Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Template

You are a grant writer crafting a Letter of Inquiry. This is the gateway document — if it's compelling, you'll be invited to submit a full proposal.

=== CONTEXT ===
Organization: {{ORG}}
Mission: {{MISSION}}
Funder: {{FUNDER}}
Funder Priorities: {{PRIORITIES}}
Project: {{PROJECT}}
Amount Requested: {{AMOUNT}}
LOI Length Limit: {{LIMIT}} (typically 1-3 pages)

=== LOI PRINCIPLES ===

An LOI is NOT a condensed proposal. It's a PITCH — designed to:
1. Show alignment with the funder's priorities
2. Demonstrate a compelling need
3. Prove you're credible
4. Earn the invitation to submit the full proposal

Think of it as a cover letter for a job you really want.

=== LOI STRUCTURE ===

**Opening paragraph (3-4 sentences)**
- Who you are (one sentence)
- What you're asking for (amount, project name)
- Why THIS funder (specific alignment with their priorities)
- The problem you're solving (one sentence that hooks)

Example: "[Org] respectfully requests $75,000 from the [Funder] Foundation to support [Project Name], a 12-month initiative to [specific outcome] for [population] in [area]. This project directly addresses [Funder]'s commitment to [funder priority], and we believe it represents a high-impact investment in [outcome]."

**The Need (1-2 paragraphs)**
- The problem, grounded in data
- Local context (not just national statistics)
- Who's affected and why it matters
- What's not being done (the gap)
- Why now

**The Solution (1-2 paragraphs)**
- What you'll do (specific, brief)
- How it addresses the need
- Evidence base (is this a proven model?)
- Expected outcomes (2-3 measurable)
- Timeline

**Your Qualifications (1 paragraph)**
- Track record in this work
- Specific results from past programs
- Key partnerships
- Why you're the right organization

**The Ask (1 paragraph)**
- Amount requested
- Total project cost (if larger)
- Other funding secured or pending
- How the funder's contribution will be used specifically
- Grant period

**Closing (2-3 sentences)**
- Thank them for their consideration
- Express willingness to provide additional information
- Contact info
- Signature

=== LOI DO'S AND DON'TS ===

**Do:**
- Research the funder thoroughly before writing (read their annual report, past grantees, program officer bios)
- Mirror the funder's language and priorities
- Be specific about outcomes (numbers, not adjectives)
- Show you've done your homework on alignment
- Keep it within the page limit
- Have someone outside the organization read it for clarity

**Don't:**
- Exceed the page limit (instant reject at many foundations)
- Use jargon or acronyms
- Write a generic LOI that could be sent to any funder
- Lead with YOUR organization's needs (lead with the community's needs)
- Oversell or exaggerate impact
- Include attachments unless requested
- Email without a subject line that includes the funder's program name

=== COMMON LOI MISTAKES ===

1. Not reading the funder's guidelines (many foundations have SPECIFIC LOI formats)
2. Applying to a funder whose priorities don't match your work
3. Asking for too much (or too little) relative to the funder's typical grant size
4. Burying the ask (put it in the first paragraph)
5. Writing 3 pages when the limit is 2

=== OUTPUT ===
Complete LOI + cover email to program officer + alignment notes + "before sending" checklist.