Letter of Inquiry is a formal request for funding that clearly and concisely describes the project, its aims, its significance, its duration and the amount of funds required. The document should be written in a formal, organized manner.
A successful Letter of Inquiry typically addresses the following (4-6 pages):
What problem does your project address? Why is this issue significant? What is the relationship of the problem/issue to the funding organization priorities as noted in its information materials and website?
What strengths and skills does your organization and personnel bring to this project?
What makes your organization the right one to conduct this project?
Who will lead the project? Identify key personnel and attach resumes.
What do you intend to demonstrate or prove? What means will you use? If the project is already under way, what have you accomplished so far?
If you are requesting funding from the organization as part of a larger project, specify which activities you are requesting the foundation to fund and how they relate to the larger project.
What outcomes do you expect, both immediate and long term?
If you have requested funds from other sources (or plan to), please list those sources and note the status of your request.
What plans do you have to disseminate information to the public about your project?