estimated Number of Awards: 60.