A Letter of Intent (LOI) for fundraising is a concise document that outlines the essential elements of your project or organization to a potential donor. It serves as a preliminary introduction and can help determine if there is interest in your proposal before you submit a full grant application. Here’s a basic structure you can follow when crafting a fundraising LOI:
- Header:
- Include your organization’s name, address, contact information, and the date.
- Salutation:
- Address the letter to the specific individual or organization that will be reviewing the LOI.
- Introduction:
- Provide a brief introduction to your organization, including its mission, vision, and a concise history.
- Project Overview:
- Clearly and succinctly describe the project for which you are seeking funding. Include the goals, objectives, and expected outcomes. Highlight the significance and impact of your project.
- Need Statement:
- Clearly articulate the problem or need your project addresses. Use data and statistics to support your case and demonstrate the urgency of addressing the issue.
- Solution:
- Outline how your project addresses the identified need. Describe the strategies, activities, or interventions you plan to implement.
- Budget Overview:
- Provide a high-level overview of the project budget. Include the total project cost, the amount you are requesting, and a basic breakdown of major budget categories.
- Funding Request:
- Clearly state the amount of funding you are seeking from the donor. Explain how this funding will be used and the impact it will have on the project.
- Alignment with Donor’s Mission:
- Explain how your project aligns with the donor’s mission, values, and funding priorities. This demonstrates that you have done your research and that your project is a good fit for their goals.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the key points of your LOI and express gratitude for the donor’s consideration. Include information about how they can contact you for further discussion or clarification.
- Contact Information:
- Provide your organization’s contact information, including the name and contact details of a key contact person.
- Attachments:
- If applicable, mention any additional documents or attachments you are including with the LOI, such as a brief project budget, organizational brochure, or relevant statistics.
Remember to keep your LOI concise and focused. Donors often receive many letters, so making yours clear, compelling, and easy to read is essential. Additionally, tailor each LOI to the specific requirements and preferences of the donor you are addressing.