sample foundation proposal cover letter

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 that submitted a dry, cookie cutter cover letter.

Highlighting Key Points From Your Grant Proposal

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

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

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

Demonstrating Organizational Maturity and Professionalism

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

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

Discover Your Next Grant

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.

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Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Grant Proposal Cover Letter

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

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

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Grant Proposal Cover Letter

Overloading the Cover Letter with Jargon

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

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

Ignoring Specific Funder Guidelines and Requests

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

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

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

Being Vague or Generic in Your Statements

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

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

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

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

Overlooking the Importance of Follow-Up Information

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

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

Wrapping Things Up: Cover Letters for Grant Proposals

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

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

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

Amelie Heurteux

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

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Four common grant proposal documents (free samples included)

Melissa Pulis (she/her)
July 13, 2023

Person typing on a laptop with document icons coming out of a folder.

Nonprofit work means paperwork. While Candid is working to reduce that burden broadly, here is one specific way we are trying to help: by providing sample grant proposal documents .

There are four major documents that you may need to create if your nonprofit is looking for funding. Each has a different purpose and elements you’ll need to make your case to funders.

In this blog, we share the major types of grant proposal documents, their components, and free sample resources to show you what a successful version of each one looks like.

Letters of inquiry (LOI)

If you’re new to fundraising and grant writing, you may have not heard the term letter of inquiry , or LOI. Honestly, when you do, it’s good news.

A letter of inquiry or LOI is something a funder may ask for in lieu of a full grant proposal. Instead of a giant stack of papers, you just need to write a few pages to create a LOI that will get the funder excited to support your cause or project.

Sometimes, this can be the first step in a funder’s broader grant proposal process. In this case, you may be asked to complete a LOI to show whether you meet the grant criteria, so time is not wasted on a full proposal. Other times, it serves as the entire proposal.

Here’s what a letter of inquiry should include:

An introduction that summarizes the letter.
A brief description of your organization and why this particular project is important.
A statement of need that convinces the reader your project meets the specific needs of those you serve.
A methodology that explains how you’ll do it.
Other funding sources that are being approached.
Finally, a summary of what was just said and a brief thank you to the funder for considering your organization.

The biggest challenge is you only get a couple pages to make your case. In our LOI sample documents , you will see examples of how you can summarize projects in a compelling and concise way.

Cover letters

This is the most important part of your grant proposal: the cover letter . Think of a cover letter as a compelling introduction to the contents of your full proposal. It’s your first chance to connect your project with the funder’s philanthropic mission.

At minimum, your cover letter should include:

An introduction to your project.
The dollar amount of funding you need.
How your project and organization will further the foundation’s mission.
A list that outlines the proposal’s contents.
Contact details in case the funder wants additional information.
A signature from your organization’s executive director.

Additionally, if your organization has branded letterhead, consider using it for added polish.

In our sample documents, you’ll find three different examples of cover letters that include these aspects.

Proposal budgets

Proposal budgets may seem a bit dull, but many funders say it’s the first part of a grant proposal that they read. Your budget should show your credibility and impact with numbers.

A proposal budget should include:

Grants and other funding contributions.
Earned income from events, products, and fees.
Direct costs, like staff time, consultants, supplies, equipment, and evaluation (such as conducting surveys or collecting feedback).
Indirect costs—or the invisible costs, like rent, utilities, office supplies, marketing, and administrative staff.

Make sure your budget adds up (it’s a big red flag when it doesn’t). Not only should the math be correct, but it should also match the request for funding you’re making in the proposal.

To see this in practice, review our proposal budget sample documents.

Full grant proposals

Here’s the big one. Writing a full grant proposal can be a little intimidating.

Before you begin, make sure to read and re-read the instructions from the funder. You don’t want to miss some simple but important proposal requirements, like using a specific font.

Here are the key elements of a proposal:

Executive summary. This is where you’ll give a snapshot of the problem, your solution for addressing it, why your organization can help, and the amount of funding you’ll need to do so.
Needs statement. Next is a needs statement that shows why your project is needed and aligned with funders’ focus areas.
Project description. In this section, you’ll share your project’s goals and objectives, detailed activities, and information about your organization.
Proposal budget. Finally, a budget that shows in numbers how you’ll address the problem.

Reading examples of full grant proposal documents can be a helpful way to get started. You can also check out our free live and on-demand trainings .

Need more help? Our team of online librarians is here to provide resources and support. You can reach out to them by emailing [email protected] or via chat during business hours.

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About the author

Melissa is an experienced information professional who leads Candid’s Online Librarian program and oversees content creation for Candid Learning’s Knowledge Base Articles. She is passionate about librarianship, providing equitable access to information, and teaching people how to navigate online resources.

In addition to her experience leading the Online Librarian program, Melissa has extensive nonprofit experience having worked in development for both small and large Cleveland-area nonprofits and as a grants manager for a private foundation. Melissa has a Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University.

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Gary Van Dyke says:

need grant for medical expenses

Geoffrey says:

Insightful well arranged tips on proposal writing. Want to learn more and examples

Jesus Loera says:

Good evening friends, I am Jesus Loera. Lately I have become interested in grant writing but haven't a clue where to start. I am a life long resident of Brownsville Texas. We are stuffed up against the Mexican border. Not extremely prosperous, sad to say. I work for a Community College in need of funding, I am a member of a Unitarian Church with only 6 members and I recently joined the local Freemasons. All these organizations in desperate need of finical help. I am willing to help as much as possible, but in need of some coaching.

Kate, Digital Communications Manager, Candid says:

Candid does not suggest specific funders or approach them on your behalf. But we can point you to resources that should help you in your funding search. You can check out our Knowledge Base for information on getting grants and finding donors .

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We need additional funding in the amount of $20,000 to feed 700 people during the weekend when there are no services provided. The local funders have been tapped out and tell us that they cannot assist us. Can you advise me of other alternative funding that might be available so that we can continue to feed these families?

Leslie England says:

Greetings! We are a 501c3 trying to get a grant to buy a building for a homeless shelter in our area. We have no idea how to find grants or apply for them. Where do you begin?

Jean niyungeko Fessi says:

the information is so helpful, thanks for being resourceful.

Bruce says:

I also maintain both a paper and electronic file of key documents usually required like IRS letter, BOD list, 1page overview of organization including Mission statement, most recent 990, annual budget including income and expenses. All this helps especially with online applications!

Lorent Damaseke Mvula says:

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How to Write an Effective Grant Proposal Cover Letter

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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.

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How to Develop a Grant Proposal Writing Process
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Writing the Organizational Background Section for a Grant Proposal
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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.

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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.

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How to Write a Great Grant Proposal Cover Letter

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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.

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How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter: Examples + Free Template

Posted by: Cinthya Soto

Proposal cover letters are brief overviews that introduce the more in-depth content of a proposal. Cover letters are normally the first page of a proposal, making them the first impression you will give and your first opportunity to convince the reader to work with you. These letters directly communicate with the client and set the stage for the following proposal details.

If your proposal cover letter is not convincing enough, the reader might not read your entire proposal and choose a competitor. That’s why understanding the do’s and don’ts of proposal cover letter writing is crucial.

In this blog, we’ll teach you how to structure and write a proposal cover letter, what makes a good and a bad proposal, and we even provide a free downloadable template for your firm to use.

What Is a Proposal Cover Letter?

A proposal cover letter is a letter that accompanies an RFP response or bid submission. Its primary purpose is to introduce the proposal, explain its relevance to the recipient, and persuade the reader of the value and credibility of what’s being offered. It sets the tone for the entire proposal, so make sure it’s well-crafted.

The cover letter needs to be persuasive and blow your prospect away because it provides a first impression. Since it’s often the first thing the recipient will see, it plays a key role in the recipient’s decision to even consider reading the full proposal.

The cover letter is frequently the initial opportunity for your proposal to align with the reader’s objectives. While it goes on top of the proposal, it shouldn’t be confused with an executive summary that outlines the main highlights of your proposal.

Why Your Proposal Cover Letter Matters

Your proposal cover letter is made up of the most important paragraphs you’ll ever write because it’s the section everyone will read. That’s why it’s essential to nail it, or you stand the chance of losing the project. A cover letter helps busy clients decide if they’re interested in reading the complete proposal. Therefore, having a winning proposal cover letter is equally important as the actual proposal.

The proposal cover letter gives you a chance to leave clients with a memorable first impression. While proposals lean towards factual information, cover letters offer a more personal touch. Establishing an emotional connection from the beginning significantly increases the likelihood of the reader engaging with your entire proposal.

What Should Be on a Proposal Cover Letter?

Though the specifics of your proposal may vary based on the nature of your offer and your sector, the proposal cover letter should consistently stick to the following structure:

Contact Information

It’s essential to include your contact details, including your name, email, and phone number, as well as your organization’s information such as its name, email, phone number, website, and even its social media handles. For bonus points, include the link to your LinkedIn profile in the heading too so the reader can get a deeper understanding of who you are.

Make these details easy to find by placing them at the top or bottom of the cover letter, ensuring they’re in a bold and easy-to-read font so potential clients have no problem finding them. Using the company’s letterhead for the letter not only ensures the inclusion of this information but also gives a professional touch.

Greeting

This is your chance to introduce your company and what you do. It’s your first opportunity to make a positive impression and establish a connection with the reader.

Begin with a concise statement about your company. This could be your mission statement, a brief history, or an overview of what makes your organization unique. This is your chance to highlight areas where your company excels, which helps you establish credibility.

Additionally, highlight your primary areas of specialization or the main services/products you offer. This will give the reader a clear understanding of your role and what you do.

Summary

Often, decision-makers are drowned in proposals, and they might not have the time or patience to go through every detail initially. A concise summary ensures that they can quickly understand your proposal’s primary objectives and value.

You should provide details about your value propositions at a high level and connect how they meet your client’s requirements. By summarizing how your proposal addresses the client’s specific challenges or needs, you can instantly resonate with them, emphasizing that your solution is tailored to their situation.

Offer

Continuing to the offer, this is where you should further explain how you can provide a personalized solution. Clarify to the client the unique value your solution brings to solve their problem.

Having captured your potential client’s interest, you now have to focus on keeping it. Achieve this by highlighting the clear benefits that directly compellingly address their challenges, making it easy to understand.

While you’ll be mentioning how your work will benefit the prospect, you should also explain what they will win from choosing to work with you.

Here are some tips on how you can accomplish this:

Select the three to five primary attributes of your solution
Explain their advantages for your client in a concise statement
Be straightforward– This is what we provide. This is how it solves your issue

References

In situations where multiple firms submit proposals, having strong and relevant references can set you apart from competitors. It offers an added layer of reassurance to prospective clients about your experience and competence. Essentially, relevant references help the client understand why they should choose you over others.

References also show the prospective client or partner that others have trusted you and that you’ve delivered results. By showcasing references from satisfied clients or partners, you demonstrate that you have been trusted in the past, which can solve any insecurity or concerns the potential client might have.

Visuals

Visuals aren’t a must for proposal cover letters. However, they can enhance its impact by emphasizing crucial information. If you have a designer on your team, you can incorporate graphics that highlight the key points of the letter.

Some examples of what this might look like:

Highlighting a customer satisfaction quote in a different font to make it stand out
Using callout boxes to draw attention to your key value propositions (especially helpful for busy teams skimming the page)
Using the company letterhead
Including the signature from a senior person at your company

Conclusion

Similar to introductions, many cover letters tend to focus more on the body content than the concluding paragraph. However, ending on a powerful note is as crucial as creating a compelling start. It’s recommended to conclude your cover letter by highlighting a significant benefit and the value your project will offer to the company.

Additionally, when wrapping up your proposal cover letter, always encourage them to continue by reading the complete proposal.

How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter

Now that you know the structure to follow on the proposal cover letter, it’s time to go into the details of how to write a proposal letter.

Powerful First Sentence

Starting with a powerful opening sentence can grab the reader’s attention immediately, encourage them to continue reading, and make your proposal stand out among the endless others they may have received. It’s beneficial to use impactful verbs and straightforward wording to ensure your initial sentence remains engaging and brief.

Demonstrate You Understand the Problem

In any proposal, it’s essential to demonstrate to your client that you understand the problem they’re facing. Highlight their goals and the reasons behind your collaboration. Present the company’s challenges in an easily comprehensible manner. Dedicate a section to focus on the company’s concerns, and later in the cover letter, you can introduce the proposed solutions.

Offer to Discuss the Proposal Further

Before ending your cover letter, you should stress your readiness to dive deeper into the proposal and address any questions or concerns the reader might have. Additionally, this serves as a chance for you to propose a face-to-face meeting with the potential client to further increase your chances of landing the project.

Thank the Issuer for the Opportunity

In the cover letter, you have the opportunity to express gratitude to the proposal’s recipients. Recognizing their participation in the process and expressing appreciation for the opportunity not only demonstrates courtesy but also signals to all reviewers that you’ve closely read the RFP guidelines.

Persuasive Closing

After completing the structure and details of your proposal cover letter, end with a persuasive closing demonstrating your understanding of the next steps. Clients want to understand how you’ll assist them in achieving their objectives and the next steps for moving forward. This demonstrates to them that you can simplify the process by detailing the necessary steps to advance.

As mentioned earlier, you’ll want to encourage the reader to read the entire proposal. However, you should also mention the opportunity to discuss the proposal further. Some examples of what this might look like include:

“We look forward to the opportunity to discuss our proposal further.”
“Once you’ve had an opportunity to review our proposal, please don’t hesitate to reach out and follow up with any questions.”
“Our team will be following up in a week for an update and see if there are any additional ways we can support your team. “

Signature

Don’t forget to include a signature! But who signs it? Who signs the proposal cover letter varies based on different factors. The person who has the relationship with the client is in charge of the strategy, and probably carried out the research leading to the proposal is typically the one that should sign the proposal cover letter.

However, it’s recommended that you have the proposal cover letter signed by the individual with the highest authorization level, ideally someone the client knows.

Otherwise, you should consider having the executive director of your organization sign the cover letter and include their contact details for professionalism. People to consider for signing the proposal cover letter include:

Executive director
Account manager
Executive of executives
CEO (a strategy used by small firms or when the RFP represents a large portion of a responder’s annual revenue)
Someone with a senior title

What Makes a Good Proposal Cover Letter?

So, now we know how to structure a proposal cover letter and how to write one, but how can we make it stand out? Here are some tips you should follow to craft a good proposal cover letter.

Capture Reader’s Attention Early

Within the framework of a proposal, the first paragraph is the best chance you have to catch your reader’s interest. This means the introduction is one of the most essential parts of your proposal cover letter. It’s crucial to catch the reader’s attention immediately, so think of an engaging way to introduce yourself and your company. You can do this by finding a way to relate to them or showing that you understand their needs.

Mirror Clients’ Words and Phrases

When writing a proposal cover letter, it’s essential to align your language with the client’s terminology to show that you understand their needs. Failing to do so might not only display a lack of alignment and agreement.

Prioritize the Prospect

A common mistake is making a proposal letter about yourself. Clients aren’t focused on your achievements or your professional journey. They want to understand how you’ll assist them in reaching their objectives. Therefore, the cover letter should focus on how you plan to help the client in reaching their objectives.

If you do want to mention special company achievements, make sure they are relevant to your client’s objectives and provide value.

Get Straight to the Point

Keep it simple. Be clear and avoid any uncertainty. Being unclear can break trust quickly. So, gather all your information before writing, so you don’t sound unsure. Make sure what you write is accurate. You’re the expert. Write confidently and avoid wasting your client’s (or your) time by putting unnecessary information in your proposal cover letter. The goal is to have clients read to the conclusion and sign.

Stand Out From the Competition

The proposal cover letter shows that you understand the client’s worries. It helps you be different from others and encourages clients to read your entire proposal. After reading the cover letter, they can then look at the more detailed parts.

Moreover, the proposal cover letter is your first chance to highlight your value proposition and what makes your offer unique compared to others. For the cover letter, you should focus on how you can distinguish yourself from competitors. You don’t want to “sound” the same as the competition.

RFP Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

Now that we’ve seen what makes a cover letter good, let’s take a look at what makes a cover letter bad. Here are the proposal cover letter mistakes to avoid.

Repeating the Executive Summary

Avoid repeating content from the executive summary within your proposal cover letter. Each document — the executive summary, proposal, and cover letter — should be separate. Repetitive information can damage the impact of your message and possibly bore or discourage the reader.

Not Utilizing the Right Software

When creating RFP responses, you need to manage digital assets while keeping everything accurate and up to date. With the right software, like a DAM system , you can store and manage all your project images, videos, and other media in one place. This makes it easy to find and incorporate the most relevant and impressive visuals into your RFP to make it more compelling.

With a DAM, you can quickly search, access, and integrate assets from the software directly into your RFP documents. This means that with the right DAM integrations for your industry, you can create documents in seconds with pre-designed templates.

Additionally, a DAM helps ensure that all images and media used are in line with your brand guidelines and accessed by the right people.

TIP: Want to know more ways a digital asset management (DAM) system can help you create RFP responses and win more clients? Read our Ultimate DAM Guide now.

Not Reading the RFP Multiple Times

Overlooking details is the first challenge in the RFP response process. The data presented by the client within the RFP serves to guide and inform your proposal. Hence, it’s crucial to carefully review the RFP multiple times to ensure all essential elements are seen and there is no critical information missing.

Moreover, if you don’t follow the client’s RFP guidelines, they’ll most likely ignore your response, and all your effort will be lost to those who did thoroughly read the RFP.

Not Understanding the Client’s Needs

This might seem like a general mistake, but it’s a big one. If you don’t understand what the client wants, your whole response won’t matter. For this reason, you need to read the RFP carefully to know what the client looking for. Don’t send a proposal that’s missing details or doesn’t match what they need.

Making the Length Too Long

Your cover letter should always be one page unless you’re dealing with a long proposal of 100+ pages. If you do end up with a longer cover letter, it might be because you are including too much detail. Instead of describing every detail of your proposal (save that for the executive summary), focus on the top three aspects that will catch the reader’s attention. This will leave the reader wanting to know more, encouraging them to read the entire proposal.

Proposal Cover Letter Examples

It’s time to take a look at good proposal cover letter examples to help you further understand what is expected.

Construction Proposal Letter Example

Here is a construction RFP response cover letter example that works:

Source: Examples

Architecture RFP Cover Page Example

Here is an architecture RFP cover page example that works:

Source: Utley Strategies

Engineering Cover Letter for a Proposal

Here is an engineering cover letter example that works:

Free Cover Letter for Proposal Template

Below, you can download a FREE proposal cover letter template made for the AEC industry from OpenAsset partner and proposal writing guru, Rachelle Ray. Just enter your name and email for immediate access.

AEC Cover Letter Template

Responding to an RFP? The downloadable RFP cover letter sample has the structure you need for a proposal cover letter that wins more clients.

How to Create Quality Proposal Cover Letters Every Time

Creating quality proposal cover letters every time isn’t an easy task. However, as the #1 DAM for AEC and Real Estate, OpenAsset can help you find, share, and use the digital assets you need to create high-quality AEC proposals quickly and easily.

With dozens of integrations and useful features, OpenAsset makes it easy to share and manage the heavy amounts of digital assets needed to create winning proposals .

Get your free downloadable proposal cover letter template today. And if you’d like to learn more about our DAM technology, you can reach out to one of our digital asset experts today to schedule a demo .

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How to write a proposal cover letter [with example]

Why you need the ultimate library for your rfp responses.

Selling & Enablement

Updated: Mar 1st, 2024

Like the devilishly tempting Hostess Ding Dongs treat, a proposal cover letter has to be short, sweet, and dense. Unlike that aforementioned hockey puck of delectability, proposal cover letters cannot be mass-produced. To write a proposal cover letter with nary a wasted word, you first need to understand its strategic significance in the overall proposal.

I’ve spent more than 17 years on proposals and have written hundreds of proposal cover letters. When I started, we printed out proposals and created huge binders to share with reviewers. Reviewers would open the binders to see the proposal cover letter, then an RFP executive summary , and then dig into the proposal itself. Binders are part of a bygone era; there’s been a big digital shift since I started.

Requests for paperless submissions and the growing popularity of online portals has altered the strategic significance of the proposal cover letter. It’s gone from a “must-have” element, to a “nice-to-have” one. My background is predominantly healthcare and insurance. Anecdotally, maybe only 30% of requests for proposals (RFPs) in healthcare and insurance request executive summaries while most volunteer that a cover letter is optional. If they give you an option, take it.

Some online portals don’t even give you an opportunity to include extra documents like cover letters. In such cases, you now have to include the cover letter as part of your proposal PDF. At the same time, RFPs are more complex than ever, requiring more details in submitted proposals. Issuers expect you to have your content in order, and a lot of it.

Speaking of issuers and what they’re looking for in proposal cover letters: They don’t need information that they can find on your website, that they can Google, or that sounds canned. They want to make sure you’ve reviewed the RFP requirements, and it’s absolutely essential to hit them with that up front, in your proposal cover letter. Especially if your solution meets all of the issuer’s requirements. Emphasize that fact simply and directly.

What is a proposal cover letter?

The proposal cover letter is meant to frame up your RFP proposal. It’s not a rehashing of the proposal or executive summary . It’s a vehicle to thank the issuer for the opportunity to respond, to say, “We’ve seen your business requirements and composed this proposal because we think we’re the best partner for you.” Think of it as the bow on your RFP proposal package.

Whether paper, PDF, or stone tablet, one thing that hasn’t changed about the proposal cover letter is that it’s your first opportunity to declare the value propositions that differentiate yours from competitive proposals. These value props will be the threads that weave through your proposal, from cover letter, to executive summary, to answers to questions.

As far as length, I aim for a page and a half when I write proposal cover letters. Try to keep it under two. Go longer only if a template or specific framework for the cover letter is provided by the issuer, which is sometimes the case in government RFPs.

Why a good proposal cover letter matters

RFP reviewers will be looking for deviations in responses. Deviations among responders as well as deviations from their (the issuers) requirements.

When you can write a cover letter and state, “After reviewing the RFP, we are confident that our solution meets all requirements and detail that fact in our proposal,” you make a compelling argument for reviewers to concentrate on how your proposal illustrates how you solve problems. They’ll notice cover letters that do not mention something that direct, and will review those proposals to look for where the solutions fall short.

When should you write the proposal cover letter?

It’s page one so it should be written first, right? Not necessarily. I’m a proponent of writing the executive summary first, the cover letter second, and then building the proposal. Certainly review the RFP first so you can determine what it’s asking for. But don’t just jump into a response from there. Take the time to establish the value props that will make it a cohesive proposal.

Writing the executive summary first helps you formulate your argument and determine which content you’ll need for the proposal. Once you know what you need to be persuasive and how you can solve the issuer’s problem, then you can develop the three-to-five value props (I try to boil it down to three solid, unique value props) that you can define in the proposal cover letter.

Who signs the proposal cover letter?

Notice I didn’t title this section, “Who writes the proposal cover letter?” The person who writes it and the person who signs it may not be one and the same.

If your proposal team is fortunate enough to have a dedicated writer, then have them write the letter based on input from the frontline sales rep. Whoever writes the letter must be fully informed of response strategy and have intimate knowledge of the proposal and executive summary. Strategy, voice, and style need to be consistent across all documents (cover letter, executive summary, and proposal).

Who signs it depends on a variety of factors. In most cases, the frontline sales rep will sign the proposal cover letter. They have the relationship, own the strategy, and likely conducted the discovery that informed the proposal. However, it’s not uncommon for an executive sponsor such as a VP of sales to sign. The thinking being that executive reviewers may appreciate seeing a proposal that’s been vetted by a fellow executive.

There are also those cases when the executive of executives, the CEO, signs the letter. There are two common scenarios for this play. One, the RFP may be large enough to represent a significant percentage of a responder’s annual revenue. Two, the responding organization is concerned with appearing relatively small, and in an effort to improve its stature, seals the proposal with a CEO’s signature.

There’s definitely some gamesmanship at play here. Even so, the name on the letter will never overshadow the content of the proposal.

7 steps to write a proposal cover letter

The compact nature of the proposal cover letter makes it difficult to fit everything in one or two pages. Good writers are valuable assets in these instances. Every proposal cover letter should contain the following sections:

Thank the issuer (and broker, where applicable) for the opportunity.
Recite your understanding of the opportunity to validate that you reviewed the RFP requirements.
List your abilities to meet requirements. If you can meet all of them, lead with that fact.
Describe your value propositions. You’re trying to portray that, “This is what we bring to the table, and that’s why we’re the best choice.”
Provide a high-level future snapshot of what business will look like after your solution is chosen.
Conclude with a persuasive delivery of your understanding of next steps: “We look forward to the opportunity to discuss our proposal further.” Show that you’re able and willing to move forward in the sales lifecycle.
Sign it from the frontline sales representative or executive sponsor. This should not look like a form letter from the organization as a whole.

3 common mistakes to avoid

Beyond the mistakes of not including a proposal cover letter at all or writing one that’s too long, proofread your next letter for the following mistakes before sending it.

Avoid repeating anything from the executive summary or proposal. Those documents need to live on their own, just like the proposal cover letter.
Don’t waste space with your resume. Something like this… Responsive’s growing list of 600+ clients including 40+ Fortune 500 organizations continue to take advantage of our one-of-a-kind Unlimited User licensing model, expanding their usage on the platform to scale organizational success. With Responsive as their team’s support system, every day they break down silos by facilitating collaboration and efficiency in their RFx response process ….is boilerplate that can appear elsewhere in the proposal or not at all, given that it’s likely available to the issuer on your corporate website.
If a broker is involved, thank them, too. The proposal cover letter is also an opportunity to directly address the issuer. This can be particularly valuable when a broker is involved. Some issuers rely on RFP brokers to sift through responses to make sure only the best possible solutions get serious consideration. Ignore these brokers at your peril. While the response and executive summary will address the issuer and the problem at hand, the cover letter is where you can give a nod to the broker. Acknowledging their involvement in the process and thanking them for the opportunity as well will at the very least alert all reviewers that you paid close attention to the RFP requirements.
Don’t guess. Make sure you or someone on your team does the legwork and discovery to inform your response strategy. The more you have to guess, the longer the letter will take to write.

Proposal cover letter example

Feel free to use the proposal cover letter example below as a template for your next letter. One of the many advantages of proposal software such as Responsive is the automation of the cover letter process. Don’t get me wrong, you still have to write it, but RFP software helps:

Access and write in the template within the platform (no need to toggle back and forth between a word processor and whatever application you’re using to build your proposal)
Include identical brand elements as the proposal and executive summary
Add the cover letter to the front of the proposal and/or executive summary when you output it for submission

When you use the following example, you’ll need to swap out the RFPIO-centric items with your own company and solution information as well as the custom value props for that specific proposal. The three value props highlighted in the example are Salesforce integration, data security, and customer support. For your letter, these will be specific to your solution and the problem stated in the RFP.

Hi [Issuer(s) first name(s)],

Thank you for considering Responsive as your potential vendor for RFP automation software. We are cognizant of the effort it takes to make a selection like this, so we very much appreciate the opportunity. First and foremost, Responsive meets all of the requirements detailed in your RFP. That’s illustrated in greater detail in this proposal. In the meantime, the following capabilities make us confident that Responsive is the most qualified company and solution for [issuing company name’s] [RFP title].

Helping businesses improve and scale their RFP response process for greater efficiency. The time and resource savings reported to us from our clients has allowed them to participate in more proposals and provide high-quality responses that create additional revenue opportunities.
Automating the import and export functions, centralizing content for RFPs, and facilitating collaboration among key stakeholders.
Managing knowledge and content through our AI-enabled Content Library .
Giving clear visibility into the entire RFP process through reports and dashboards—including project status and progress, and analytics for actionable insights.

We know that it’s important for [issuing company name] to find a solution with a strong integration with Salesforce. This proposal details Responsive’s integration with Salesforce , and how it will work for you. In addition to that, Responsive’s open API allows for integrations with many other technologies for cloud-storage, collaboration, and other desired platforms.

We also take your data security concerns highlighted in the RFP very seriously. You can be assured that your data will be safe and accessible. We work with a variety of enterprise customers and understand the necessary level of security that is required. From the beginning, we made it a priority to build security right into Responsive’s technology, which we continue to maintain. We are SOC 2 and ISO27001 certified, while continuing to pursue other best-in-class certifications to ensure security.

Regarding your requirement for ongoing support following implementation: When it comes to customer support, our technical and account managers are high performers. We have an expert group of 110 nimble programmers and developers who are always ready to provide quick technical fixes (that you can request right within the solution). Our reliable and attentive account team is ready to fully support [company name] should we move forward as your vendor.

Upon deploying Responsive, it’s intuitive user experience is simple to get used to. You’ll also get free access to Responsive Academy for all your training needs, now and in the future. Getting started is as simple as loading that first project. The whole team will be collaborating from there. As your Content Library grows, machine learning will provide more and more automation opportunities. It won’t be long before you see a drastic uptick in proposal quality and number of proposals submitted.

If you’re interested in comparing our solution to other comparable tools, we recommend that you visit software review platform G2 Crowd’s top RFP Solutions grid . This information is based on user satisfaction and places Responsive at the top in all categories.

We look forward to the opportunity to discuss our proposal further. We appreciate your consideration, and wish you luck on your selection.

Thanks, [Signee’s name] [Signee’s title]

You should have it “cover”-ed from here

If you’ve done your research and client discovery, and you know the value props specific to the RFP that you’ve already reviewed, then letter writing will go fast. The better you know the client and people involved, the easier it is going to be for you to tailor the proposal cover letter, the executive summary, and, most importantly, the RFP proposal.

To learn more about how Responsive can help you write better proposal cover letters, schedule a demo today!

Product & Best Practices
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Company & Events
Customer Stories

RFP 101: Request for proposal basics

If you’re new to the proposal or bid process, then you’ll need the request for proposal (RFP) basics. Even though, like all business processes, the request for proposal process has changed over the years, many of the basics have held true. Thi

Benchmarks and future-proofing for RFP teams

How is technology aiding the request for proposal (RFP) response process? To find out, we surveyed members of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) to gain insight into current and future trends in proposal management processes

Why that sales proposal matters more than you think

If you’re deep into a sales process and seeking feedback from a prospect, any sentence with the word “unfortunately” in it generally doesn’t bode well. “Unfortunately, you weren’t selected.” Or, just as bad: “You were our number one c

See how it feels to respond with confidence

Why do 250,000+ users streamline their response process with Responsive? Schedule a demo to find out.

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How To Write a Grant Proposal: Guide + Templates

Fundraising practices.

Megan Allison

Share this article.

Nonprofit grant proposals can be a daunting task for fundraisers, but it’s a key way to help gain more sustainable funding for your organization. From finding the right grants to writing and applying for them, grant proposals require a lot of research and attention to detail! Even experienced fundraisers can feel overwhelmed, but by following a planned process and some best practices, you can take the stress out of appealing to grant funders.

What is a grant proposal?
5 best practices for writing a convincing grant proposal

How to write a grant proposal for nonprofits in 11 basic steps

Where to find grant opportunities
Grant proposal templates
Grant proposal do’s and don’ts

What is a grant proposal?

A grant proposal is a structured document that outlines the need for funding, your nonprofit’s objectives, the proposed project’s scope, and the budget you need to accomplish your project. It serves as your voice when grant funders are reviewing proposals, and it can decide whether you secure the grant or not.

Nonprofit grant proposals need to tell a moving story about your organization’s mission and vision while adhering to the stringent guidelines set forth by the grant maker. Writing a good grant proposal requires attention to detail, strategic thinking, and a compelling solution to a problem.

What do you write in a grant proposal?

Before you start writing your grant proposal, you need to know the key parts to include when writing your proposal .

Cover letter: Your cover letter is the first impression you make on the grant review committee. Include big accomplishments and details that will help persuade the reviewers of the success of your work.
Executive summary: The summary is a snapshot of your proposal. Create a concise but compelling way to capture your mission, the project’s scope, and the budget in a single page.
Statement of need: Dive deep into the problem your nonprofit is trying to solve with grant funding. Use data to make a clear case for why the funder’s support is crucial to the impact you can make.
Project description: Your description details how your organization intends to address the problem identified in your statement of need. Approach this with clear and tangible solutions to the issue at hand.
Organization background : Show your nonprofit’s history, current programs, and any previous successes that demonstrate your capacity to handle the project you’re proposing for the grant.
Budget: Go into detail about how exactly you plan to use the grant funding for your program.
Sustainability plan: The fundraising world is looking more to sustainability to ensure organizations are getting to the root of a problem rather than just applying a short-term bandage. Outline how your program can continue long-term to help the problem at hand.
Overall impact: Bring the grant review committee back to the main goal of your proposal by highlighting the overall impact your project aims to achieve.

Each component of your grant proposal serves a unique purpose! Use your nonprofit’s voice to help ensure the work you do is highlighted through each part.

5 best practices for writing a convincing grant proposal

1. make sure you have everything you need for your application. .

The guidelines for the grant you’re applying for should have all the information you’ll need to collect to apply for the grant. Two things you should make sure you have before you apply are your mission statement and any required paperwork. Your mission statement should be clear and explain your nonprofit’s purpose to provide a first impression for funders.

There are a few types of paperwork you may need to meet the grant’s eligibility requirements. Funders may request financial statements or annual reports, as well as other documentation on your nonprofit to be submitted with your proposal. Make sure you can match all the eligibility criteria before preparing your proposal to avoid wasting energy on applications that are ineligible for approval.

2. Tell a powerful story.

Grant funders are looking for projects that can create a lasting impact in their communities. To show your organization can create long-term change, use success stories that can be backed with data to show what your nonprofit can do. Emotional pull is an important part of the grant writing process, but numbers help solidify your funding request.

Craft a story that paints a clear image of your nonprofit’s identity, both visually and narratively. Share both successes and challenges to build a realistic visual of how your organization solves problems.

3. Research previous winners.

Before writing, research the grant you’re applying for and who the previous grant awardees are. Understand what the grant funders value to ensure your proposal is aligned with those priorities. Studying winning proposals from the past can provide insight into what works best for a specific funder. Look for common elements across different winners and structure your proposal in a similar fashion without losing your nonprofit’s voice.

4. Writing clearly and concisely.

Avoid using overly specific jargon and be as clear as possible. You’re an expert in your field, but the grant funders might not be. Your proposal might make perfect sense to you, but to others, it could take too much time to understand. Your communication needs to come across clearly, convey why your project matters, and how it will address the funder’s priorities. Make a checklist to guarantee you hit every point in your narrative.

5. Double check your work.

Proofread your proposal multiple times and have others review it as well. Typos and grammatical errors can detract from the power of your message. It also helps you ensure that your messaging is consistent throughout the proposal and that you’ve met all necessary guidelines.

man typing up a nonprofit grant proposal on a computer

1. Finding the right grants to apply to

Look through well-established grant databases, set up Google alerts, check out company foundations, and network with other nonprofits to keep track of available grants that align with your mission and find one that will fit your program needs.

2. Making a list of guidelines you must match

Create a checklist of the grant’s guidelines that need to be met in the proposal you submit. This helps you ensure accuracy and thoroughness throughout the writing process and provides an easy resource when double checking your work

3. Summarizing your work

In a few sentences, summarize what your nonprofit does and the primary focus of your work and the project you’re submitting for the grant. You can use this summary as a baseline for creating your nonprofit voice for the proposal, as well as use it to make first impressions when networking with potential funders.

4. Illustrating the problem you solve

Use real examples and statistics to help you illustrate the problem you’re tackling. You can show the urgency and need for solutions to the problem by providing tangible evidence of the issues occurring within your community.

5. Specifying goals and objectives

Your project needs to have specific goals with metrics you can measure to show your success. These goals should be directly related to resolving the problem you’ve identified in your community. Your objectives should also be something you can reasonably accomplish.

6. Explaining your project plan

Detail the steps of your project to achieve your objectives. Be specific about who will do what, when, and how to give an overview of the proposed timeline. You should also include how each step will help you move towards your objectives.

7. Proposing your budget

The budget is a key component of your grant proposal. Every line item should be justified and directly tied to activities that will help you achieve your goals. Your budget needs to be reasonable and fit within what the grant is able to offer in funding.

8. Planning your evaluation

Decide which metrics you’ll use to measure the success of your project. This part of your proposal demonstrates your commitment to accountability and your capacity to manage the grant. Pick a few key ways the funders can evaluate your program.

9. Ensuring sustainability

Show how you’ll maintain the project’s success after the funds from the grant are exhausted. Present a realistic, long-term plan for continuation. Your grant proposal doesn’t just fund a project with short-term results–it should initiate a change or growth that’s sustainable without continuous support from the funder.

10. Revising your proposal

Never rush the review process! After completing your first draft, provide a copy to a few reviewers to ensure your message gets across. You should also review yourself a few days after finishing up your draft to get a fresh look. You’ll be surprised how a clear head can help provide new insights.

11. Following Up

If you haven’t heard back within a reasonable time, it’s okay to follow up with the grant funders. Keep it simple and check if they’ve had a chance to review your proposal. You can also ask the grant review committee to provide feedback on your proposal to help you improve for your next proposal.

eBook cover and prompt to download Qgiv's Sustainable Giving Report

Where to find grant opportunities

There are a couple places you can look when trying to find grant opportunities . Well-known grant databases, such as grants.gov or GrantWatch , can be great resources to do a wide search of grants. You can also look at large corporations to check if they provide grants, such as Carnegie Foundation or Bank of America . Local government branches that work within your cause are also great resources for grants. You can also network with your board members or other nonprofits to find grant opportunities that you already have a connection with.

Here are 10 more places to find grants:

National Endowment for the Arts
GrantFinder
Economic Development Directory
Walmart Foundation
Coca-Cola Foundation
Aldi Cares Community Grants
Candid’s Foundation Directory
GrantStation
Home Depot Foundation

Grant proposal templates

If you’re looking for a place to start, use this grant proposal template:

Cover letter

Dear [Grantor’s name],

Introduce your organization and thank the grantor for the opportunity to apply. Then, provide a brief overview of your nonprofit, including your mission, goals, and any unique strengths that set your organization apart.

Next, describe the specific project you’re seeking funding for. Explain the problem or need it addresses, the objectives of the project, why your organization is well-suited, and the intended outcomes. Include one or two examples of relevant experience that show your organization’s ability to complete the project.

Thank the grantor for considering your application and provide contact information to answer any questions they may have.

Executive summary

Provide a brief summary of your proposal that provides the grantor the most important details of your project. Explain what your organization does, why the project is important, who the project helps, and an overview of your suggested budget in a concise manner. Be sure to include the items listed below.

Mission statement
Problem statement
Objective of the project
Intended outcomes
Funding request

Statement of need

Provide context about the issue or challenge that your organization is addressing with this project. Describe the problem in depth and highlight its impact on the community using key statistics about the problem. Provide examples of how this project aligns with your nonprofit, as well. Include images and data graphs to provide a visual of the issue.

Project description

Provide an overview of your proposed project, including its objectives, activities, and intended impact. Outline the specific activities and steps needed to achieve the project’s purpose, as well as details about each activity. Let the grantor see your staffing structure and what responsibilities each role will have in the project.

Include a timeline of key deadlines for your project into smaller phases and explain which activities will take place during each phase. The goal of this section is to show a thorough and transparent plan to the grantor. Break this section down into the sections listed below.

Activities and action plan
Staffing structure
Project manager
Roles and responsibilities

Organizational background

Use this section to introduce your organization to the grant reviewer and establish credibility. Restate your missions and values, and describe the different services and programs currently offered by your nonprofit to show your experience in similar projects.

Detail any previous achievements your organization had serving the community to provide credibility and a record of success to your proposal. Include any relevant qualifications your nonprofit has in your cause that could help with accomplishing your proposed project.

Provide an explanation and estimation for each expense of your project (materials, marketing, technology, administration, etc.). The grantor will want to know exactly how you plan to use the funds provided by the grant, so be as specific as possible in your budget when showing how your expenses directly contribute to achieving the project objectives.

Link each line item from the proposed budget to your project’s goal to show each expenses’ part in achieving the desired impact. Provide a chart or graph to add a visual representation of the budget.

Sustainability plan

Outline your nonprofit’s strategy for creating long-term sustainability of the proposed project. These plans should include where future funding will come from, what plans you have for long-term staffing of the project, and what ongoing support the program will receive from your organization.

This section is to show the grantor that the project will provide a reliable solution for the problem and not a short-term fix that relies purely on the grant fund.

Overall impact

Provide a detailed overview of the impact the proposed project will have on the community. Describe what the long-term benefits of the project will be on the community and how this impact can be measured by the grantor. Specify objective metrics that the grantor can use to examine the accomplishments of the project and include what metrics would need to be reached to indicate success.

AI prompt ideas

Consider using AI to generate new ideas for the different sections of your proposal. It can help you add a fresh perspective to your proposal or save you from writer’s block. Here some prompt ideas to help you fuel your writing process:

“Write a one-page executive summary of [insert proposal sections] highlighting [your organization] accomplishments.”
“Create a data table of [public program data] to show the success of [program name].”
“Describe how [project mission] could help solve [community problem].”
“Use [project estimates] to create a budget for [program name].”
“Define the overall impact of [project plan] on [community problem].”

woman typing up a nonprofit grant proposal on a laptop

Grant proposal do’s and don’ts

Use these grants do’s and don’ts as a reminder for writing the best grant proposal you can.

Do prepare well ahead of time

Grant proposals need to be a well-planned effort, not a last-minute scramble. Planning ahead can help you make a more polished proposal.

Do communicate a consistent message

If it doesn’t feel like your proposal matches your mission, you’ll be less likely to receive the grant. Ensure the messaging of your proposal matches your nonprofit’s mission and branding.

Do show transparency

Be open about how your nonprofit works and how you use funds. Transparency shows the grant funders that your organization is trustworthy to follow through with your proposal.

Don’t submit without creating a connection

Your proposal isn’t just a document–it’s an overall approach to creating financial partnerships for your organization. Don’t submit your proposal without reaching out and connecting with your potential funder.

Don’t skim the guidelines

The guidelines provided for each grant are specific to the grant and are required by the funders to get their funding. Missing out on a guideline can mean you lose your chance at the grant.

Don’t be vague on your impact

The grant funders want to see results. Making vague claims about what your organization can do without backing it with data can undermine your credibility.

Final thoughts

The grant proposal process can be challenging, but the results are well worth the effort. Successfully securing a grant can provide more sustainable financial support needed to accomplish your nonprofit’s next big project and make a meaningful impact in your community.

Every word in your proposal should lead the review committee back to the main problem your project can solve with the help of the grant. Tell your story and make a compelling case for why your nonprofit deserves funding and how you can change the world.

Additional resources

Use these additional resources to help you find and write grant proposals for your organization.

Quick Guide to Grants for Nonprofits: Tips, Resources & More . Use this guide for more tips and resources for writing grant proposals.
How to Find & Engage The Right Grant Funders For Your Nonprofit . Find grant funds to apply to using this guide.
How To Find And Get Grants . Check out this webinar on how to find and get grants.
Demystifying the Grants Lifecycle: Grant Seeking Lessons and Pro-tips from the Field . Watch this video to learn tips on getting grants from experts in the field.

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About the Author

Megan is a writer at Qgiv who takes pride in helping nonprofits. In her freetime, she enjoys reading, music, and playing with her two cats.

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How to Write a Winning Proposal Cover Letter (Plus 5 Real Examples)

Senior Content Marketing Manager at Loopio

First impressions are important—especially in the world of proposals.

That’s why writing a good cover letter is an essential step towards winning a bid. In the request for proposal (RFP) process, this single-page letter marks your first opportunity to grab a prospect’s attention and make it clear that your company is uniquely positioned to solve their problem. So if you’re currently using boilerplate copy… Stop. Immediately .

In this blog, you’ll learn how to write custom proposal cover letters that grab a prospect’s attention and increase your chances of winning RFP responses . Plus, five examples of real proposal cover letters from industry pros.

In this article, you’ll learn:

What is a Proposal Cover Letter?

What to Include in a Proposal Cover Letter
How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter
5 Real Proposal Cover Letter Examples ⭐

Next Steps: Build Quality Proposals Faster

A proposal cover letter is a single-page document used to pitch your business offerings to a potential client. In it, the customer can tell whether you’re genuinely engaged and have done your research—or if you’ve simply copy and pasted generic language from past business proposals.

It’s also your first opportunity to convince a client to why they should continue reading your proposal. Considering the average team spends 32 hours writing a single RFP response , it’s critical that your proposal cover letter makes a good impression.

“This is the most important five paragraphs one can write as it’s the only part everyone will read. You must knock it out of the park or you’ll lose.”

Eileen Kent, President, Custom Keynotes LLC

What Should You Include in a Proposal Cover Letter?

Like any good cover letter, your proposal should open with a unique offer or positioning. It’s important to establish early on why your team is best suited to solve a client’s problem.

A strong proposal cover letter includes:

A greeting : Introduce your company and what you do.
Clear summary: Describe your value propositions at a high-level. Be sure to connect these points to your client’s needs. ( Also known as an executive summary. )
Personalized offer: Explain to the client what you can uniquely provide to solve their problem.
Relevant references: Help the prospect understand why they should choose you over competitors.
Visuals: If you have a designer on your team, include visuals that help emphasize the most important content on this page. For example, use callout boxes to make value propositions stand out for busy procurement teams who are skimming the page.

From the offer you present, to the visuals you include, the details in your proposal cover letter should be all about the client. The goal is to show how your company shines before they even get into the details of your proposal. Demonstrate the qualities that you bring to this potential customer by starting out your relationship on the right foot.

Jon Williams, Managing Director of Strategic Proposals , shares the key points you should concisely hit to be successful.

“Thank the customer, show enthusiasm, demonstrate senior sponsorship, briefly introduce win themes–and then shut up and leave the rest to a brilliant exec summary!”

How to Write a Winning Proposal Cover Letter

From reading the RFP thoroughly, to outlining a clear offer, there are six critical steps that seasoned proposal professionals recommend you take to craft a quality cover letter. ( Psst…you can fast-track these steps by using AI for proposal writing . )

Step 1: Read the RFP Cover to Cover

This step seems obvious, but it’s surprising how many teams skip it. You must read the RFP thoroughly, from cover to cover, before beginning your letter.

While reading, take note of any recurring themes from your prospect. Perhaps they focus on quality of design and ease of use. Or maybe they emphasize needing certain functionalities or features—whatever the case, Kori Warriner of KCI Technologies recommends you consider the following questions as you read through the request for proposal:

Questions to consider:

What is the client’s reason behind the project? (revitalization, aging infrastructure, etc.)
Where is the funding for the project coming from?
Does the client have any hot-button issues regarding the project?
What is the desired end-result?
What would speak to the client? (retirement-friendly, aesthetics, budget, etc.)

“You need to make the client feel as though you are speaking directly to them.”

While questions may differ by industry, the idea remains the same. Reading the RFP thoroughly helps you better understand the problems your prospect is facing. Which in turn help you paint a clearer picture of how your company can support them.

(It can also help spark ideas for win themes, or specific language, that truly resonates with the prospect—more on that later.)

“Instead of saying ‘we are pleased’ or other overused statements such as that, I introduce my company, and then switch back to talking about what we can do to help the client reach their goals,” Kori explains.

Step 2: Capture Your Prospect’s Attention Early

Chances are, your prospect is extremely busy. They’re likely to skim your proposal cover letter—which is why you should focus on making it memorable. Use it to create a connection to your prospect and capture their attention early in the proposal.

In the structure of a proposal , the first paragraph is the best place to earn your reader’s attention, shares Senior Proposal Consultant Kelly Allen.

“Try to capture the reader in the first paragraph by relating to them in some way. If they are a current client, leverage your relationship. If not, demonstrate a clear understanding of what they need.” Kelly Allen, Senior Proposal Consultant, UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)

Step 3: Use Clear, Competitive Win Themes

Once you identify their distinct needs, you can formulate which key themes need to be identified in your cover letter. Then, narrow it down to the most persuasive reasons that your prospect should choose your proposal over a competitor. Eileen Kent, President of Custom Keynotes, explains that these are also known as “ win themes ”.

Win themes should be based on what the customer told you they wanted. Position yourself as the one company that can deliver exactly what your prospect is looking for. To do this well, it’s essential that you also understand what your competition is doing.

Here’s how to brush up on what your competitors are offering:

Review competitors’ websites
Read competitors’ financial statements
Look at review websites like G2 or Forrester reports including your competition
Ask if clients are willing to share competitors’ past RFPs (You never know, unless you ask)

At this stage, you’ll want to focus on how you can stand out from the competition. Eileen also recommends acknowledging any elephants in the room. By that, she means anything that the client may consider your team’s weakness.

She recommends addressing weak points head on to leave a good impression, “The elephant in the room could be your business size. Address it by talking about how you formed a tight team who have exceeded performance expectations, and worked together for years, so they see that as a strength instead,” she explains.

Step 4: Provide a Personalized Offer

Now that you’ve grabbed your prospect’s attention, you need to maintain it. Do this by outlining clear benefits, which speak directly to their pain points in an enticing and clear way.

You should outline how your product will positively impact the buyer and identify what they will get out of your partnership.

“Choose the top 3-5 features of your solution and describe how they will benefit your customer in a single line. Be direct: Here’s what we offer. Here’s how it will solve your problem.”

Cristina Miller, Proposal Writer, Gallup

Step 5: Use a Strong Closing Statement

Your closing statement should be concise, reiterate your capabilities, and highlight the value you deliver. But don’t forget that it’s also an opportunity to connect with your prospect through the proposal process.

“To build a connection, you have to ignore outdated writing advice and not be afraid to use real language” says Rebecca Baumgartner, Sr. Manager, Proposals, PFS .

“Whoever is reading your cover letter can immediately tell if you’re hiding behind jargon or parroting the language of the RFP because you don’t understand what they need,” she explains.

“But when you write authentically, you have the opportunity to show the client you’ve been listening.”

“A great cover letter isn’t stuffy or formal–it’s a conversation between real people, a chance to put aside the technical language of procurement and connect with the human being on the other side.”

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

When crafting your proposal cover letter, there are a few final checkpoints to leave your prospect with a good impression.

Graphics aren’t necessary for a proposal cover letter, but they can be helpful. For example: highlighting a quote from a customer in a different font, or using callout boxes to emphasize your key value propositions. Use visuals that help to emphasize your main points, not distract from them.

Here’s what Izane Cloete-Hamilton, CPP APMP, of nFold recommends.

Use a company letterhead
Address the letter to the individual specified in the RFP
Sign the cover letter from a senior person at your company
If the response is from a strategic partnership between two companies, use dual signatures
Ensure your letter is no longer than one page

“Sign the proposal cover letter from the highest-level person with signature authority, preferably someone that the customer knows personally.”

Proposal Cover Letters (5 Real Templates)

Now that you know what steps to follow, it’s time to look at some real examples of business proposal cover letters. While you don’t want to copy a boilerplate letter, these templates may provide helpful guidance for your next proposal.

Here are the types of proposal cover letter examples you’ll see above:

Real proposal cover letter example from a security company
Example proposal cover letter for an amusement park
Real proposal letter & executive summary from an enterprise design consultancy
Winning cover letter example from KCI technologies
Another proposal cover letter example from a security company

Looking for a sample grant proposal cover letter? Check out this article .

“Remember, your cover letter isn’t about you, it’s about your client. Let them know that you understand them. Then you can talk about how your company can solve their potential challenge.”

To make more time for writing winning proposal cover letters, you’ll need to make some efficiency gains in your overall RFP process. Start by setting your team up with a proposal software that can improve speed and collaboration amongst your team.

Take Aspen Medical for example. Their business development team started using Loopio’s proposal platform in October of 2019. Within a few short months, they were putting together proactive proposals in just 15-30 minutes and seeing a big return on investment (ROI).

In fact, a survey of 165 companies RFP ROI found that those who consistently use proposal software have achieved results of:

51% more RFP responses
42% less time spent answering proposal questions
85% of companies win more business

If you’re looking to improve the pace of your next proposal, try Loopio’s software.

Improve Your Proposal Writing 📝

Want to learn how to master your craft? Read more about proposal writing skills or how to craft a repeatable RFP response template .

The best proposal software for 2024 (top four tools), the raci chart: how to respond faster to security questionnaires, 51 fascinating rfp statistics on the state of bidding in 2023.

6 Examples: How to Write a Perfect Proposal Letter (Step-by-Step)

By Status.net Editorial Team on November 8, 2023 — 14 minutes to read

Understanding Proposal Letters Part 1
Structuring Your Proposal Letter Part 2
Key Elements of a Proposal Letter Part 3
Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Proposal Letter Part 4
How to Write a Business Proposal Letter (Example) Part 5
How to Write a Job Proposal Letter (Example) Part 6
How to Write an Academic Proposal Letter (Example) Part 7
Successful Business Proposal Email Example Part 8
Example of a Proposal Letter for a Marketing Project Part 9
Effective Job Proposal Email Example Part 10

Part 1 Understanding Proposal Letters

A proposal letter is a written document sent to a potential client, employer, or partner, outlining your proposed idea, project, or plan. It aims to persuade the recipient to consider your proposal and take action on it.

To begin with, think of the end goal. Identify what you want to achieve with your proposal letter. This could be anything from securing a contract to obtaining funding for a project. Having a clear objective in mind helps you create a compelling document.

Next, research your target audience. Understand the recipient’s needs, preferences, and potential pain points. Tailor your letter to demonstrate how it addresses their specific requirements boosting your chances of success.

Now, let’s discuss the structure of a proposal letter. Generally, it follows a simple layout:

Salutation : Start with a formal greeting, addressing the recipient by their full name or title.
Introduction : Introduce the purpose of your letter, highlighting the central theme of your proposal.
Body : Explain your proposal in detail, including benefits, costs, timeline, and any other vital information.
Conclusion : Summarize the key points and request for a follow-up meeting or discussion.
Closing : End with a courteous sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”

Part 2 Structuring Your Proposal Letter

Starting with a strong introduction.

Begin your proposal letter with a friendly, professional tone that captures your reader’s attention. Introduce yourself and your organization, briefly explaining your background and experience. Connect with your reader by showing that you understand their needs and goals. Make sure you mention the purpose of your proposal and the solution you want to offer with confidence.

Proposing Your Idea

After laying the groundwork, dive into the details of your proposal. Explain what your solution or idea is and how it addresses the needs and goals mentioned earlier. Make sure to highlight the key benefits, focusing on what’s in it for your reader. Be specific and use facts, figures, and examples to support your claims. Keep your paragraphs organized and use bullet points or bold text to emphasize important information.

For example:

Benefit 1: Reduction in production costs by 30%
Benefit 2: Improved customer satisfaction
Benefit 3: Streamlined workflow processes

This will help your reader easily understand and remember the main points of your proposal.

Ending with a Perfect Conclusion

End your proposal letter on a positive note, summarizing the main benefits and advantages of your idea. Reiterate your enthusiasm and commitment to providing the best solution possible. Offer your assistance in answering any questions or addressing concerns your reader might have. Finish with a call-to-action, such as setting up a meeting or signing a contract, and provide your contact information so they can easily get in touch with you.

Part 3 Key Elements of a Proposal Letter

Clear objective.

A successful proposal letter begins with a clear objective. When writing your letter, make sure to state the purpose of the proposal in a concise and straightforward manner. This helps the reader understand what you want to achieve and the solution you’re providing. Avoid using jargon or complex language, as it can be confusing and might lead the reader to misunderstand the core message.

Specific Details

Providing specific details is important to make your proposal letter more persuasive. This includes outlining the scope of work, timeframe, and estimated costs for the project. You should also highlight any unique aspects of your proposal that set it apart from competitors or alternative solutions.

For example, if you’re proposing a marketing campaign, you could outline the target audience, marketing channels you’ll use, content creation, and metrics for success. By providing specifics, you demonstrate that you’ve put thought into the project and have a well-planned approach, instilling confidence in the reader that you are the right choice.

Compelling Reasoning

Your proposal letter should include compelling reasoning for why the recipient should choose your solution. This can include:

Demonstrating your expertise and experience in the field
Explaining the benefits of your proposed solution
Sharing success stories and testimonials from past clients or projects
Outlining how your proposal aligns with the recipient’s goals and needs

For example, continuing with the marketing campaign proposal, you could discuss how your experience in handling similar projects has led to significant increases in sales and brand recognition for your clients. Also, you might explain how your approach aligns with the recipient’s target demographics or business objectives to strengthen your case.

Part 4 Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Proposal Letter

Start by addressing the recipient with their professional title and full name.
In the first paragraph, state the purpose of your letter and summarize your proposal briefly. Make sure to highlight the key benefits of your proposal for the recipient or their organization.
In the next few paragraphs, provide details about your proposed project or partnership, such as your objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes. Also, showcase your competence and experience by mentioning relevant achievements or past collaborations.
When closing the letter, express gratitude for their time and consideration. Offer to provide further information or answer any questions they may have.
Lastly, include your full name, title, contact information, and signature.

Choosing the Right Format

Make sure your letter is in the right format to make it look professional. You will typically use a business letter format, which includes:

Your contact information
The recipient’s contact information
Subject line (optional)
Body of the letter

[Contact Details]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

Re: [Proposal subject]

[Body of the letter]

[Your Name]

Setting the Tone

Maintain a friendly yet professional tone throughout your proposal letter. Be polite and respectful, addressing the recipient by their full name, and using “please” and “thank you” when appropriate. Keep the language conversational but clear, so your reader can easily understand your proposal. Stay away from overly technical terms or jargon, unless it is necessary and you’re sure your recipient will understand it.

Drafting the Body

Begin by providing an overview of the problem or need your proposal is addressing. Clearly explain the issue and why it’s important to solve it. Next, describe your proposed solution in detail, outlining your plan and how it will benefit the recipient. Be specific and realistic in your description; for example, if you’re proposing a project with a timeline and budget, include concrete figures and dates.

Break down your proposal into smaller sections, using separate paragraphs or even bullet points if helpful. This makes it easier for your reader to follow your argument and understand the various aspects of your proposal. Here’s a quick outline of what you should cover in the body of your proposal letter:

Problem/need introduction
Proposed solution
Benefits of the solution
Timeline and budget (if applicable)
Your qualifications (why you’re the right choice to carry out the proposal)
A call to action (how they can take the next step)

Proofreading Carefully

Before sending your proposal letter, take the time to thoroughly proofread it for errors in grammar, spelling, and formatting. Ensuring that your letter is polished and error-free shows the recipient that you take your proposal seriously and are committed to quality in your work. If possible, ask a colleague or friend to review your letter as well since a fresh set of eyes can often catch errors that you might have missed.

Part 5 How to Write a Business Proposal Letter (Example)

When writing a business proposal letter, your goal is to present your ideas or services in a way that’s compelling and clear. Business proposal letters can be sent to potential clients, partners, or investors. Here are some tips for writing an effective business proposal letter:

Start with a brief introduction of your company and its offerings.
Highlight the benefits of your product or service, focusing on the value it will bring to the recipient.
Be specific about costs, timelines, and any other relevant information.
Use clear, concise language, and avoid using jargon or overly technical terms.
Close the letter by mentioning next steps, such as arranging a meeting or following up with further information.

Subject: New Collaboration Opportunity with [Your Company Name] Dear [Recipient’s Name], I’m reaching out on behalf of [Your Company Name] to discuss an exciting opportunity for collaboration. Our team has developed an innovative marketing strategy that could greatly benefit your company by increasing your customer acquisition rate by 20% within the next six months. […] We look forward to the possibility of working together and will be in touch shortly to schedule a meeting to discuss further details.

Part 6 How to Write a Job Proposal Letter (Example)

Job proposal letters are typically written by job seekers looking to create their own position within a company or to highlight their unique skills and experience. These letters should be concise, persuasive, and tailored to the specific company and its needs. Here are some key points to include:

Briefly mention your background and skills relevant to the position.
Describe how your unique abilities can positively impact the organization.
Offer specific examples of how you can contribute to the company’s goals and objectives.
End with a call to action, offering to provide more information or meet to discuss the opportunity further.

Subject: Job Proposal for Social Media Manager at [Company] Dear [Recipient’s Name], As an experienced social media professional, I am excited by the opportunity to bring my skills and expertise to [Company]. Based on my research of your current online presence, I believe I can contribute to increasing your brand awareness and engagement through a tailored social media strategy. […] I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss how my background and passion for social media can contribute to [Company]’s growth and success. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

Part 7 How to Write an Academic Proposal Letter (Example)

Academic proposal letters are typically written by students or researchers seeking funding or approval for a research project. These letters should be well-organized, clear, and focused on the proposed project’s objectives and potential benefits. Consider the following when working on your academic proposal letter:

Introduce the main research question or hypothesis.
Provide a brief overview of the project’s methodology and work plan.
Describe the expected outcomes and significance of the research.
Include information about the project’s potential impact on the field and broader society.

Subject: Research Proposal for Study on the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions Dear [Recipient’s Name], I am writing to propose a research project investigating the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on individuals suffering from chronic stress. The primary aim of the study will be to determine the overall efficacy of these interventions in reducing stress levels and improving overall mental wellbeing.

[…] I am confident that the results of this research will contribute significantly to our understanding of the relationship between mindfulness and mental health.

Part 8 Successful Business Proposal Email Example

Imagine you own a marketing agency, and you’d like to help a local business grow their social media presence. Start by addressing the recipient’s pain points, such as limited engagement on their platforms. Then, briefly introduce your agency and express excitement about working together:

Subject: Boost Your Social Media Engagement with Our Expertise

We’ve noticed that your business has a strong online presence, but engagement on your social media channels seems to be underwhelming. Our team at [Your Agency’s Name] can help you turn this around and maximize your audience interaction.

With our tailored social media marketing strategies, we’ve helped numerous clients increase their online engagement by an average of 65%. Our approach focuses on:

– Identifying and targeting your ideal customers – Creating high-quality, engaging content – Enhancing brand image and authority

We would love to discuss this opportunity further and provide you with a detailed plan on how we can work together to elevate your social media presence.

Looking forward to hearing from you, [Your Full Name] [Your Agency’s Name] [Contact Details]

Part 9 Example of a Proposal Letter for a Marketing Project

I’m excited to present our idea for boosting sales at ABC Company through a targeted marketing campaign.

As we discussed in our previous meeting, the sales figures have plateaued over the past year. Our marketing team has analyzed the situation and developed a strategy to increase brand awareness and boost sales. The campaign will focus on social media, email marketing, and online advertisements.

By implementing this project, we expect the following results:

– Enhanced brand visibility – Increased customer engagement – A 20% rise in sales within six months

The total cost for the marketing campaign is $10,000. This includes creative design, copywriting, ad placements, and performance monitoring. We propose a six-month timeline for the project, starting in December.

I would be delighted to discuss the proposal in more detail or provide further information as needed. Please let me know your availability, and I’ll schedule a follow-up meeting at your convenience.

Thank you for considering our proposal. I look forward to working together on this exciting project.

Best regards, [Name]

Keep in mind that proposal letters vary in length and detail depending on the project’s size and complexity. Always customize your letter to fit the specific requirements and expectations of the recipient.

Part 10 Effective Job Proposal Email Example

Now, let’s say you’re a freelance graphic designer aiming to work with a company that recently launched a new product. Start by expressing your intentions and introduce your expertise. Showcase your experience and services offered related to their needs:

Subject: Elevate Your New Product Launch with Professional Graphic Design Services

Hello [Recipient’s Name],

I recently came across your new product launch, and I believe your marketing materials could benefit from some professional graphic design enhancements. As an experienced graphic designer, I’d like to offer my services to help elevate your visual presentation and attract more customers.

With over five years of experience in the industry, I can create compelling designs for:

– Product packaging – Promotional materials (e.g., brochures, banners, posters) – Social media graphics – Website elements

Please find my online portfolio attached, showcasing my diverse design styles and previous projects. I’m confident that my skills and expertise can significantly contribute to your product’s success in the market.

If you’re interested, kindly reach out to me to discuss further details and pricing.

Best regards, [Your Full Name] [Contact Details]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are the key components to include in a proposal letter.

A well-crafted proposal letter should include the following key components:

Opening Statement: Start with a concise and informative introduction that grabs the reader’s attention.
Background Information: Provide necessary context to help your reader understand the problem or opportunity.
Proposed Solution: Outline your proposed solution, including your unique selling points or innovative approach.
Timeline and Budget: Give a brief overview of the estimated project duration and budget required.
Call to Action: End with a call to action, inviting the reader to take the next step, whether it’s to request more information, schedule a meeting, or approve the proposal.

2. Can you share some tips on making a proposal letter persuasive?

To make your proposal letter persuasive, consider these tips:

Use clear and concise language to effectively communicate your ideas.
Focus on the benefits that the reader will gain from your proposal, emphasizing the value you bring.
Include specific examples, case studies, or testimonials to back up your claims.
Address any potential objections or concerns the reader may have and provide appropriate solutions.

3. What’s the best way to structure a proposal letter for a research project?

A research proposal letter should generally include the following structure:

Introduction: Provide a brief overview of your research topic and its significance.
Background and Literature Review: Summarize relevant research and demonstrate your expertise in the field.
Research Questions and Objectives: Clearly state your research questions and the expected outcomes.
Methodology: Explain your research approach and the techniques you will use.
Expected Results: Provide an idea of the anticipated results and their significance.
Timeline and Budget: Outline the project timeline and the funding required.

4. How do I create an effective business proposal letter for a potential client?

To create an effective business proposal letter, follow these steps:

Start with a strong opening that captures the client’s attention.
Clearly state the problem or opportunity your proposal addresses.
Present your proposed solution, focusing on its unique and beneficial aspects.
Provide evidence of your expertise and past successes, such as case studies or testimonials.
Detail any necessary resources, deliverables, and a realistic timeline.
End with a compelling call to action, inviting the client to take the next step.

5. In what order should I present my ideas when writing a proposal letter step by step?

When writing your proposal letter, present your ideas in a logical order that flows well for the reader. A typical order could include:

Opening Statement: Grab the reader’s attention and introduce your proposal.
Background Information: Provide relevant context to help your audience understand the issue or opportunity.
Proposed Solution: Detail your unique and compelling solution to the problem.
Evidence and Support: Showcase your expertise, past successes, and any supporting data.
Timeline and Budget: Give an overview of the project’s duration and required funding.
Call to Action: Conclude with a strong call to action that encourages the reader to move forward.
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Sample Letters

Grant Proposal Cover Letter Samples

Designing an appealing and comprehensive proposal to market you and your project to specific individuals or private institutions or agencies is integral so that you may have sufficient funds to fully support your projects. One of the most important things that you need to consider in preparing your grant proposal is an effective cover letter. In this article, we will provide some beneficial tips that you should learn and apply while writing your cover letter introduction for grant application. Plus, we include various grant application letter samples that you can use. Please continue reading!

Grant Proposal Cover Letter

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Download Grant Proposal Cover Letter Bundle

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Recipient’s Name]

[Recipient’s Title/Position]

[Organization Name]

[Organization Address]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to you on behalf of [Your Organization/Project Name]. Our organization is dedicated to [Briefly describe the mission or purpose of your organization].

I am reaching out to inquire about the possibility of receiving funding support from [Recipient’s Organization/Grant Program]. We are currently seeking financial assistance to [Briefly describe the purpose or goals of your project or program]. This initiative aims to [Describe the impact or benefits of your project or program].

As you may know, [Explain why this project or program is important and how it aligns with the goals or priorities of the recipient’s organization or grant program]. With your support, we believe that we can make a significant difference in [Describe the intended beneficiaries or community that will benefit from your project or program].

I have attached a detailed proposal outlining the scope of our project or program, budget breakdown, and expected outcomes. Additionally, I am available to discuss any questions or provide further information at your convenience.

We understand that [Recipient’s Organization/Grant Program] receives numerous funding requests, and we are grateful for your time and consideration. We are confident that our project or program aligns with your organization’s mission and goals, and we hope to have the opportunity to partner with you in making a positive impact in our community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to the possibility of working together and creating lasting change.

[Your Title/Position]

[Your Organization Name]

Enclosure: Project Proposal

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[Your Organization’s Name]

[Your Organization’s Address]

[Date: March 21, 2024]

[Ms. Emily Parker]

[Grant Coordinator]

[Hope Foundation]

[123 Hope Street]

[Cityville, State, Zip Code]

Dear Ms. Parker,

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Sarah Johnson, and I am writing to you on behalf of Community Care Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing healthcare services to underserved communities in the greater metropolitan area.

I am reaching out to express our sincere interest in applying for funding from the Hope Foundation to support our “Health for All” initiative. The “Health for All” initiative aims to expand access to primary healthcare services for low-income families and individuals who lack adequate medical insurance coverage.

Our organization has identified a pressing need within our community, where many individuals struggle to afford basic healthcare services. Through the “Health for All” initiative, we plan to establish a mobile medical clinic that will travel to underserved neighborhoods, providing free medical consultations, screenings, and preventive care services.

Enclosed, you will find our complete grant proposal, which provides detailed information about our organization, the proposed “Health for All” initiative, budget breakdown, and expected outcomes. We have also included supporting documents, such as our organization’s financial statements and relevant certifications.

We understand that the Hope Foundation receives numerous grant applications, and we are grateful for the opportunity to submit our proposal for consideration. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and achieving measurable results, and we welcome any questions or feedback you may have.

Thank you for considering our request for funding. We are excited about the possibility of partnering with the Hope Foundation to create positive change in our community. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss our proposal further and explore how we can work together to make a difference.

Sarah Johnson Executive Director Community Care Foundation

Enclosure: Grant Proposal

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to you on behalf of [Your Organization’s Name]. Our organization is dedicated to [Briefly describe the mission or purpose of your organization].

I am pleased to submit our budget proposal for [Describe the purpose or project for which the budget is being proposed]. This proposal outlines the financial plan for [Briefly describe the scope and objectives of the project or program].

Enclosed, you will find a detailed breakdown of our proposed budget, including expenses for personnel, supplies, equipment, and any other relevant costs. We have carefully considered all aspects of the project to ensure that our budget is realistic and aligned with our goals.

We believe that the proposed budget is both comprehensive and cost-effective, and it reflects our commitment to maximizing the impact of our resources. We are confident that with your support, we can successfully implement [Describe the intended outcomes or benefits of the project or program].

Thank you for considering our budget proposal. We are excited about the possibility of partnering with [Organization Name] to bring this project to fruition and make a positive difference in our community. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

Enclosure: Budget Proposal

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to you on behalf of [Your Organization’s Name], a nonprofit organization dedicated to [Briefly describe the mission or purpose of your organization].

I am reaching out to request funding support from [Organization Name] to support our [Name of Project or Program]. Our project aims to [Briefly describe the goals and objectives of your project or program].

The [Name of Project or Program] addresses a critical need within our community, and we believe that with your support, we can make a meaningful impact and improve the lives of those we serve.

Enclosed, you will find our complete grant proposal, which provides detailed information about our organization, the proposed project or program, budget breakdown, and expected outcomes. We have also included supporting documents, such as our organization’s financial statements and relevant certifications.

We understand that [Organization Name] receives numerous grant requests, and we are grateful for the opportunity to submit our proposal for consideration. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and achieving measurable results, and we welcome any questions or feedback you may have.

Thank you for considering our request for funding. We are excited about the possibility of partnering with [Organization Name] to create positive change in our community. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss our proposal further and explore how we can work together to make a difference.

A well-crafted grant proposal cover letter can significantly enhance your application’s chances of success. It serves as the introduction to your proposal, setting the tone and summarizing the key points. Here are six essential parts to include in a successful grant proposal cover letter:

Introduction and Executive Summary : Start with a brief introduction of your organization and its mission. Quickly transition into an executive summary of the grant proposal, highlighting the main goals and the impact the grant would have. This section should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to learn more.
Statement of Need : Clearly and concisely articulate the need or problem your project aims to address. This section should demonstrate your understanding of the issue and why it is crucial to address it now. It sets the stage for the rest of the proposal by showing the funder the importance of your project.
Project Description : Provide a succinct overview of the project for which you’re seeking funding. Include information on what the project entails, its objectives, and the strategies you will use to achieve these objectives. Highlight how your project aligns with the funder’s priorities and goals.
Funding Request : Specify the amount of funding you are requesting and give a brief overview of how these funds will be used. It’s important to be clear and precise in this section to give the funder a clear understanding of your financial needs.
Organization’s Capability and Expertise : Highlight your organization’s strengths, past successes, and expertise in the area for which you are seeking funding. This section is your chance to convince the funder that your organization is capable of successfully implementing the project and managing the funds responsibly.
Closing and Call to Action : Conclude your cover letter with a strong closing statement that reiterates the impact the grant would have. Include a call to action, inviting the funder to review your sample proposal for more detailed information. Thank the funder for considering your request, and provide your contact information for follow-up questions or discussions.

Remember, the cover letter should not only convey the essential information about your grant proposal but also reflect your organization’s professionalism and passion for the project. It should be well-written, concise, and tailored to the specific funder, demonstrating why your project deserves their support.

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Writing a compelling cover letter for your grant proposal is a critical step in securing funding for your project. Here are eight tips to help you craft an effective cover letter:

Address the Right Person : Always address the cover letter to the specific individual handling grant applications, if possible. Personalizing the letter can make a difference, showing that you’ve taken the time to research who is responsible for reviewing your proposal.
Be Concise and Clear : Keep your cover letter succinct. Aim for no more than one page, focusing on the most important aspects of your proposal and how they align with the funder’s priorities. Clarity and brevity are key to making a strong impression.
Highlight Your Organization’s Strengths : Briefly introduce your organization and its mission at the beginning of the letter. Emphasize any unique qualities or successes that make your organization the right choice for the grant.
State the Problem and Your Solution : Clearly define the problem your project aims to address and how you intend to solve it. This demonstrates your understanding of the issue and your proactive approach to making a change.
Specify the Funding Request : Mention the amount of funding you are requesting and give a high-level overview of how the funds will be used. Be transparent and direct about your financial needs.
Show Alignment with the Funder’s Goals : Research the funder’s goals and priorities, and explicitly connect how your project aligns with them. This shows that your proposal is not only valuable but also a good fit for the funder’s objectives.
Include a Call to Action : End your letter with a polite call to action, encouraging the funder to read your full proposal for more detailed information. Express your willingness to provide further details or to meet in person to discuss the proposal.
Proofread and Professionalize : Before sending, thoroughly proofread your cover letter to eliminate any typos or grammatical errors. Use professional language and a formal letter format to convey seriousness and professionalism.

Your cover letter is an opportunity to make a strong first impression on the funder. By following these tips, you can create a compelling narrative that highlights the significance of your project and why it deserves funding, setting the stage for your detailed proposal to shine.

agency grant proposal cover letter sample

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mistakes to avoid writing a grant proposal cover letter 1024x576

When crafting a cover letter for your grant proposal , avoiding certain pitfalls can significantly increase your chances of making a positive impression. Here are key mistakes to steer clear of:

Generic Addresses : Avoid starting with “To whom it may concern.” Do your research to find out the name of the person or the title of the grant manager. Personalizing the letter shows attentiveness and respect.
Lack of Customization : Each grant proposal cover letter should be tailored to the specific grant and funding organization. Using a one-size-fits-all approach can make your application seem impersonal and lackluster.
Repeating the Proposal : While it’s important to summarize key points, the cover letter shouldn’t simply repeat what’s in the proposal. Instead, highlight the most compelling aspects of your project and its alignment with the funder’s goals.
Overlooking the Mission Match : Failing to explicitly connect your project with the funder’s mission and goals is a missed opportunity. Make it clear why your project is a good fit for their priorities.
Neglecting the Organization’s Strengths : Not showcasing your organization’s qualifications, expertise, or unique capabilities can weaken your proposal. Highlight your successes and strengths to build confidence in your project’s potential.
Being Vague about the Funding Request : Avoid ambiguity about how much funding you’re asking for and how it will be used. Be clear and specific about your financial needs to show you’ve thoughtfully planned your project.
Forgetting a Call to Action : Ending your letter without a clear next step can leave things hanging. Invite the reader to review your full proposal and offer to provide additional information or meet to discuss further.
Typos and Grammatical Errors : Errors in your cover letter can undermine the professionalism of your application. Proofread carefully and consider having someone else review your letter as well.
Omitting Contact Information : Make sure your contact information is easy to find and correct. Forgetting this crucial detail can make it difficult for funders to reach out for more information or to award funding.
Ignoring the Cover Letter : Lastly, not including a cover letter or treating it as an afterthought is a significant mistake. The cover letter is your chance to make a strong, personal appeal to the funding organization.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can craft a more compelling and effective grant proposal cover letter, improving your chances of securing the funding your project needs.

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According to the book “ How to Write a Grant Proposal ,” a request for grant proposal cover letter is a written document of an introduction concerning a research project and a way of getting started on the right foot by introducing your work instead of launching into the request right away. By using an effective cover letter for a grant proposal, you can leverage it to create an excellent first impression, especially when you send your proposal to a foundation or a state program.

When you write a grant proposal cover letter , take note that you need to write simple and concise words and your tone should be positive, confident, and inviting. Keep your overall letter in one page only and it must have a 12-point text font with at least an inch of the margins. Below are important ways you can do while preparing the cover page for grant proposal sample :

For your heading, type the name of the institution or organization, the person you are addressing as well as the address of the person or the organization at the left side of your page. Then, type the formal opening statement by addressing the person you are writing the letter. Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern” because this shows that you are not prepared and have not done the basic and essential research to identify the gran t program contact person.

Before including the highlights of your project, you need to fulfill your potential funder’s interests and standard. That’s why you and your team must research the primary interests of your potential funder by reading and analyzing several literature, past projects work , resources and other information about the funder. Funders have a difficult time in making right decisions especially in offering grants.

So, when writing your grant application letter , your project should match the issue that is crucial to the funder or simply, your project must be targeted to create an innovative solution to the problem which greatly interests the grant maker.

Your project proposal should provide a detailed description of the highlights of your project. Describe the specific location and target population in your cover letter as you paint a thumbnail illustration of your part of the world, as well as the target audience that your project intends to serve. Aside from this, t he University of North Carolina Wilmington recommends that you should include the support goals and objectives inside your letter. Explain your purpose for your proposal submission.

You should be polite and humble when writing your grant application letter format . This is very ideal when you’re trying to ask for financial aid from several individuals or organizations. So, use simple, clear, and direct words. Avoid inserting complex terms and sentences.

William Faulkner once said: “Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: It must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.” For the last paragraph of your grant proposal cover letter, show your deep gratitude by expressing your heartfelt thanks and appreciation to your potential funder who will provide financial assistance or support for your project scope. In this way, you will give a positive impression to your overall letter.

Write the complete details of the sample agreement or relationship as it clearly refers to the grant application. Specify the representative’s signature and organization letterhead. Include testimonies that prove the grant applicant’s appropriateness for the particular project or relationship. Mention specific achievements, valuable metrics, current objectives, and future goals.

The first step that you need to do in writing a grant proposal is perform a background research on your potential funder. Follow closely the specific guidelines of your funder. Coordinate with each other by explaining your interests and intentions concerning your project. Remember to edit and proofread your formal proposal.

Based on an article , grant funds are typically used to finance the investigation of a business theme, offer working capital for starting up a business or other purpose. Additionally, these funds can be utilized to supplement existing funds.

Grant reviewers look for the design and illustrations, target page, clarity and simplicity, potential problems and alternate solutions, and research project timeline in your proposal.

Therefore, we highly recommend that you follow the aforementioned tips in this article when you write your cover letter for your grant proposal. Your document needs to convince your potential funders that your project objectives are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time oriented (SMART), that your proposal’s logic model demonstrates a clear and effective process, that your project design addresses the needs of your target group, and many more significant aspects. To help you in writing your grant proposal letter writing , you can click and download our templates here!

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5 Fundraising Cover Letter Examples

Fundraisers excel at rallying support and resources for a cause, weaving compelling narratives that inspire generosity and action. Similarly, your cover letter is your chance to rally support for your candidacy, crafting a persuasive narrative that showcases your skills, experiences, and passion. In this guide, we'll explore top-notch Fundraising cover letter examples to help you inspire recruiters and secure your next role.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Fundraising cover letter is by addressing the recipient by name, if known, to make it personal. Then, introduce yourself and your organization, and briefly mention your mission and the impact you've made. It's important to immediately engage the reader, so consider starting with a compelling story or statistic related to your cause. This not only grabs their attention but also sets the tone for the rest of the letter. Remember, the goal is to inspire the reader to support your cause, so make sure your opening is powerful and compelling.

Fundraisings should end a cover letter by summarizing their proposal and expressing gratitude for the recipient's time and consideration. This could be something like, "In conclusion, we believe our project aligns with your organization's mission and would greatly appreciate your support. Thank you for considering our proposal." It's also important to include a call to action, such as inviting the recipient to contact you for further discussion. This could be phrased as, "We welcome the opportunity to discuss our proposal in more detail. Please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience." Lastly, sign off professionally with a closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name and contact information. This ending reinforces your professionalism and eagerness to engage in further dialogue.

A fundraising cover letter should ideally be one page long. This length is sufficient to clearly and concisely communicate your purpose, needs, and goals without overwhelming the reader. Fundraising is about building relationships and persuading potential donors to support your cause. Therefore, your cover letter should be long enough to effectively convey your message, but short enough to maintain the reader's interest. Remember, the goal is to engage the reader and encourage them to learn more about your cause, not to provide every detail in the cover letter itself.

Writing a cover letter with no direct experience in fundraising can seem challenging, but it's important to remember that many skills are transferable and can be relevant to the role. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can approach it: 1. Research: Understand the role of a fundraiser and the skills it requires. This could include communication skills, project management, relationship building, negotiation, and more. 2. Introduction: Start your cover letter by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the role. Mention where you found the job posting and why you're interested in the position. 3. Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you don't have direct fundraising experience, you can still highlight skills that are relevant to the role. For example, if you've worked in sales or marketing, you can talk about your ability to persuade and negotiate. If you've worked in event planning, you can discuss your project management skills. 4. Show Passion: Fundraising often requires a passion for the cause you're raising funds for. Show that you're passionate about the organization's mission and explain why it resonates with you. 5. Use Examples: Provide specific examples of when you've used relevant skills. For instance, you could talk about a time when you successfully managed a project or persuaded someone to buy a product. 6. Show Willingness to Learn: If there are aspects of the role you're not familiar with, show that you're eager to learn and grow in the position. 7. Close Professionally: Thank the reader for their time and express your interest in discussing the role further. Remember, the goal of the cover letter is to show the employer why you would be a good fit for the role, so focus on your strengths and how they can benefit the organization.

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How To Write a Grant Proposal Cover Letter (With Example)
Example of a grant proposal cover letter Here's an example of an effective cover letter for a grant proposal using the template above: Sameen Root Little Lamb Literacy Center (555) 555-555 [email protected] July 16, 2023 Carter Finch Finch Discovery Foundation [email protected] Dear Mr. Finch, My name is Sameen Root, and I am the founder of Little Lamb Literacy Center.
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.
Four common grant proposal documents (free samples included)
Cover letters. This is the most important part of your grant proposal: the cover letter. Think of a cover letter as a compelling introduction to the contents of your full proposal. It's your first chance to connect your project with the funder's philanthropic mission. At minimum, your cover letter should include: An introduction to your ...
Writing a Grant Writer Cover Letters: Do's, Don'ts & Examples
The grant proposal sample cover letters letter introduces you and provides an overview of your experience and qualifications. While it should be brief, it should clearly explain why you are uniquely qualified for this job opportunity. ... It presents a compelling case for funding and invites further engagement, making it the foundation of a ...
Grant Proposal Cover Letter Sample: Expert Guide (Templates)
A Grant Proposal Cover Letter is a formal document that provides information about a proposed project or mission. It is submitted to government agencies, foundations, or organizations that provide grants. The grant proposal cover letter is submitted with the grant proposal or application document. It provides vital information about the project, its background, purpose, and goals. The grant ...
How To Write An Effective Grant Proposal
Grant Proposal Cover Letter (Format, Samples, and Tips) Your Grant Proposal Cover Letter Must Include: The project is mentioned in the very first line. Request the grant amount; Describe how this project is important, and how it will further the foundation's mission. List the contents of the proposal
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 ...
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 Great Grant Proposal Cover Letter
How to Write 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 ...
PDF Nonprofit Grant Proposal & Cover Letter Template
Cover Letter Template [MM/DD/YYYY] [Recipient Name] [Recipient Title] [Funding Organization Name] [Funding Organization Address] [Salutation] [Body Text] Begin with a few sentences introducing yourself, your organization, and the communities you serve. Express your appreciation for the recipient's time spent reviewing the proposal.
How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter: Examples + Free Template
Proposal cover letters are brief overviews that introduce the more in-depth content of a proposal. Cover letters are normally the first page of a proposal, making them the first impression you will give and your first opportunity to convince the reader to work with you. These letters directly communicate with the client and set the stage for ...
Write a Stellar Proposal Cover Letter
7 steps to write a proposal cover letter. The compact nature of the proposal cover letter makes it difficult to fit everything in one or two pages. Good writers are valuable assets in these instances. Every proposal cover letter should contain the following sections: Thank the issuer (and broker, where applicable) for the opportunity.
How To Write a Grant Proposal: Guide + Templates
Home Depot Foundation; Grant proposal templates . If you're looking for a place to start, use this grant proposal template: Cover letter. Dear [Grantor's name], Introduce your organization and thank the grantor for the opportunity to apply. Then, provide a brief overview of your nonprofit, including your mission, goals, and any unique ...
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 Winning Proposal Cover Letter (5 Examples)
Step 1: Read the RFP Cover to Cover. This step seems obvious, but it's surprising how many teams skip it. You must read the RFP thoroughly, from cover to cover, before beginning your letter. While reading, take note of any recurring themes from your prospect. Perhaps they focus on quality of design and ease of use.
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 ...
PDF Sample Grant-Proposal
Sample Grant-Proposal. We are requesting $ (Dollar Figure) for a community-built playspace in our neighborhood, to be located at (Exact Address and Location). We believe this request fits under your giving area of (Foundation's Specific Giving Area) because (Detail Reasons). Our vision and mission are central to our efforts in generating ...
6 Examples: How to Write a Perfect Proposal Letter (Step-by-Step)
Be specific and use facts, figures, and examples to support your claims. Keep your paragraphs organized and use bullet points or bold text to emphasize important information. For example: Benefit 1: Reduction in production costs by 30%. Benefit 2: Improved customer satisfaction.
PDF Sample Cover Letter & Proposal for Funding Support
Sample Cover Letter & Sample Proposal for Funding Support Uses for Document ¾ Proposals to corporations, civic clubs and organizations ¾ Simple corporate or foundation grants not requiring specific application form ¾ Solicitation of sponsorships (Include donor benefits for each level of sponsorship) ¾ Notes for speeches or oral funding requests
FREE 7+ Grant Proposal Cover Letter Samples in PDF
Aside from this, the University of North Carolina Wilmington recommends that you should include the support goals and objectives inside your letter. Explain your purpose for your proposal submission. 4. Be polite and humble. You should be polite and humble when writing your grant application letter format.
How to Write a Nonprofit Cover Letter (With Template and Example)
Mention your personal connections to the nonprofit's type of work. Close with a follow-up or call to action. 1. State the position you're applying for and how you found out about it. In the first sentence of your cover letter, mention the specific position you're applying for and identify how you found out about it.
5+ Fundraising Cover Letter Examples (with In-Depth Guidance)
5 Fundraising Cover Letter Examples. Fundraisers excel at rallying support and resources for a cause, weaving compelling narratives that inspire generosity and action. Similarly, your cover letter is your chance to rally support for your candidacy, crafting a persuasive narrative that showcases your skills, experiences, and passion.

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

Discover Your Next Grant

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

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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

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