More Than a Mini-Proposal: How to Write a Letter of Inquiry to a Foundation

Many foundations now want you to send a letter of inquiry rather than a full grant proposal when first asking for grant money.

Some foundations find that it is faster to make that first cut of possible funding ideas if they are just looking at a two- to three-page letter rather than a full proposal package. Once the foundation decides that your project may be a good fit for its goals and funding priorities, it may ask that you send a full-blown proposal.

What should you include?

The letter of inquiry is very similar to a proposal except that it is short—a mini-proposal.