A Letter of Support Can Be the Difference in Winning a Grant

Applying for a grant can be a daunting task. Between drafting the proposal and collecting the required documents, the sheer process of grant writing can be overwhelming. A Letter of Support (or “Letter”) can be the difference in winning a grant.

While actively seeking grants, you may have noticed that some funders require a Letter for grants. If you are looking for grant resources, GrantWatch can be of great help. When required, obtaining a Letter becomes an integral part of your grant application process. While it may seem simple, a well-written Letter from the right person can dramatically impact whether or not the funder chooses your organization to be awarded a grant.

What Is a Letter of Support? 

A Letter of Support is a testimonial from someone outside of the organization. This document is intended to be a testimonial regarding the nonprofit’s success. Testimonials should come from individuals in the community that support (the work of) the nonprofit. A Letter should come from a community leader who believes in your program, or from an individual who appreciates having benefitted from your services. Often, a Letter comes from a major donor, another foundation, a congressional representative or a local businessowner.

Also, a Letter may include a commitment to help the project in various ways. A Letter might indicate that a particular company supports the nonprofit by committing to provide an in-kind gift for the project. As another example, the Letter could include a pledge to provide volunteers for the project. The donor could also use their Letter to commit a specific amount of money towards the project.

How a Letter of Support Works 

Providing a Letter of Support for grants doesn’t necessarily guarantee being awarded a grant. However, it could make your grant proposal more competitive, especially when the Letter comes from a renowned individual or organization. Furthermore, a Letter provides documentation that your organization enjoys an excellent reputation. Funders want to see that your community supports your work. A Letter provides compelling reasons why a funder would want to support your organization. Furthermore, the best Letter should convey genuine enthusiasm for the project and describe in detail how that ‘partner’ will support your project.

Requesting a Letter of Support

First, make a list of contacts that you can ask for a Letter of Support. Do not leave anyone out. Often, you will have to contact more than one individual to receive a Letter for grants. Explain your project in detail and ask each person directly if they are willing to write a Letter. Don’t just assume they will. Next, make it easy for your supporter by outlining the information they need to include. This may consist of a project summary about how the grant can help the community.

Before you begin requesting a Letter for grants, review the funder’s guidelines. Also, communicate your deadline to your supporter to ensure it will be available in time to be included with your grant application. If you’re seeking a Letter of Support, don’t leave it until the last minute. Be considerate of the writer’s schedule. Give them at least 2-3 weeks to prepare the Letter.

Including Letters of Support in Your Grant Proposal

In summary, a Letter of Support establishes your organization’s credibility. Before submitting a grant proposal, list people or organizations that will benefit from your proposed project.
• Set up meetings so you can explain the project in detail.
• Ask if they would be willing to write a Letter to help you get the funding you need. The details of your project should explain the benefits to them and their community.
• If they agree, provide a draft of a Letter they can work from.
• Ask them to send the Letter to you by a particular date so you can include it with your grant application.
It is crucial to stay organized to ensure that all of the funder’s requirements are met when completing your application. A well-written Letter is another key element to give your organization the best chance of being awarded a grant!

Looking for grants? With close to 8,000 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view the full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page.