how to write cover letter for grant

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

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.

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 taht 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.

Click to find the best grants for your nonprofit from 12,000+ active opportunities.

Search 150+ subcategories

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.

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.”

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.

Get access to weekly advice and grant writing templates

10k+ grant writers have already subscribed

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, 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.

Become a Stronger Grant Writer in Just 5 Minutes

Try instrumentl.

The best tool for finding & organizing grants

10 Ready-to-Use Cold Email Templates That Break The Ice With Funders

Transform funder connections with our 10 expert-crafted cold email templates. Engage, build bonds, showcase impact, and elevate conversations effortlessly.

Share this Article

Related posts, 5 tips for using ai to write grants: 4 experts putting it to the test.

These days, it feels like Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. We spoke to four industry experts to learn how they are—or are not—using AI to support their grant-seeking efforts.

How to Make Your Letter of Inquiry Stand Out To Funders

Learn how to write compelling Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) with practical advice from grant experts. Discover essential tips from recorded events with Arnisha Johnson and Margit Brazda Poirier to increase your chances of success in securing funding for your nonprofit.

These Grant Writers Raised Millions: Tactics They Swear By To Win Over Funders

Unlock the secrets to becoming a game-changing grants professional with insights from industry experts who have secured millions in funding. Learn from their years of experience.

128 reviews | High Performer status on g2.com

How to Write an Effective Grant Proposal Cover Letter

Make It Brief but Inviting

Image by Ran Zheng ÃÂ© The Balance 2020

Nonprofit Organizations
Retail Small Business
Restauranting
Real Estate
Import/Export Business
Freelancing & Consulting
Food & Beverage
Event Planning
Construction
Operations & Success
Becoming an Owner

When Do You Include a Cover Letter?

Attributes of a good cover letter, formatting your cover letter, how long should the cover letter be, sample cover letter, mistakes to avoid in your cover letter, make your cover letter stand out.

Joanne Fritz is an expert on nonprofit organizations and philanthropy. She has over 30 years of experience in nonprofits.

Although the main parts of your grant proposal will take up most of your time and energy, don't shortchange your cover letter. Attention to the subtler points of putting the proposal package together can make or break a funding request. Don't turn off your funder with a sloppy cover letter.

Mim Carlson and Tori O'Neal-McElrath, authors of Winning Grants, Step by Step , point out that the cover letter should:

Introduce your organization to the correct person.
Assure the funder that this project has the support of your board of directors .
State what you are asking for - how much and for what.

Use a cover letter for proposals to corporations and foundations, but not for federal or state grant applications. Those funders only want what they ask for, and they rarely ask for a cover letter.

Your cover letter should:

Get to the point quickly
Does not repeat the information that is in the proposal
Tell the reader how well you understand the funder and how your grant fulfills the funder's requirements

Beverly A. Browning, the author of Grant Writing for Dummies , suggests that you write the cover letter after you've completed the entire proposal, and when you are in a reflective mood. Browning says:

"As you consider your great achievement (the finished funding request), let the creative, right side of your brain kick in and connect your feelings of accomplishment to the person who will help make your plans come true."

Use your organization's letterhead. Put the same date on the cover letter that is on the completed grant application. That is the date you will send the grant proposal to the grantor. Using the same date makes all the documents in your proposal package consistent.
For the inside address (goes at the top of the letter) use the foundation or corporate contact person's name and title, followed by the funding source's name, address, city, state, and zip code. Double-check this information with a telephone call or an email. Such information changes frequently, so make sure you have the current name and address.
In your salutation, use "Dear" plus the personal title (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Messrs., etc.), followed by the last name. It is critical that you address the letter to a particular person. Call the foundation or corporate office to make sure you have the right person and the correct personal title. These details may seem unimportant, but they do matter.
Your first paragraph should be short and focused. Introduce your organization (its legal name, which will be your corporate name ) and tell the funder how much money you are requesting and why. Include a sentence or two about what your organization does, and then include one research-based point that shows there is a need for what your organization does.
Write one or two more brief paragraphs. State your project's purpose and how it fits with the funder's mission or funding priorities. Include the fact that your board of directors fully supports the project.
End your letter with a summarizing paragraph. Add what this funding partnership can mean for your project's target audience. You might want to include an invitation for a site visit as well.
Use a closing such as "Sincerely."
The letter should be signed by the executive director or the board president, or both. Below the signature, type the signer's first name, middle initial, last name, and job title. Although the ED or board president should sign the letter, do include the contact information for the best person to answer questions at the end of the last paragraph.
At the bottom of the letter, include the word, "ENCLOSURE" (in all caps).

Limit your cover letter to one page with three or four paragraphs. It should be a quick read.

The tone and specifics of your cover letter may vary depending on whether you've been invited to submit a full proposal after sending a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) , or if this project is your organization's first approach to this particular foundation.

Mary Smith, PhD

Program Officer

Community Foundation

4321 Common Lane

Some City, YZ 55555

Dear Dr. Smith:

The Some City Senior Center respectfully requests a grant of $50,000 for our Senior Latino Community Outreach Pilot Project.

As the largest senior center in Any County, serving over 450 seniors every day, we are aware of the changing demographics in our service area. And we are committed to growing and adapting our center to meet emerging needs. The Senior Latino Community Outreach Pilot Project will allow us to pilot a one-year effort to determine if our center can effectively:

Provide comprehensive access to health and social services to seniors in the Latino communities served by our center, and

Raise and fully integrate the cultural competency of the board, staff, and volunteers of the Some City Senior Center.

Our board of directors is enthusiastic about this program and eager to launch it so we can become the most inclusive and culturally competent center for seniors in all of our communities that need these services. Should we find at the end of our pilot year that this program is, in fact, successful, our board has committed to including a portion of the project's yearly expenses into our annual operating budget so that the program becomes an integral part of our core services.

Through this project, the Center will become the primary referral given by Health Access Latinos, Families of Any County, and three community clinics within a fifteen-mile radius of our center. We will also accept referrals of Spanish-speaking seniors from any other community agency in our immediate service area.

Thank you for your consideration of our request. I will follow up with you in the next week to answer any questions you might have, as well as to learn whether we might meet with you to discuss the merits of our proposal. Meanwhile, should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Connie Jones, our Director of Development, at (555) 555-5555, x555, or cjones@scsc.org.

Jane Lovely

Executive Director

*Letter reprinted (with modifications) with permission from Winning Grants, Step by Step, Second Edition, Tori O'Neal-McElrath, Jossey-Bass, 2008.

Writing too much. A cover letter is not a dissertation, nor is it a full proposal. Keep it short and to the point Tip: Have someone else read it. Do they understand it?
Using big words . If you've been to graduate school, you learned to write in a complicated way. Don't do that here. You're not trying to impress someone with your erudition. You only want to state your case as naturally as possible. If you don't know when you're overcomplicating your writing, use an app such as Hemingway . It will tell you when your sentences are hard to read and when you are too wordy.
Making Grammatical Mistakes . If you're not sure of your grammar, don't take chances. Use the grammar check in WORD, and, also run your draft through an app such as Grammarly . There is a free version, but the paid version goes well beyond the necessary grammar check.

Sad to say, but your grant proposal may be among hundreds or thousands that a typical foundation will see during an average year. Your cover letter can make the difference in getting to the next step towards funding. But how can you make it stand out?

Don't try anything "cute," as foundation officials will not be impressed.

The cover letter would not be appropriate for a story about a client , although you should have a story for other parts of your proposal, such as the description of the problem. Include a paragraph about why your organization is the one that can best accomplish this mission. Survey your competitive organizations and assess just how and where you excel. That may be in the strength of your staff and volunteers, your experience with this particular problem, or the community support you enjoy.

You don't need to mention the names of competitors or criticize them. Just highlight your strengths. This would be a good time to consult with others around the office. Pull a few people together and brainstorm how your nonprofit excels.

Fundamentally, the cover letter should be forward moving, easy-to-read and compel the reader into the larger proposal. Don't put any obstacles in the way of the reader that might deter them from reading further.

How to Write a Great Grant Proposal Cover Letter

Become a Certified Grant Writer

Although your grant proposal cover letter isn’t the most exciting part of the grant proposal, it’s still vital to get funding. T he cover letter is the first contact point a potential organization or funder will have with your nonprofit project.

It’s like going out on a date. Sure, looks aren’t everything. Nevertheless, if you utterly don’t care about how you dress, you’re making it harder for yourself.

And just like your looks, you want to make your grant application cover letter simple and focused on impressing a particular person. It’s the first contact with the executive or organization you wish to request funding. If you want them to read your grant proposal request, they’ll have to like the cover letter first.

More crucial steps will come later, presuming the funder reads your cover letter. Although you can search for sample cover letters, they are usually hard to find.

Research shows that about 35% of grant funders funded 50% or more of the received grant requests. So, your grant proposal cover letter needs to be a complete home run. Here’s how.

How to Write a Grant Proposal Cover Letter

How to writer a grant proposal cover letter

First of all, an average grant proposal letter shouldn’t be more than one page long. Cover letters are the pitch of your detailed grant proposal. Think of it as a summary of your book.

Before writing the first paragraph, you should open the letter with the contact’s name, title, address, and other related information. Although this might sound obvious, double-check that the contact information is correct. There are countless examples of rushed letters. You don’t want your project to crumble due to a misspelled executive director name.

Do your research before starting the cover letter. You can quickly find the correct information via a single call, email, or simply by doing some Internet scavenging.

Similarly, address the person with “Dear” and add a personal title such as Mr. or Mrs. Again, it’s cover letter 101, so it will feel even worse if you misspell the first step.

If this doesn’t seem like a big deal, look at it like this. Executives have a keen eye for sloppiness. Since they will skim any cover letter first rather than reading it to the last paragraph, you don’t want mistakes popping out.

The initial information tells the funder you didn’t go in headfirst, and proper addressing tells them you’re a potential candidate. If the letter lacks, you’ll be mistaken for a novice instead of a candidate worthy of doing business.

If you’re interested in learning more about the grant writing process, then take a look at our grant writing certification course.

Get Straight to the Point in Your Grant Proposal Cover Letter

Everybody knows why you’re writing a grant proposal cover letter; it’s in the name. Meaning, there’s no reason to sugarcoat it.

After you nail the introduction, it’s time to introduce yourself and your organization. In the first paragraph, format the content into two sentences maximum. Here, you’ll write who you are and your job title. That’s it.

Next, get right to the point. Describe why your organization or foundation needs the grant, what’s your mission, and most importantly, the budget you’re requesting. Maybe you’re working on a community project, or it’s a charity. Either way, make it brief.

While on the topic, you should create a proposal for grants of all sizes. Even if a smaller grant doesn’t suffice, having it can attract larger grants. There are about 900 federal grant programs . Don’t limit yourself.

Another great touch is to validate your project via research. If you have cold data that justifies your organization’s existence, rarely will anyone find a way to object.

If you’re not 100% sure how to format the paragraph, create a sample cover and share it with friends or co-workers. Write the section, read the grant request introduction, then ask two questions .

Can you tell me what the project is about? – Although the mission is clear to you as a writer, it might read astrophysical development documents to a fresh pair of eyes.
How did you feel when you read the requested funding? – This is to see how another person will react. Keep in mind that how your friend and the funder reacts can differ.

Methods, Strategies & Solutions

In the next paragraph, you should explain how you plan to use the grant to the grantor. By doing this, you’re effectively telling the funder that you have a plan in motion. You can also include a graphical modal for visual representation, depending on the format.

Some writers like to use a numbered sample. The format can work both when you’re explaining your goals and strategies:

The organization’s four main goals
The project’s five phases

Usually, you want to back up each number with further details. Although an excellent overview, simply including a couple of numbers in your letter won’t suffice. Find the balance between simplicity and complexity. Numbering provides a clear summary, while further details should give the letter a more professional tone.

An additional touch is to offer a timeline where you explain significant milestone and their due dates. You can also do that by using a brief bullet-point format. The timestamps can be months or quarters, depending on the project’s length.

Again, remember you’ll go into full detail in the grant proposal. Although defining strategies and methods isn’t crucial for the cover letter, add it if you can fit it on that one page.

Cover Letters & Necessary Data

After the mission details and budget proposals, it’s time to quickly cover organization info and structure. It can be tedious, but every grant proposal needs it, especially if you grab their attention.

Again, keep it short. Explain your corporate structure and related information in just a couple of sentences, including the founding date. Grant proposals require the data, and although you’re not writing a contract but a cover letter, you still need to present the essential information.

You should also explain how your project matches the funder’s and why the funder should give you the support and funding priority.

As always, double-check the information in your proposal letter, especially if you’re running a nonprofit organization. It’s somewhat easier to get grants for a nonprofit project, but funders are more likely to check the details. Although many think that foundation funding is the primary source for nonprofits, about 80% of income comes from other sources.

If the grant funder likes your cover letter, you want to make it easy for them to contact you about the grant proposal.

Always end all your cover letters with a positive closing line such as “Looking forward to your response.” The goal is for the letter to sound optimistic, grateful, but not needy.

Sign the letter and if your organization has an executive director, have them sign as well.

Common grant proposal cover letter elements

Cover Letter Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

For the final polish of your proposal, you can do things to give the letter a more personal and professional touch.

Ask for Feedback

Before pressing “send,” have co-workers read the sample of the proposal one more time. Good feedback is hard to find, and once you make contact, the fabled typos become irreversible. Don’t be gun shy to even reach out to your wider community for support.

Send the proposal sample page to anyone you can and collect their feedback. Naturally, you don’t want to spend half of your waking life collecting feedback. Still, a cover letter is just words on a paper without the reader understanding what you want, especially when they’re giving you money.

If still not convinced, it takes between 80 to 200 hours to write a grant proposal, and it can cost several thousand dollars if you’re hiring a grant writer . You don’t want a single page to ruin all the hard work.

Use Plain English

We all want to impress others. But using complex words can easily backfire and ruin your chance.

The point of a proposal letter isn’t to show your vocabulary but to state your case as straightforward as possible. If you’re unsure if you’re overdoing it, some helpful apps and websites will tell you if a sentence is too long or too complex.

Final Formatting

Ensure the dates match since you’ll have a date both in the cover letter and the main grant proposal. You don’t want to send a proposal where the grant proposal has April 5th while the cover letter has November 27th. This goes for other files you’ll send as well.

The cover letter should use single-space and leave space between addresses in the heading. Double-space means less room to write the limited information you need. This doesn’t mean you should delete the area between paragraphs. Give the letter room to breathe.

Although unnecessary, it can be a nice touch if you place your signature in live ink. Leave about three empty spaces the complimentary close and your name for the signature.

Send the Cover Letter in PDF

If you’re emailing the grant proposal letter, email the document in PDF. There’s a chance the foundation will offer to sign documents digitally. Additionally, unlike other text files, PDF is safe from malware. Meaning, a PDF will not only look competent but will also leave a good impression in the eyes of the more “tech-savvy” grant funders.

If you are new to grant writing and are looking to break-in, we recommend taking our Grant Writing Certification Course , where you will learn the fundamentals of being a grant writer, how to write proposals that win grants, and how to stand out as a grant writing candidate.

We offer a wide variety of programs and courses built on adaptive curriculum and led by leading industry experts.

Work on projects in a collaborative setting
Take advantage of our flexible plans and community
Get access to experts, templates, and exclusive events

Become a Certified Technical Writer. Professionals finish the training with a full understanding of how to guide technical writer projects using documentation foundations, how to lead writing teams, and more.

Become a Certified UX Writer. You'll learn how to excel on the job with writing microcopy, content design, and creating conversation chatbots.

Become a Certified Grant Writer. In this course, we teach the fundamentals of grant writing, how to create great grant proposals, and how to stand out in the recruiting process to land grant writing jobs.

Please check your email for a confirmation message shortly.

Join 5000+ Technical Writers

Get our #1 industry rated weekly technical writing reads newsletter.

Your syllabus has been sent to your email

Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Grant Proposal

Writing a grant proposal is incredibly time-consuming.

No joke. It's one of the most complicated documents you could write in your entire life.

There are different requirements, expectations, and formats—not to mention all the prep work you need to do, like market research and clarifying your project timeline.

Depending on the type of company or organization you represent and which grants you’re applying for, your grant could run anywhere from a dozen to a hundred pages. It’s a lot of work, and we’re here to help.

In this guide to grant proposals, we offer writing steps and examples, as well as resources and templates to help you start applying for funding right away.

Graphic showing increased success when writing grant proposals

Types of grant proposals

Grant proposals typically fall into one of these main categories:

Research grant proposals - Research grant proposals are usually sent by university professors or private research organizations in order to fund research into medical, technological, engineering, and other advancements.

Nonprofit grant proposals - Nonprofits send grant proposals to philanthropic organizations and government agencies to acquire funds for community development, health, education, and similar projects.

Technology grant proposals - Grant proposals can also be sent by technology companies (software, hardware, solar, recycling, environmental, manufacturing, health, and other types of tech companies). These proposals are often sent to large government organizations looking for solutions to current and future problems, as well as VC firms looking to invest in smart startups.

Small business grant proposals - Local governments often give grant awards to small businesses to help them kickstart, market, or expand.

Arts grants - Grants allow artists that would otherwise lack the financial resources to devote extended periods of time to their art. They might need to complete an installation that can be enjoyed by the community as part of the grant.

Grant RFP proposals - There can also be a request for proposals (RFP) for just about anything. From multinational organizations like the UN to family philanthropic grants, you can find RFPs for a variety of projects.

How to prep before you write

Before you can sit down to write your grant proposal, you’ll need to have a deep understanding of:

Existing scientific literature (for research grants) or relevant reports and statistics

Market and competitor landscape

Current available solutions and technologies (and why they’re not good enough)

Expected positive impact of your project

The methods and strategies you’ll employ to complete your project

Project phases and timelines

Project budget (broken down into expense categories)

With these things all buttoned down, you’ll have a much easier time writing the sections that cover those details, as well as the sections that highlight their meaning and importance (such as your statement of need and objectives).

Create a document where you can play around. Take notes, write down ideas, link out to your research, jot down different potential budgets, etc.

Then, when you’re ready to write, create a fresh document for your actual grant proposal and start pulling from your notes as needed.

How to write a grant proposal (ideal format)

Now, let’s get writing.

The ideal outline for a grant proposal is:

Cover Letter

Executive summary, table of contents, statement of need, project description, methods and strategies, execution plan and timeline, evaluation and expected impact, organization bio and qualifications.

If you’re not writing a super formal grant proposal, you might be able to cut or combine some of these sections. When in doubt, check with the funding agency to learn their expectations for your proposal. They might have an RFP or other guidelines that specify the exact outline they want you to follow.

Note: In business proposals, the cover letter and executive summary are the same, and those phrases are used interchangeably. But for grant proposals, the cover letter is a short and simple letter, while the executive summary offers a description of key aspects of the proposal.

In your cover letter, you'll write a formal introduction that explains why you are sending the proposal and briefly introduces the project.

What to include :

The title of the RFP you are responding to (if any)

The name of your proposed project (if any)

Your business or nonprofit organization name

A description of your business or organization, 1-2 sentences

Why you are submitting the proposal, in 1-2 sentences

What you plan to do with the funds, in 2-4 sentences

Dear [Name], The Rockville Community Garden is responding to the city of Rockville’s request for proposals for nonprofit community improvement projects. The Rockville Community Garden is a space for relaxation, healthy eating, exercise, and coming together. We are submitting a proposal to request funding for Summer at the Garden. Every summer, parents are tasked with finding childcare for their children, and we have received countless requests to host a summer camp. We're requesting funding to cover tuition for 100 low-income children ages 5 to 12. The funds will make our summer camp accessible to those who need it most. Thank you for your consideration, [Signature] [Title]

The executive summary of a grant proposal goes into far more detail than the cover letter. Here, you’ll give

Statement of Need overview, in 2 - 5 sentences

Company Bio and Qualifications, in 2 - 5 sentences

Objectives, in 2 - 5 sentences

Evaluation and Expected Impact, in 2 - 5 sentences

Roman architecture stands the test of time until it doesn’t. Roman building techniques can last thousands of years but will crumble to dust instantaneously when earthquakes strike. Meanwhile, our own building techniques of reinforced concrete and steel last only a couple of centuries. Ancient Architecture Research firm is dedicated to modernizing roman building techniques to create new structures that are earthquake safe and sustainable. Our principle investigators hold PhDs from renowned architecture universities and have published in numerous journals. Our objectives for the research grant are to create a prototype structure using Roman building techniques and test it on a shake table to simulate an earthquake. The prototype will pave the way for our application for an amendment to the California building code to permit unreinforced masonry construction. With the success of the prototype, we will prove the safety and viability of this technique. This project will have an enormous potential impact on several crises plaguing the state of California now and in the future: disaster relief, affordable housing, homelessness, and climate migration. Unreinforced masonry construction can be taught and learned by amateur builders, allowing volunteers to quickly deploy temporary or permanent structures.

Next up, you need your Table of Contents! Make sure it matches the names of each of your following sections exactly. After you’ve written, edited, and finalized your grant proposal, you should then enter accurate page numbers to your TOC.

Next up is the statement of need. This is where you sell why you’re submitting your grant request and why it matters.

A description of who will benefit from your proposal

Market and competitive analysis

Statistics that paint a picture of the problem you’re solving

Scientific research into how the problem is expected to worsen in the future

Reasons why your small business deserves funding (founder story, BIPOC founder, female founder, etc.)

While women hold 30% of entry-level jobs in tech, they only make up 10% of C-suite positions. The Female Leadership Initiative seeks to develop women tech leaders for the benefit of all genders. Female leaders have been proven to positively impact work-life balance, fairer pay, creativity, innovation, teamwork, and mentorship.

In this section, you’ll describe the basics of your research project, art project, or small business plan. This section can be kept fairly short (1 - 3 paragraphs), because you’ll be clarifying the details in the next 5 paragraphs.

The name of your project (if any)

Who will benefit from your project

How your project will get done

Where your project will take place

Who will do the project

The Fair Labor Project will seek to engage farm workers in the fields to identify poor working conditions and give back to those who ensure food security in our communities. Trained Spanish-speaking volunteers will visit local farms and speak with workers about their pay and work conditions, helping to uncover any instances of abuse or unfair pay. Volunteers will also pass out new work gloves and canned food. Volunteers will also place orders for work boots and ensure that boots are later delivered to workers that need them.

You should also write out clear goals and objectives for your grant proposal. No matter the type of agency, funding sources always want to see that there is a purpose behind your work.

Measurable objectives tied directly to your proposed project

Why these objectives matter

We seek to boost volunteer turnout for our voter registration efforts by 400%, allowing us to reach an additional 25,000 potential voters and five additional neighborhoods.

Now it’s time to clarify how you’ll implement your project. For science and technology grants, this section is especially important. You might do a full literature review of current methods and which you plan to use, change, and adapt. Artists might instead describe their materials or process, while small business grant writers can likely skip this section.

The names of the methods and strategies you will use

Accurate attribution for these methods and strategies

A literature review featuring the effectiveness of these methods and strategies

Why you are choosing these methods and strategies over others

What other methods and strategies were explored and why they were ultimately not chosen

“We plan to develop our mobile app using React Native. This framework is widely regarded as the future of mobile development because of the shared codebase that allows developers to focus on features rather than create everything from scratch. With a high workload capacity, react native also provides user scalability, which is essential for our plan to offer the app for free to residents and visitors of Sunny County.”

You’ll also need to cover how you plan to implement your proposal. Check the RFP or type or grant application guidelines for any special requirements.

Project phases

The reasoning behind these phases

Project deliverables

Collaborators

In our experience and based on the literature,11,31-33 program sustainability can be improved through training and technical assistance. Therefore, systematic methods are needed to empirically develop and test sustainability training to improve institutionalization of evidence-based programs. This will be accomplished in three phases. In Phase 1, (yr. 1, months 1-6) we will refine and finalize our Program Sustainability Action Planning Model and Training Curricula. As part of this refinement, we will incorporate experiential learning methods3-6 and define learning objectives. The Program Sustainability Action Planning Training will include action planning workshops, development of action plans with measurable objectives to foster institutional changes, and technical assistance. We will also deliver our workshops in Phase 1 (yrs. 1 and 2, months 6-15) to 12 state TC programs. Phase 2 (yrs. 1, 2, and 3) uses a quasi-experimental effectiveness trial to assess the Program Sustainability Action Planning Training in 24 states (12 intervention, 12 comparison). Evaluation of our training program is based on the theory of change that allows for study on how a change (intervention) has influenced the design, implementation, and institutionalization of a program.7,8,11,28 We will collect data on programmatic and organizational factors that have been established as predictors of sustainability9,11 using state level programmatic record abstraction and the Program Sustainability Assessment Tool (PSAT)43 to assess level of institutionalization across intervention and comparison states at three time points. Data will be used to establish the efficacy of the Program Sustainability Action Planning Model and Training Curricula. In Phase 3 (yr. 4, months 36-48), we will adapt our training based on results and disseminate Program Sustainability Action Planning Model and Training materials. - From Establishing The Program Sustainability Action Planning Training Model

A budget table with various expense categories

An explanation of what each category entails

Expenses broken down by month or year (if this fits your proposal)

Here’s an example budget table with expense categories:

You can then include a brief description of each category and the expenses you expect within them.

A great grant proposal should clarify how you will measure positive outcomes and impact.

Details on the expected impact of your project

Who will benefit from your project and how

Your plan for evaluating project success

How you will measure project success

We will measure the success of the project by monitoring the school district’s math scores. We are expecting an 8% increase in state testing scores from the fall to the spring across grades 1 through 3.

And lastly, finish up your grant proposal with a bio of your organization, your company, or yourself.

Company name

The names of people on your team

Professional bios for everyone on your team

Your educational background

Any relevant awards, qualifications, or certifications

Jane Doe received her masters in fine arts specializing in ceramics from Alfred University. She has received the Kala Fellowship and the Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence.

Successful grant proposal examples

Want to write winning grant applications?

We’ve rounded up examples of successful, awarded grants to help you learn from the best.

Check out these real examples across science, art, humanities, agriculture, and more:

Funded arts and research grants from the University of Northern Colorado

Samples of awarded proposals from the Women’s Impact Network

National Cancer Institute examples of funded grants

Institute of Museum and Library Services sample applications

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program awarded grants examples

Grant application and funding resources

To help you get started writing and sending grant proposals, we’ve found some great application resources.

Research grants:

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants

William T. Grant Foundation grants on reducing inequality

Russel Sage Foundation research grants

Nonprofit grants:

Walmart’s Local Community Grants

Bank of America’s Grant Funding for Nonprofits

Canada GrantWatch’s database of nonprofit grants

Technology grants:

Google Impact Challenges

UN Sustainable Development Goals Fund

US Department of Energy Funding

Small business grants:

US Chamber of Commerce Small Business grants

Canada Small Business Benefits Finder

US Small Business Administration (SBA) grants

Arts grants :

National Endowment for the Arts grants

Art Prof Artist Grants

Canada Council for the Arts grants

Get started with our proposal writing templates

The best way to start any proposal is with a template. A template informs your writing, while drastically speeding up the time it takes to design an attractive proposal.

All of our 75+ proposal templates can easily be adapted for any purpose, including grants or requests for funding. Try our project proposal template and make it your own by adding your executive summary, statement of need, project description, execution plan, budget, and company bio.

Start a free trial to check out all of our proposal software features , including reusable content snippets, e-signatures, viewing and signing analytics, and more.

How to Create Business Proposals Faster

November 14, 2017

Ready to make every deal a closed deal?

Get started with a free Proposify 14-day trial. No credit card required. Just more closed deals.

The Ultimate Grant Writing Guide (and How to Find and Apply for Grants)

Securing grants requires strategic planning. Identifying relevant opportunities, building collaborations, and crafting a comprehensive grant proposal are crucial steps. Read our ultimate guide on grant writing, finding grants, and applying for grants to get the funding for your research.

Updated on February 22, 2024

The Ultimate Grant Writing Guide (and How to Find and Apply for Grants)

Embarking on a journey of groundbreaking research and innovation always requires more than just passion and dedication, it demands financial support. In the academic and research domains, securing grants is a pivotal factor for transforming these ideas into tangible outcomes.

Grant awards not only offer the backing needed for ambitious projects but also stand as a testament to the importance and potential impact of your work. The process of identifying, pursuing, and securing grants, however, is riddled with nuances that necessitate careful exploration.

Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a budding academic, navigating this complex world of grants can be challenging, but we’re here to help. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps of applying for grants, providing expert tips and insights along the way.

Finding grant opportunities

Prior to diving into the application phase, the process of finding grants involves researching and identifying those that are relevant and realistic to your project. While the initial step may seem as simple as entering a few keywords into a search engine, the full search phase takes a more thorough investigation.

By focusing efforts solely on the grants that align with your goals, this pre-application preparation streamlines the process while also increasing the likelihood of meeting all the requirements. In fact, having a well thought out plan and a clear understanding of the grants you seek both simplifies the entire activity and sets you and your team up for success.

Apply these steps when searching for appropriate grant opportunities:

1. Determine your need

Before embarking on the grant-seeking journey, clearly articulate why you need the funds and how they will be utilized. Understanding your financial requirements is crucial for effective grant research.

2. Know when you need the money

Grants operate on specific timelines with set award dates. Align your grant-seeking efforts with these timelines to enhance your chances of success.

3. Search strategically

Build a checklist of your most important, non-negotiable search criteria for quickly weeding out grant options that absolutely do not fit your project. Then, utilize the following resources to identify potential grants:

Online directories
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Foundations

4. Develop a tracking tool

After familiarizing yourself with the criteria of each grant, including paperwork, deadlines, and award amounts, make a spreadsheet or use a project management tool to stay organized. Share this with your team to ensure that everyone can contribute to the grant cycle.

Here are a few popular grant management tools to try:

Jotform : spreadsheet template
Airtable : table template
Instrumentl : software
Submit : software

Tips for Finding Research Grants

Consider large funding sources : Explore major agencies like NSF and NIH.

Reach out to experts : Consult experienced researchers and your institution's grant office.

Stay informed : Regularly check news in your field for novel funding sources.

Know agency requirements : Research and align your proposal with their requisites.

Ask questions : Use the available resources to get insights into the process.

Demonstrate expertise : Showcase your team's knowledge and background.

Neglect lesser-known sources : Cast a wide net to diversify opportunities.

Name drop reviewers : Prevent potential conflicts of interest.

Miss your chance : Find field-specific grant options.

Forget refinement : Improve proposal language, grammar, and clarity.

Ignore grant support services : Enhance the quality of your proposal.

Overlook co-investigators : Enhance your application by adding experience.

Grant collaboration

Now that you’ve taken the initial step of identifying potential grant opportunities, it’s time to find collaborators. The application process is lengthy and arduous. It requires a diverse set of skills. This phase is crucial for success.

With their valuable expertise and unique perspectives, these collaborators play instrumental roles in navigating the complexities of grant writing. While exploring the judiciousness that goes into building these partnerships, we will underscore why collaboration is both advantageous and indispensable to the pursuit of securing grants.

Why is collaboration important to the grant process?

Some grant funding agencies outline collaboration as an outright requirement for acceptable applications. However, the condition is more implied with others. Funders may simply favor or seek out applications that represent multidisciplinary and multinational projects.

To get an idea of the types of collaboration major funders prefer, try searching “collaborative research grants” to uncover countless possibilities, such as:

National Endowment for the Humanities
American Brain Tumor Association

For exploring grants specifically for international collaboration, check out this blog:

30+ Research Funding Agencies That Support International Collaboration

Either way, proposing an interdisciplinary research project substantially increases your funding opportunities. Teaming up with multiple collaborators who offer diverse backgrounds and skill sets enhances the robustness of your research project and increases credibility.

This is especially true for early career researchers, who can leverage collaboration with industry, international, or community partners to boost their research profile. The key lies in recognizing the multifaceted advantages of collaboration in the context of obtaining funding and maximizing the impact of your research efforts.

How can I find collaborators?

Before embarking on the search for a collaborative partner, it's essential to crystallize your objectives for the grant proposal and identify the type of support needed. Ask yourself these questions:

1)Which facet of the grant process do I need assistance with:

2) Is my knowledge lacking in a specific:

Population?

3) Do I have access to the necessary:

Use these questions to compile a detailed list of your needs and prioritize them based on magnitude and ramification. These preliminary step ensure that search for an ideal collaborator is focused and effective.

Once you identify targeted criteria for the most appropriate partners, it’s time to make your approach. While a practical starting point involves reaching out to peers, mentors, and other colleagues with shared interests and research goals, we encourage you to go outside your comfort zone.

Beyond the first line of potential collaborators exists a world of opportunities to expand your network. Uncover partnership possibilities by engaging with speakers and attendees at events, workshops, webinars, and conferences related to grant writing or your field.

Also, consider joining online communities that facilitate connections among grant writers and researchers. These communities offer a space to exchange ideas and information. Sites like Collaboratory , NIH RePorter , and upwork provide channels for canvassing and engaging with feasible collaborators who are good fits for your project.

Like any other partnership, carefully weigh your vetted options before committing to a collaboration. Talk with individuals about their qualifications and experience, availability and work style, and terms for grant writing collaborations.

Transparency on both sides of this partnership is imperative to forging a positive work environment where goals, values, and expectations align for a strong grant proposal.

Putting together a winning grant proposal

It’s time to assemble the bulk of your grant application packet – the proposal itself. Each funder is unique in outlining the details for specific grants, but here are several elements fundamental to every proposal:

Executive Summary
Needs assessment
Project description
Evaluation plan
Team introduction
Sustainability plan

This list of multi-faceted components may seem daunting, but careful research and planning will make it manageable.

Start by reading about the grant funder to learn:

What their mission and goals are,
Which types of projects they have funded in the past, and
How they evaluate and score applications.

Next, view sample applications to get a feel for the length, flow, and tone the evaluators are looking for. Many funders offer samples to peruse, like these from the NIH , while others are curated by online platforms , such as Grantstation.

Also, closely evaluate the grant application’s requirements. they vary between funding organizations and opportunities, and also from one grant cycle to the next. Take notes and make a checklist of these requirements to add to an Excel spreadsheet, Google smartsheet, or management system for organizing and tracking your grant process.

Finally, understand how you will submit the final grant application. Many funders use online portals with character or word limits for each section. Be aware of these limits beforehand. Simplify the editing process by first writing each section in a Word document to be copy and pasted into the corresponding submission fields.

If there is no online application platform, the funder will usually offer a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) to guide the structure of your grant proposal. The RFP:

Specifies page constraints
Delineates specific sections
Outlines additional attachments
Provides other pertinent details

Components of a grant proposal

Cover letter.

Though not always explicitly requested, including a cover letter is a strategic maneuver that could be the factor determining whether or not grant funders engage with your proposal. It’s an opportunity to give your best first impression by grabbing the reviewer’s attention and compelling them to read further.

Cover letters are not the place for excessive emotion or detail, keep it brief and direct, stating your financial needs and purpose confidently from the outset. Also, try to clearly demonstrate the connection between your project and the funder’s mission to create additional value beyond the formal proposal.

Executive summary

Like an abstract for your research manuscript, the executive summary is a brief synopsis that encapsulates the overarching topics and key points of your grant proposal. It must set the tone for the main body of the proposal while providing enough information to stand alone if necessary.

Refer to How to Write an Executive Summary for a Grant Proposal for detailed guidance like:

Give a clear and concise account of your identity, funding needs, and project roadmap.
Write in an instructive manner aiming for an objective and persuasive tone
Be convincing and pragmatic about your research team's ability.
Follow the logical flow of main points in your proposal.
Use subheadings and bulleted lists for clarity.
Write the executive summary at the end of the proposal process.
Reference detailed information explained in the proposal body.
Address the funder directly.
Provide excessive details about your project's accomplishments or management plans.
Write in the first person.
Disclose confidential information that could be accessed by competitors.
Focus excessively on problems rather than proposed solutions.
Deviate from the logical flow of the main proposal.
Forget to align with evaluation criteria if specified

Project narrative

After the executive summary is the project narrative . This is the main body of your grant proposal and encompasses several distinct elements that work together to tell the story of your project and justify the need for funding.

Include these primary components:

Introduction of the project team

Briefly outline the names, positions, and credentials of the project’s directors, key personnel, contributors, and advisors in a format that clearly defines their roles and responsibilities. Showing your team’s capacity and ability to meet all deliverables builds confidence and trust with the reviewers.

Needs assessment or problem statement

A compelling needs assessment (or problem statement) clearly articulates a problem that must be urgently addressed. It also offers a well-defined project idea as a possible solution. This statement emphasizes the pressing situation and highlights existing gaps and their consequences to illustrate how your project will make a difference.

To begin, ask yourself these questions:

What urgent need are we focusing on with this project?
Which unique solution does our project offer to this urgent need?
How will this project positively impact the world once completed?

Here are some helpful examples and templates.

Goals and objectives

Goals are broad statements that are fairly abstract and intangible. Objectives are more narrow statements that are concrete and measurable. For example :

Goal : “To explore the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance in college students.”
Objective : “To compare cognitive test scores of students with less than six hours of sleep and those with 8 or more hours of sleep.”

Focus on outcomes, not processes, when crafting goals and objectives. Use the SMART acronym to align them with the proposal's mission while emphasizing their impact on the target audience.

Methods and strategies

It is vitally important to explain how you intend to use the grant funds to fulfill the project’s objectives. Detail the resources and activities that will be employed. Methods and strategies are the bridge between idea and action. They must prove to reviewers the plausibility of your project and the significance of their possible funding.

Here are some useful guidelines for writing your methods section that are outlined in " Winning Grants: Step by Step ."

Firmly tie your methods to the proposed project's objectives and needs assessment.
Clearly link them to the resources you are requesting in the proposal budget.
Thoroughly explain why you chose these methods by including research, expert opinion, and your experience.
Precisely list the facilities and capital equipment that you will use in the project.
Carefully structure activities so that the program moves toward the desired results in a time-bound manner.

A comprehensive evaluation plan underscores the effectiveness and accountability of a project for both the funders and your team. An evaluation is used for tracking progress and success. The evaluation process shows how to determine the success of your project and measure the impact of the grant award by systematically gauging and analyzing each phase of your project as it compares to the set objectives.

Evaluations typically fall into two standard categories:

1. Formative evaluation : extending from project development through implementation, continuously provides feedback for necessary adjustments and improvements.

2. Summative evaluation : conducted post-project completion, critically assesses overall success and impact by compiling information on activities and outcomes.

Creating a conceptual model of your project is helpful when identifying these key evaluation points. Then, you must consider exactly who will do the evaluations, what specific skills and resources they need, how long it will take, and how much it will cost.

Sustainability

Presenting a solid plan that illustrates exactly how your project will continue to thrive after the grant money is gone builds the funder's confidence in the project’s longevity and significance. In this sustainability section, it is vital to demonstrate a diversified funding strategy for securing the long-term viability of your program.

There are three possible long term outcomes for projects with correlated sustainability options:

Short term projects: Though only implemented once, will have ongoing maintenance costs, such as monitoring, training, and updates.

(E.g., digitizing records, cleaning up after an oil spill)

Projects that will generate income at some point in the future: must be funded until your product or service can cover operating costs with an alternative plan in place for deficits.

(E.g., medical device, technology, farming method)

Ongoing projects: will eventually need a continuous stream of funding from a government entity or large organization.

(E.g., space exploration, hurricane tracking)

Along with strategies for funding your program beyond the initial grant, reference your access to institutional infrastructure and resources that will reduce costs.

Also, submit multi-year budgets that reflect how sustainability factors are integrated into the project’s design.

The budget section of your grant proposal, comprising both a spreadsheet and a narrative, is the most influential component. It should be able to stand independently as a suitable representation of the entire endeavor. Providing a detailed plan to outline how grant funds will be utilized is crucial for illustrating cost-effectiveness and careful consideration of project expenses.

A comprehensive grant budget offers numerous benefits to both the grantor , or entity funding the grant, and the grantee , those receiving the funding, such as:

Grantor : The budget facilitates objective evaluation and comparison between multiple proposals by conveying a project's story through responsible fund management and financial transparency.
Grantee : The budget serves as a tracking tool for monitoring and adjusting expenses throughout the project and cultivates trust with funders by answering questions before they arise.

Because the grant proposal budget is all-encompassing and integral to your efforts for securing funding, it can seem overwhelming. Start by listing all anticipated expenditures within two broad categories, direct and indirect expenses , where:

Direct : are essential for successful project implementation, are measurable project-associated costs, such as salaries, equipment, supplies, travel, and external consultants, and are itemized and detailed in various categories within the grant budget.
Indirect : includes administrative costs not directly or exclusively tied to your project, but necessary for its completion, like rent, utilities, and insurance, think about lab or meeting spaces that are shared by multiple project teams, or Directors who oversee several ongoing projects.

After compiling your list, review sample budgets to understand the typical layout and complexity. Focus closely on the budget narratives , where you have the opportunity to justify each aspect of the spreadsheet to ensure clarity and validity.

While not always needed, the appendices consist of relevant supplementary materials that are clearly referenced within your grant application. These might include:

Updated resumes that emphasize staff members' current positions and accomplishments.
Letters of support from people or organizations that have authority in the field of your research, or community members that may benefit from the project.
Visual aids like charts, graphs, and maps that contribute directly to your project’s story and are referred to previously in the application.

Finalizing your grant application

Now that your grant application is finished, make sure it's not just another document in the stack Aim for a grant proposal that captivates the evaluator. It should stand out not only for presenting an excellent project, but for being engaging and easily comprehended .

Keep the language simple. Avoid jargon. Prioritizing accuracy and conciseness. Opt for reader-friendly formatting with white space, headings, standard fonts, and illustrations to enhance readability.

Always take time for thorough proofreading and editing. You can even set your proposal aside for a few days before revisiting it for additional edits and improvements. At this stage, it is helpful to seek outside feedback from those familiar with the subject matter as well as novices to catch unnoticed mistakes and improve clarity.

If you want to be absolutely sure your grant proposal is polished, consider getting it edited by AJE .

How can AI help the grant process?

When used efficiently, AI is a powerful tool for streamlining and enhancing various aspects of the grant process.

Use AI algorithms to review related studies and identify knowledge gaps.
Employ AI for quick analysis of complex datasets to identify patterns and trends.
Leverage AI algorithms to match your project with relevant grant opportunities.
Apply Natural Language Processing for analyzing grant guidelines and tailoring proposals accordingly.
Utilize AI-powered tools for efficient project planning and execution.
Employ AI for tracking project progress and generating reports.
Take advantage of AI tools for improving the clarity, coherence, and quality of your proposal.
Rely solely on manual efforts that are less comprehensive and more time consuming.
Overlook the fact that AI is designed to find patterns and trends within large datasets.
Minimize AI’s ability to use set parameters for sifting through vast amounts of data quickly.
Forget that the strength of AI lies in its capacity to follow your prompts without divergence.
Neglect tools that assist with scheduling, resource allocation, and milestone tracking.
Settle for software that is not intuitive with automated reminders and updates.
Hesitate to use AI tools for improving grammar, spelling, and composition throughout the writing process.

Remember that AI provides a diverse array of tools; there is no universal solution. Identify the most suitable tool for your specific task. Also, like a screwdriver or a hammer, AI needs informed human direction and control to work effectively.

Looking for tips when writing your grant application?

Check out these resources:

4 Tips for Writing a Persuasive Grant Proposal
Writing Effective Grant Applications
7 Tips for Writing an Effective Grant Proposal
The best-kept secrets to winning grants
The Best Grant Writing Books for Beginner Grant Writers
Research Grant Proposal Funding: How I got $1 Million

Final thoughts

The bottom line – applying for grants is challenging. It requires passion, dedication, and a set of diverse skills rarely found within one human being.

Therefore, collaboration is key to a successful grant process . It encourages everyone’s strengths to shine. Be honest and ask yourself, “Which elements of this grant application do I really need help with?” Seek out experts in those areas.

Keep this guide on hand to reference as you work your way through this funding journey. Use the resources contained within. Seek out answers to all the questions that will inevitably arise throughout the process.

The grants are out there just waiting for the right project to present itself – one that shares the funder’s mission and is a benefit to our communities. Find grants that align with your project goals, tell your story through a compelling proposal, and get ready to make the world a better place with your research.

The AJE Team

See our "Privacy Policy"

Grant Application Cover Letter

September 22, 2023

A Grant Application Cover Letter is a formal document that accompanies a grant application, typically addressed to a potential grantor or a funding organization. This letter serves as an introduction to the grant proposal, providing a concise overview of the project or program for which funding is sought.

It plays a critical role in making a first impression and convincing the grantor that the project is worth considering for funding.

The art of crafting a compelling grant application cover letter is integral in navigating the competitive terrain of grant procurement. This initial document serves as a pivotal interface between the applicant and the potential funding entity, reflecting the aspirations, the precision, and the authenticity of the proposed project.

A well-constructed cover letter can be instrumental in shaping favorable impressions, setting the stage for a thorough review of the accompanying application.

The essence of a grant application cover letter is to succinctly communicate the core objectives and anticipated impacts of the proposed endeavor. It acts as a gateway to the intricate details of the application, providing a glimpse into the innovation, relevance, and feasibility embedded within the project.

Given its paramount importance, it is crucial for applicants to meticulously align the content of the cover letter with the ethos and expectations of the funding organization.

In the dynamic landscape of grant procurement, the necessity for clarity, coherence, and congruence in articulating project outlines and objectives cannot be overstated.

The cover letter should resonate with the mission and values of the granting entity, elucidating the synergies between the proposed project and the overarching goals of the funder.

The intricate balance between conciseness and comprehensiveness in presenting the project’s scope and significance is vital in maintaining the interest and curiosity of the reviewers.

The strategic incorporation of pertinent information regarding the applicant’s background, expertise, and the contextual relevance of the project is crucial in establishing credibility and demonstrating commitment.

The inclusion of such elements not only substantiates the feasibility of the project but also reinforces the alignment between the applicant’s capabilities and the project’s demands. It serves to instill confidence in the reviewers about the applicant’s competence and the potential success of the proposed initiative.

Moreover, the articulation of the project’s goals, the anticipated outcomes, and the prospective benefits is essential in elucidating the transformative potential embedded within the proposal.

It provides an opportunity for applicants to showcase the uniqueness and the value proposition of their project, distinguishing it from the plethora of applications. The emphasis on the anticipated impacts and the broader implications of the project fosters a sense of relevance and urgency, compelling the reviewers to delve deeper into the application.

In this realm of incessant competition and evolving expectations, the role of meticulous research and nuanced understanding of the funding organization’s priorities is undeniable. The nuanced tailoring of the cover letter to resonate with the specific interests, values, and mission of the grantor is instrumental in establishing a connection and fostering alignment. The infusion of insights gleaned from thorough research enhances the authenticity and the contextual relevance of the cover letter, optimizing its potential to captivate and convince.

Furthermore, the meticulous attention to detail and adherence to the prescribed guidelines and format is essential in preserving the integrity and the professionalism of the application. The precision in language, the clarity in expression, and the coherence in structure are vital in conveying the seriousness and the sophistication inherent in the proposal. The avoidance of ambiguity, redundancy, and over-complexity is key in maintaining the fluidity and the accessibility of the content.

Understanding the Purpose

A grant application cover letter often serves as the first point of contact between the applicant and the granting institution. The purpose of this crucial document goes beyond merely introducing the project; it acts as a window, revealing the potential, viability, and relevance of the proposed endeavor, and its alignment with the funder’s objectives.

Understanding the purpose of a cover letter in the grant application process is pivotal. It’s the initial framework, setting the tone and providing a concise snapshot of the applicant’s proposal.

This document is vital for creating a strong first impression, reflecting the essence of the project and its potential impact. It lays the groundwork, inviting the grantor to explore the application further, beckoning them into the depths of the envisioned project, its aims, methodologies, and the anticipated outcomes.

Importance of a Cover Letter:

The value of a meticulously crafted cover letter cannot be understated in the world of grant applications. It’s the initial handshake, the first interaction that could make or break the journey of the proposed project. It’s not merely an informative piece but a persuasive document that strives to resonate with the reviewers, subtly conveying the symbiotic alignment between the project’s goals and the funding organization’s mission. It serves to entice, to pique interest, leading the way for the detailed exposition contained within the application.

Role in Creating a First Impression:

First impressions carry immense weight, dictating the subsequent interactions and shaping the perceptions of the reviewers. A well-articulated cover letter is instrumental in constructing a favorable and lasting impression.

It’s the preliminary canvas, painting a vivid picture of the project’s essence, its innovativeness, and its potential to effect meaningful change. The emphasis on clarity, conciseness, and relevance is paramount in ensuring the sustained interest and engagement of the reviewers, steering them towards a deeper exploration of the proposal.

Complementing the Grant Application:

The cover letter and the grant application share a symbiotic relationship, each enhancing the impact of the other. The cover letter serves as a gateway, a concise summary accentuating the pivotal aspects of the project, while the application delves into the intricate details, substantiating the claims and the projections made in the cover letter. This harmonious interplay is crucial in presenting a coherent, comprehensive, and compelling narrative, optimizing the chances of securing the coveted grant.

Setting the Tone:

The tone of the cover letter is a subtle yet powerful element, reflecting the applicant’s approach, attitude, and the level of professionalism. A balanced, respectful, and earnest tone is crucial in establishing rapport and credibility. The infusion of enthusiasm, conviction, and humility can significantly enhance the relatability and the authenticity of the document, fostering a sense of trust and resonance with the reviewers. The deliberate alignment of the tone with the ethos and the expectations of the funding organization is key in optimizing the impact and the persuasiveness of the cover letter.

Essential Components

The crafting of an effective grant application cover letter is akin to constructing a building; every component, every element has a role, ensuring the overall stability, coherence, and impact of the structure. The integral components of a cover letter work in unison to present a well-rounded picture of the project, its relevance, and the prospective benefits, compelling the reviewers to delve deeper into the details provided in the grant application.

A well-structured cover letter is a blend of pertinent information, clear articulation, and strategic emphasis. It consists of several critical elements, each contributing to the overall narrative and impact of the document.

These components, from address to signature, collectively serve to introduce, elucidate, and emphasize the project’s goals, methodologies, anticipated outcomes, and alignment with the funding organization’s mission and values. The meticulous attention to each element ensures the coherence, clarity, and persuasiveness of the cover letter, optimizing its potential to captivate and convince.

Address and Salutation:

The address and salutation set the tone for the interaction, reflecting the professionalism and the attention to detail inherent in the applicant. The accurate addressing of the funding organization and the appropriate salutation are foundational in establishing rapport and conveying respect. The meticulous verification of the organization’s name, the recipient’s title, and the preferred form of address is crucial in avoiding inaccuracies and ensuring a positive first impression.

Introduction:

The introduction serves as the entry point, the initial glimpse into the essence of the proposed project. It’s the succinct articulation of the project’s core objectives, its relevance, and its alignment with the funder’s goals. The strategic emphasis on clarity, conciseness, and relevance in the introduction is vital in capturing the interest of the reviewers and compelling them to explore further. The integration of a hook, a unique angle or insight, can significantly enhance the impact and the memorability of the introduction.

Project Description:

The project description is the heart of the cover letter, providing a concise yet comprehensive overview of the proposed endeavor. It delves into the specifics, elucidating the methodologies, the anticipated outcomes, and the broader implications of the project. The meticulous balancing of detail and brevity is crucial in maintaining the engagement of the reviewers, providing them with a clear understanding of the project’s scope, significance, and feasibility, while fostering a sense of curiosity and anticipation.

Project’s Objectives:

The articulation of the project’s objectives serves to clarify the envisioned outcomes and the intended impacts of the proposal. It’s the clear, coherent presentation of the goals, the transformative potential, and the alignment with the funding organization’s mission. The emphasis on specificity, measurability, attainability, relevance, and time-bound nature of the objectives is essential in conveying the viability and the value proposition of the project, instilling confidence in the reviewers about the prospects of success.

Budget Overview:

The budget overview provides a snapshot of the financial aspects of the project, offering insights into the allocation, utilization, and management of the funds. It’s the transparent, accountable presentation of the financial needs, the justifications, and the anticipated returns on investment. The strategic integration of a budget overview in the cover letter is instrumental in establishing credibility, demonstrating financial acumen, and reinforcing the feasibility and the sustainability of the project.

Closing Remarks and Signature:

The closing remarks and the signature are the final touches, the concluding interactions that re-emphasize the key points and express gratitude for the consideration. The infusion of sincerity, humility, and optimism in the closing remarks is vital in leaving a lasting, positive impression. The professional, respectful signature reflects the earnestness and the commitment of the applicant, serving as a subtle reminder of the authenticity and the integrity inherent in the proposal.

Tailoring the Content

Navigating the nuanced landscape of grant application cover letters necessitates more than just a clear understanding of the project and its components; it requires a meticulous approach to tailoring content. Customizing the narrative to align with the values, interests, and expectations of the granting organization is pivotal in creating resonance and establishing connection.

Tailoring the content of a grant application cover letter is akin to designing a key that perfectly fits a lock. It involves a comprehensive understanding of the funding organization’s mission, goals, and preferences, and aligning the cover letter’s narrative, tone, and emphasis accordingly. This customized approach enhances the relevance and the appeal of the document, optimizing its potential to engage, resonate, and convince. It transforms the cover letter into a dynamic, adaptive entity that speaks directly to the unique needs and aspirations of the grantor.

Understanding the Funder’s Mission:

To tailor content effectively, a profound understanding of the funder’s mission and values is indispensable. This knowledge serves as the foundation upon which the narrative is built, ensuring alignment and coherence with the grantor’s expectations and aspirations. A deep dive into the organization’s objectives, areas of interest, and previous funding initiatives provides insights into their preferences and priorities, enabling the crafting of a narrative that is attuned to their ethos.

Aligning Project Goals:

Once the funder’s mission is discerned, aligning the project’s goals with it is crucial. This involves highlighting the synergies between the proposed project and the grantor’s objectives, emphasizing the mutual benefits and the shared vision. Articulating the project’s objectives in a way that reflects the funder’s interests and values enhances the perceived relevance and value of the proposal, fostering a sense of partnership and shared purpose.

Demonstrating Impact:

The emphasis on the anticipated impacts and benefits of the project is integral in tailoring the content. Demonstrating the transformative potential of the proposal in terms that resonate with the funder’s goals creates a compelling narrative. The quantifiable presentation of the expected outcomes, their broader implications, and their alignment with the grantor’s mission reinforces the feasibility and the significance of the project, instilling confidence and interest in the reviewers.

Using Appropriate Language:

The language used in the cover letter is a subtle yet powerful element in tailoring the content. It reflects the understanding, the respect, and the alignment with the grantor’s culture and values. Adopting a tone and a vocabulary that resonate with the organization’s ethos enhances the relatability and the accessibility of the document. The infusion of terms, phrases, and references that are familiar and valued by the grantor contributes to the authenticity and the appeal of the narrative.

Addressing Specific Criteria:

Funding organizations often have specific criteria and expectations for grant applications. Addressing these explicitly and meticulously in the cover letter is essential in creating a tailored narrative. It demonstrates attentiveness, thoroughness, and alignment with the organization’s standards and requirements. Providing clear, concise responses to the outlined criteria enhances the clarity and the coherence of the document, optimizing its potential to meet the specific needs and expectations of the grantor.

Incorporating Feedback:

If available, incorporating feedback from previous interactions or applications with the funding organization is a strategic move in tailoring content. It reflects adaptability, responsiveness, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Addressing the areas of concern, emphasizing the enhancements made, and reiterating the alignment with the funder’s goals contribute to the credibility and the persuasiveness of the proposal, optimizing its chances of success.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Crafting a compelling grant application cover letter involves navigating around various potential pitfalls. These missteps can significantly hinder the impact and effectiveness of the document, thereby reducing the likelihood of securing the grant.

Identifying common pitfalls in writing grant application cover letters is crucial for avoiding them and enhancing the document’s effectiveness. These pitfalls often revolve around clarity, relevance, conciseness, and alignment with the grantor’s mission and expectations. By being cognizant of these pitfalls and implementing strategic measures, applicants can optimize the cover letter’s coherence, persuasiveness, and appeal, increasing the chances of a favorable reception.

Lack of Clarity:

One common pitfall is the lack of clarity and coherence in presenting the project’s goals, methodologies, and anticipated outcomes. How to Avoid: Prioritize clear, concise articulation of the project’s essence and its alignment with the funder’s mission. Use straightforward language and logical structuring to enhance understanding and engagement.

Neglecting the Funder’s Mission:

Another pitfall is neglecting to align the project’s objectives and impacts with the funder’s mission and values. How to Avoid: Conduct thorough research on the funding organization’s goals, preferences, and previous grants to tailor the content effectively, emphasizing mutual benefits and shared values.

Overloading with Details:

Overloading the cover letter with excessive details and technical jargon can overwhelm the reviewers and obscure the main points. How to Avoid: Maintain a balance between detail and brevity, focusing on the most pivotal aspects of the project. Use accessible language and provide succinct, relevant information to keep the reviewers engaged and informed.

Ignoring Specific Criteria:

Ignoring the specific criteria and guidelines provided by the funding organization can lead to non-compliance and reduced credibility. How to Avoid: Carefully review the application guidelines and address each criterion meticulously, demonstrating attentiveness and alignment with the organization’s standards and expectations.

Overlooking Proofreading:

Submitting a cover letter with errors and inconsistencies can convey a lack of professionalism and attention to detail. How to Avoid: Allocate ample time for proofreading and revisions. Seek feedback from peers or mentors and use editing tools to ensure accuracy, coherence, and polish.

Grant Application Cover Letter Example

Dear Madam Rosy,

I am reaching out on behalf of Girls Empower, a dedicated non-profit organization with a mission to foster learning and development opportunities for young girls from underserved communities.

We believe in the transformative power of education and empowerment to build a foundation for a more equitable, inclusive future. We are fervent advocates of nurturing potential, fostering resilience, and creating platforms for voices waiting to be heard.

We are writing to express our sincere interest in partnering with the Impact Makers Foundation, whose commitment to making a lasting difference aligns seamlessly with our core values and objectives. We humbly seek your support and consideration for a grant amount of $150,000 to launch our initiative titled “E mpowering Futures: Nurturing the Next Generation of Female Leaders.”

The “Empowering Futures” initiative aims to provide holistic education, mentorship, and skill development programs for 200 young girls aged 10-15 in Ohio, focusing on STEM education, leadership training, and personal development. We anticipate that the successful implementation of this project will result in enhanced academic performance, improved self-esteem, and the cultivation of leadership skills among the participants, ultimately contributing to the development of empowered, informed individuals capable of driving positive change in their communities.

We believe our initiative resonates with the mission of the Impact Makers Foundation to cultivate change and foster development in communities in need. The synergies between our goals create a mutual ground for collaboration, wherein we can collectively work towards the empowerment and upliftment of young girls, aiding them in transcending barriers and realizing their fullest potentials.

Our approach combines immersive learning experiences, mentorship programs, and interactive workshops. Each participant will be paired with a mentor to guide them through their journey, fostering a supportive, enriching environment. We anticipate the transformative impact of our program will not only be reflected in the improved academic and personal development of the participants but also in the positive ripple effects it will create within their communities.

The requested grant of $150,000 will be allocated judiciously to cover program development, educational materials, mentorship facilitation, and logistical expenses. We are committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and optimal utilization of the funds to maximize the impact of the initiative.

We are excited about the prospect of collaborating with the Impact Makers Foundation to bring our shared vision to life. We believe that, together, we can ignite the spark of learning, leadership, and empowerment in the hearts of young girls, creating a wave of positive change that will echo through generations.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for considering our application and are open to providing any additional information or clarifications required. We eagerly await the opportunity to discuss our proposal further and explore the possibilities of joining hands to make a lasting impact in the lives of the young girls who are the promise of our future.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and dedication to creating a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and make a difference.

Joy Martins

Executive Director

Girls Empower

Crafting an articulate and impactful grant application cover letter is truly an art form that combines clarity, coherence, precision, and a deep understanding of both the project at hand and the mission of the funding organization. From understanding the intrinsic purpose of the cover letter to meticulously tailoring the content and avoiding common pitfalls, each step in the process is crucial in constructing a compelling narrative that resonates with the grantors.

This comprehensive exploration has delved into the multifaceted approach required to master the art of writing grant application cover letters.

We’ve navigated through the essential components, the significance of tailoring the content, and the importance of avoiding typical missteps. The insights provided aim to empower individuals and organizations to create powerful, persuasive cover letters that align seamlessly with the values and objectives of funding bodies, thereby optimizing the chances of securing essential grant funding.

Remember, a well-crafted cover letter serves as the gateway to your project, reflecting its essence, its potential, and its alignment with the funder’s mission. It’s the strategic amalgamation of authenticity, alignment, clarity, and relevance that constructs a convincing, memorable narrative.

So, as you embark on your grant application journey, keep in mind the invaluable techniques and insights discussed, and approach the art of writing grant application cover letters with diligence, adaptability, and a profound sense of purpose.

Unlock Your Grant Success!

Join our email list now for exclusive grant-writing tips and unique grant opportunities delivered straight to your inbox. Click here to Subscribe . Don’t miss out!

Elevate Your Grant Writing Game: Dive Deeper with Expert Resources!

If you’ve ever felt the rush of excitement upon spotting a potential grant opportunity, only to be met with the daunting challenge of crafting the perfect proposal, you’re not alone.

Grant writing is both an art and a science, and I’ve distilled years of expertise into a collection of resources tailored to guide you, whether you’re a nonprofit visionary, a rising freelancer, or a small business owner.

Handpicked Titles Just For You:

1. Advanced Grant Writing for Nonprofits : Dive beyond the basics and navigate the intricate nuances to stand out.

2. Becoming the Grant Guru: Embrace your freelance journey with techniques and strategies that ensure success in the grant universe.

3. Mastering Grant Writing: Your nonprofit’s go-to guide for developing compelling proposals that captivate and convince.

4. The Small Business’s Guide to Winning Grants : Tailored insights to ensure your business’s endeavors are backed by the right funding.

Whether you’re taking your first steps in grant writing or seeking to refine your approach, there’s something in this collection for everyone.

Invest in your future now. These titles are available on Amazon, both in Kindle and paperback formats . Arm yourself with the knowledge to not just compete, but to excel.

Dive into a World of Grants Mastery – Grab Your Copies on Amazon

Fuel your passion, secure that funding, and bring your vision to life!

Work With Me: Elevate Your Nonprofit’s Grant Writing Game!

Hello passionate changemakers,

Does your nonprofit organization resonate with these challenges?

1. Feeling overwhelmed by the intricate maze of grant proposal writing?

2. Struggling to secure vital funding due to lackluster proposals?

3. Battling with limited in-house expertise to identify suitable grant opportunities?

4. Frustrated by not knowing how to articulate your mission effectively to potential funders?

If you nodded in agreement to any of these, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: Together, we can change this narrative.

Why Partner With Me?

I bring to the table a unique blend of expertise and experience. As a seasoned Grant Writing Consultant, I’ve dedicated my career to mastering the art and science of grant writing. But beyond the knowledge, I carry a heartfelt passion for amplifying the impact of nonprofits like yours.

What I Offer:

1. Grant Writing Training: Let’s empower your team! Through comprehensive workshops, I’ll train your staff to craft compelling proposals that captivate, convince, and convert.

2. Personalized Grant Proposal Writing: Leverage my expertise to develop meticulously tailored proposals that reflect your organization’s vision, mission, and impact stories.

3. Strategic Grant Research: Don’t waste hours on unsuitable opportunities. With my deep industry insights, I’ll help identify grants that align with your objectives and values.

4. Report Development: Secure future funding by showcasing your successes. I’ll help you design robust, engaging reports that keep funders connected to your cause.

Our Journey Together:

Our collaboration begins with understanding – diving deep into your organization’s ethos, the communities you serve, and the impact you wish to create. It’s a partnership where your dreams become mine, and together, we’ll weave narratives that resonate, inspire, and secure the resources you need.

Your work in the nonprofit sector is invaluable. Every program initiated, every life touched, every community transformed – it all starts with a well-written proposal that opens doors to necessary funding. Let me be that catalyst for you.

A Future of Possibilities:

Picture this: A future where your nonprofit isn’t just surviving, but thriving. A world where your initiatives are backed by ample funding, and your stories of impact echo in the hearts of donors and communities alike.

So, if you’re ready to ascend the ladder of grant writing success and fuel your organization’s mission with robust funding, I’m here, eager and ready.

Let’s co-create this success story.

Reach out today, and let’s set the stage for a brighter, impactful tomorrow.

Email Address: [email protected]

Grants for Land Conservation

Grants for land conservation are a vital lifeline for preserving natural landscapes, ecosystems, and biodiversity. These financial resources support a wide range of activities, from purchasing land to protect it

Grants for Journalism

Grants for journalism are financial awards or funds provided to individuals, groups, or organizations to support the production of high-quality, public-interest journalism. These grants are essential for sustaining investigative reporting,

Grant Writing Academy is offering you full resources you need to win free money and boost your nonprofit impact.

No thanks, I’m not interested!

Grant Writer Cover Letter Example

Cover letter examples, cover letter guidelines, how to format an grant writer cover letter, cover letter header, cover letter header examples for grant writer, how to make your cover letter header stand out:, cover letter greeting, cover letter greeting examples for grant writer, best cover letter greetings:, cover letter introduction, cover letter intro examples for grant writer, how to make your cover letter intro stand out:, cover letter body, cover letter body examples for grant writer, how to make your cover letter body stand out:, cover letter closing, cover letter closing paragraph examples for grant writer, how to close your cover letter in a memorable way:, pair your cover letter with a foundational resume, key cover letter faqs for grant writer.

Start your Grant Writer cover letter by addressing the specific person or committee who will be reviewing your application, if possible. Then, introduce yourself and briefly mention your current role or professional status. Immediately follow this with a concise statement of your interest in the grant opportunity and how your experience aligns with the grant's objectives. For instance, you could say, "As a professional grant writer with a proven track record in securing funding for non-profit organizations, I am excited about the opportunity to apply for [specific grant] which aligns perfectly with my expertise in [specific area]." This approach immediately establishes your credentials and shows your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

The best way for Grant Writers to end a cover letter is by expressing gratitude and eagerness for the opportunity. This can be done by thanking the reader for considering their proposal and expressing hope for further discussion. For instance, "Thank you for considering our proposal. We look forward to the possibility of further discussing how we can contribute to your mission." It's also important to include contact information for easy follow-up. Lastly, a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards" followed by the writer's name and title should be used. This ending leaves a positive impression, shows respect for the reader's time, and demonstrates the writer's enthusiasm about the potential partnership.

In a cover letter, Grant Writers should include the following: 1. Introduction: This should include a brief introduction of the organization, its mission, and the purpose of the grant request. It's important to make a strong first impression that engages the reader. 2. Summary of the Proposal: This should be a concise summary of the project or program for which funding is being sought. It should include the total cost of the project, the amount being requested from the grantor, and a brief explanation of how the funds will be used. 3. Relevance to the Grantor: Explain why your project or program aligns with the grantor's mission or funding priorities. This shows that you've done your research and understand the grantor's goals. 4. Impact: Highlight the potential impact of the project or program. This could include the number of people served, the benefits to the community, or other measurable outcomes. 5. Closing: In the closing, express gratitude for the grantor's consideration and provide contact information for follow-up questions or discussions. 6. Attachments: Mention any attachments that accompany the cover letter, such as the full grant proposal, a budget, or letters of support. Remember, the cover letter is your chance to make a compelling case for your grant proposal. It should be professional, concise, and persuasive, demonstrating your organization's credibility and the value of your proposed project or program.

Related Cover Letters for Grant Writer

Content writer cover letter.

Proposal Writer Cover Letter

Copywriter Cover Letter

Freelance Writer Cover Letter

SEO Content Writer Cover Letter

Staff Writer Cover Letter

Senior Writer Cover Letter

Editorial Assistant Cover Letter

Related Resumes for Grant Writer

Content writer resume example.

Proposal Writer Resume Example

Copywriter Resume Example

Freelance Writer Resume Example

Seo content writer resume example, staff writer resume example, senior writer resume example, editorial assistant resume example.

Try our AI Cover Letter Generator

Everything that you need to know to start your own business. From business ideas to researching the competition.

Practical and real-world advice on how to run your business — from managing employees to keeping the books.

Our best expert advice on how to grow your business — from attracting new customers to keeping existing customers happy and having the capital to do it.

Entrepreneurs and industry leaders share their best advice on how to take your company to the next level.

Business Ideas
Human Resources
Business Financing
Growth Studio
Ask the Board

Looking for your local chamber?

Interested in partnering with us?

Start » strategy, how to write a grant application for your organization.

Writing a strong grant application can help your organization receive the funding it needs to fulfill its mission. These tips will help you get started.

A close-up of two hands reaching across a desk, with one hand giving a check to the other.

For many organizations, grant writing is the most important component of their entire fundraising strategy. In fact, a single grant application can make or break your organization, so if you’re trying to secure funding for your nonprofit, community organization or research group, it’s important to learn how to write a strong, successful proposal. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

[ Read more: 22 Grants, Loans and Programs to Benefit Your Small Business ]

What to consider before writing a grant application

The best grant proposals are clear, organized documents that illustrate why your organization should receive funds from the grantor. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan in advance and get some things in order. Here are three things to know or accomplish before you start writing your proposal:

Your audience. First and foremost, get to know the institution that is offering the grant. Consider its goals, values and objectives. Understanding these elements will later help you demonstrate how and why your organization is a good fit.
The minimum requirements. Research the eligibility expectations for each specific grantor and make sure you meet the minimum requirements. If you find that your organization does not meet these requirements, contact the grantor directly to discuss your options.
Your organization’s credibility. Compile a list of testimonials, recommendations, data sets and success stories to include with your application. Every grantor is different, but they all want to know their money is being used wisely.

Elements of a grant proposal

Grant applications are organized in specific sections that help the reviewer parse through information quickly and find potential grantees. Here are the main elements to include in a grant proposal:

Cover letter. Some, but not all, granting organizations ask that you include a cover letter to introduce yourself. This section should establish why you are seeking the available grant, describe your organization or project and illustrate your professionalism.
Executive summary. Also known as an abstract or overview, the executive summary should state the most important information from the entire proposal. This section should be concise, yet fully describe your goals, what steps you will take, why you need funding and how you will measure progress. It is often best practice to write this section last.
Needs assessment. The needs assessment, also known as the statement of need, problem statement or literature overview, defines the lack in resources, information or opportunities that you are trying to solve. Include as much data and research as possible and show how your organization is the key link between the problem and the solution.
Project description. Also known as the project narrative, this section states how you will address the problems described in the needs assessment. The description should include your goals , your projected timeline, how you will measure progress and how you will recognize success. Focus on the impact your work will have on the given issue.
Budget. This section should clarify why you are asking for funding. State how each dollar will be spent, and illustrate how the cost of labor, materials or equipment is required to fulfill your mission.
Supplemental documentation. Finally, you may need to provide an appendix with all the supporting materials you’ve included in your application. This may include additional data, business records, employment information, letters of reference, organizational qualifications and so on.

[ Read more: How to Get a Grant to Start a Business ]

It’s important to remember that there are so many factors beyond a nonprofit’s control that influence decision-making...

Arianna Maysonave, Director of Development at Herbicide-Free Campus

4 tips for writing a grant application

Stick to your mission. It’s not uncommon for inexperienced grant writers to stretch their application too far and create a weak proposal. “Write grants based on your mission,” said Lauren Balkan, Deputy Director of Wellspring Center for Prevention . “Stay true to your mission and then be creative with how to meet that mission within the scope of the grant funding.”
Build your network. Even if you’re not actively writing a grant application, start meeting with grantors to build a professional relationship. Networking will help you better understand the mission, values and objectives of specific granting organizations, which will give you a head start when you are ready to prepare a proposal. “Relationship building is the number one key to success in securing a grant,” said Arianna Maysonave, Director of Development at Herbicide-Free Campus . “Identify the interest of the grantor long before their grant deadline, and begin connecting with relevant partners months or even years before you expect to receive a grant.”
Expect to receive rejection letters. Learning how to craft solid grant applications takes time and experience. If your organization doesn’t earn a grant, use it as a learning opportunity. “It’s important to remember that there are so many factors beyond a nonprofit’s control that influence decision-making,” said Maysonave. “Do your best and don’t be afraid to follow up and ask why you weren’t chosen.”
Learn from your community. Finally, learn from other organizations within your community or industry to better understand what funders are looking for. “Connect to many community groups where organizations come together,” Balkan said. “Workgroups or committees usually provide information about possible funding opportunities, [so] pay attention when similar organizations are talking about their funding and where they get it.”

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here .

Join us for our Small Business Day event!

Join us at our next event on Wednesday, May 1, at 12:00 p.m., where we’ll be kicking off Small Business Month alongside business experts and entrepreneurs. Register to attend in person at our Washington, D.C., headquarters, or join us virtually!

Subscribe to our newsletter, Midnight Oil

Expert business advice, news, and trends, delivered weekly

By signing up you agree to the CO— Privacy Policy. You can opt out anytime.

For more business strategies

How startups contribute to innovation in emerging industries, how entrepreneurs can find a business mentor, 5 business metrics you should analyze every year.

By continuing on our website, you agree to our use of cookies for statistical and personalisation purposes. Know More

Welcome to CO—

Designed for business owners, CO— is a site that connects like minds and delivers actionable insights for next-level growth.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce 1615 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20062

Social links

Looking for local chamber, stay in touch.

Search for:

Candid Learning

Candid learning offers information and resources that are specifically designed to meet the needs of grantseekers..

Candid Learning > Resources > Knowledge base

How do I write a proposal cover letter?

The cover letter often is your proposal's first chance to connect your project with the reader's philanthropic mission. It goes on top of a proposal, but it is not the same as an executive summary, which states your proposal's key points.

At minimum, your cover letter should:

Request your dollar amount and introduce your project in the first sentence
Describe how your project and/or organization will further the foundation's mission
Reference your most recent contact with the foundation
List the proposal's contents
Give contact details in case the funder wants additional information
Be signed by your organization's executive director

Dive in to this topic with our self-paced course: Crafting compelling grant proposals Learn how to craft a compelling and competitive proposal.

Sample cover letters

Samples of actual cover letters are usually hard to find because the donor and applicant may be very protective of these documents. Also, they usually are very specific to the project, organization, and funder.

However, our Sample Documents section is a searchable collection of proposals, cover letters, letters of inquiry, and proposal budgets that were actually funded. Each proposal includes a critique by the decision-maker who awarded the grant.

You also might check if anyone in your professional networks would be willing to share sample proposals and cover letters.

See also our related Knowledge Base articles:

How do I write a grant proposal?

What should be included in a letter of inquiry? Where can I find samples?

Have a question about this topic? Ask us!

Candid's Online Librarian service will answer your questions within two business days.

Este artículo está disponible en español

Explore resources curated by our staff for this topic:, staff-recommended websites, sample cover letters & proposals.

Nonprofit Guides has a sample proposal cover letter, letter of inquiry, proposal, budget, and other items that may be of use to grantseekers.

Sample Grant-Proposal Cover Letter

Sample cover letter that introduces a grant proposal.

How to Write an Effective Grant Proposal Cover Letter

Lists attributes and tips to write good cover letters. Includes sample cover letter.

Sample Cover Letter,Proposal,Letter Proposal

Each section includes a brief description of its purpose and what to include.

Staff-recommended books

Winning Grants Step by Step

Find: Amazon | Free eBook

Sign up for our newsletter

How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of questions from job seekers about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more interview invitations than 50 generic ones will.

‘I Had a Great Job Interview — Why Haven’t I Heard Back?’
How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in a Job Interview

IMAGES

Grants Management Specialist Cover Letter
Grant Request Letter sample
FREE 12+ Sample Grant Proposal Letter Templates in MS Word
Grant Writer Cover Letter Examples
Amazing Grants Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
Grant Administrator Cover Letter

VIDEO

How To Write A Disruptive Cover Letter 🤔😀👍💪😘
How to write Cover Letter for Foreign Job Application
Job application letter kasari lekhne, How to write cover letter?
How to Write a Cover Letter for an Arts Grant Application?
How To Write A Cover Letter
How to write a cover letter: Template & Tips

COMMENTS

Writing a Grant Writer Cover Letters: Do's, Don'ts & Examples
Here are some tips on how to start a good cover letter for a grant: Use a formal header. Begin your cover letter with a professional header that includes your organization's name, address, phone number, and email. Address the funder personally. If possible, address the cover letter to a specific person by their name and title.
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.
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.
How to Write an Effective Grant Proposal Cover Letter
Use your organization's letterhead. Put the same date on the cover letter that is on the completed grant application. That is the date you will send the grant proposal to the grantor. Using the same date makes all the documents in your proposal package consistent. For the inside address (goes at the top of the letter) use the foundation or ...
Grant Proposal Cover Letter Sample: Expert Guide (Templates)
The following is a step-by-step process of how to write a grant proposal cover letter: Header. The top of the grant proposal cover letter should include a letter header. The organization's writer may opt to use a formal header to ensure the letter looks more professional. The information provided in the header will ensure that general ...
How to Write a Winning Cover Letter for Grants and Funding
2 Structure and Format. A successful cover letter should follow a clear and professional structure and format. It should be one page long, divided into three or four paragraphs, and use a standard ...
How to Write a Great Grant Proposal Cover Letter
Final Formatting. Ensure the dates match since you'll have a date both in the cover letter and the main grant proposal. You don't want to send a proposal where the grant proposal has April 5th while the cover letter has November 27th. This goes for other files you'll send as well.
Grant Writer Cover Letter Example and Template for 2024
San Jose, CA. 555-555-0188. mitchellingram.email.com May 9, 2023 Dear Hiring Manager, I'm pleased to submit my application for Grant Writer at Iron M. Circle Company. I'm a recent college graduate with two years of additional professional experience as an Assistant Grant Writer.
Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Grant Proposal
The executive summary of a grant proposal goes into far more detail than the cover letter. Here, you'll give. What to include: Statement of Need overview, in 2 - 5 sentences. Company Bio and Qualifications, in 2 - 5 sentences. Objectives, in 2 - 5 sentences. Evaluation and Expected Impact, in 2 - 5 sentences.
How To Write An Effective Grant Proposal
Include a sentence or two about what your organization does, and one research-based point that shows the need that your organization addresses. Limit your cover letter to one page with three or four paragraphs. Use the same date that you'll be sending the complete grant application to the funding source.
How to Compose a Professional Cover Letter for Grant Proposals
1. Utilize your company letterhead. 2. Ensure the letter's date corresponds to the date of your application proposal. 3. Constrain the letter to a single page, comprising three to four paragraphs ...
How to write a grant proposal: a step-by-step guide
Create your grant proposal. Create, send and eSign your grant proposals. Receive automatic follow-up reminders to keep the conversation going. Start a free trial. Step 1. Write a strong cover letter. Your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to capture the funder's attention and get your foot in the door.
The Ultimate Grant Proposal Writing Guide (and How to Find and Apply
The Best Grant Writing Books for Beginner Grant Writers; Research Grant Proposal Funding: How I got $1 Million; Final thoughts. The bottom line - applying for grants is challenging. It requires passion, dedication, and a set of diverse skills rarely found within one human being. Therefore, collaboration is key to a successful grant process ...
Grant Application Cover Letter
A Grant Application Cover Letter is a formal document that accompanies a grant application, typically addressed to a potential grantor or a funding organization. This letter serves as an introduction to the grant proposal, providing a concise overview of the project or program for which funding is sought. It plays a critical role in making a ...
Cover letter for grant proposal: Sample & tips for success
Santa Fe, New Mexico 12345. [email protected]. 555-555-5555. With these tips & cover letter grant proposal sample, you should be well on your way towards writing a strong cover letter for grant proposals. For even more information on how to get a small business grant, check out our guide. If you are looking for more guidance on how ...
2024 Grant Writer Cover Letter Example (+Free Tools & Guidance)
In a cover letter, Grant Writers should include the following: 1. Introduction: This should include a brief introduction of the organization, its mission, and the purpose of the grant request. It's important to make a strong first impression that engages the reader. 2.
How to Write a Winning Grant Cover Letter
3. Summarize your project and your request. 4. Provide a call to action. Be the first to add your personal experience. 5. Here's what else to consider. Be the first to add your personal ...
How to Write a Grant Application for Your Organization
Elements of a grant proposal. Grant applications are organized in specific sections that help the reviewer parse through information quickly and find potential grantees. Here are the main elements to include in a grant proposal: Cover letter. Some, but not all, granting organizations ask that you include a cover letter to introduce yourself.
How do I write a proposal cover letter?
At minimum, your cover letter should: Request your dollar amount and introduce your project in the first sentence. Describe how your project and/or organization will further the foundation's mission. Reference your most recent contact with the foundation. List the proposal's contents. Give contact details in case the funder wants additional ...
How To Write a Grant Proposal in 9 Steps (With Definition)
How to write a grant proposal. There's a defined structure for grant proposals that allows potential funders to more easily determine if they're interested in funding the project. Here are the common steps, in order, that are often included when writing a formal grant proposal: 1. Include a cover letter.
How to Write a Grant Application Cover Letter
Below your signature, type your first name, middle initial, last name, and job title. At the bottom of the letter, include the note "ATTACHMENTS.". This note indicates that a grant proposal is included in the same packet. The capital letters signal that the grant proposal is important. Illustration by Ryan Sneed.
Grant Writer Cover Letter Examples & Samples for 2024
Free Grant Writer cover letter example. Dear Mr. Lentz: When I learned of Clear Space's need for an experienced and productive Grant Writer, I felt compelled to submit my resume for your review. With more than 12 years of grant writing experience—coupled with an extensive network of local resources and donors—I feel confident in my ...
How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job
If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don't. Just be simple and straightforward: • "I'm writing to apply for your X ...
How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)
Middle paragraph (s) Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins. Show Transcript.
Taylor Swift
I feel so high school every time I look at you. I wanna find you in a crowd just to hide from you. [Chorus] And in a blink of a crinklin' eye. I'm sinkin', our fingers entwined. Cheeks pink in the ...

How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Grant Proposal

Table of Contents

What are Cover Letters for Grant Proposals?

Why Are Cover Letters Important for Nonprofits?

First Impressions Matter: Setting the Tone for Your Proposal

Building a Connection With Potential Funders

Highlighting Key Points From Your Grant Proposal

Demonstrating Organizational Maturity and Professionalism

Click to find the best grants for your nonprofit from 12,000+ active opportunities.

6 Parts of a Successful Grant Proposal Cover Letter

Introduction: Who You Are

About Your Organization: What You Do

Need Statement: The Problem You're Addressing

Project Overview: Your Plan

Funding Request: What You Need

Closing: Why They Should Support You

3 Sample Cover Letters for Grant Proposals

1. Following Up After Meeting With The Funder

2. Breaking The Ice With A New Funder

3. Renewing Funding From A Previous Funder

Get access to weekly advice and grant writing templates

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Grant Proposal Cover Letter

Overloading the Cover Letter with Jargon

Ignoring Specific Funder Guidelines and Requests

Being Vague or Generic in Your Statements

Overlooking the Importance of Follow-Up Information

Wrapping Things Up: Cover Letters for Grant Proposals

Become a Stronger Grant Writer in Just 5 Minutes

10 Ready-to-Use Cold Email Templates That Break The Ice With Funders

Share this Article

How to Make Your Letter of Inquiry Stand Out To Funders

These Grant Writers Raised Millions: Tactics They Swear By To Win Over Funders

How to Write an Effective Grant Proposal Cover Letter

When Do You Include a Cover Letter?

RELATED TOPICS

How to Write a Great Grant Proposal Cover Letter

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How to Write a Grant Proposal Cover Letter

Get Straight to the Point in Your Grant Proposal Cover Letter

Methods, Strategies & Solutions

Cover Letters & Necessary Data

Cover Letter Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Ask for Feedback

Use Plain English

Final Formatting

Send the Cover Letter in PDF

Join 5000+ Technical Writers

Types of grant proposals

How to prep before you write

How to write a grant proposal (ideal format)

Cover Letter

Successful grant proposal examples

Grant application and funding resources

Get started with our proposal writing templates

How to Create Business Proposals Faster

Ready to make every deal a closed deal?

The Ultimate Grant Writing Guide (and How to Find and Apply for Grants)

Finding grant opportunities

1. Determine your need

2. Know when you need the money

3. Search strategically

4. Develop a tracking tool

Tips for Finding Research Grants

Grant collaboration

Why is collaboration important to the grant process?

How can I find collaborators?

Putting together a winning grant proposal

Components of a grant proposal

Executive summary

Project narrative

Introduction of the project team

Needs assessment or problem statement

Goals and objectives

Methods and strategies

Sustainability

Finalizing your grant application

How can AI help the grant process?

Looking for tips when writing your grant application?

Final thoughts

Grant Application Cover Letter