Tool 1: Letter of Support Template and Request Email

Supports Habit 8 of Ten Habits of Great Grant Writers.

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The request email

Subject: Letter of support request for [FUNDER] application, due [YOUR DEADLINE]

Dear [NAME],

[ORGANIZATION] is applying to [FUNDER] for [ONE SENTENCE: what the project is and what it will accomplish]. The full announcement is here: [LINK].

We are asking for your letter of support because [ONE SENTENCE: their specific connection to the work]. In the project, [THEIR ORGANIZATION] would [SPECIFIC ROLE, or "no active role is required; your letter would speak to the need for this work in our shared community"].

To make this easy, I have attached a draft letter with placeholders you are welcome to use, edit, or replace entirely. Our specific aims are attached so you can see exactly what you would be supporting.

We would need the signed letter on your letterhead by [DATE, several days before your real deadline]. I am happy to answer any questions by phone or email.

With thanks, [NAME]

The letter template

[LETTERHEAD] [DATE]

Dear [FUNDER / REVIEW COMMITTEE]:

I am writing on behalf of [SUPPORTING ORGANIZATION] to express our strong support for [APPLICANT ORGANIZATION]'s proposal, [PROJECT TITLE].

[SUPPORTING ORGANIZATION] is [ONE OR TWO SENTENCES: who they are and their standing in the community or field]. We have [RELATIONSHIP: worked with the applicant since YEAR / served the same community / collaborated on X].

This project addresses a need we see directly: [ONE OR TWO SENTENCES, ideally with a fact or number from their vantage point].

In support of this project, our organization will [SPECIFIC COMMITMENT: refer participants, share data, provide meeting space, serve on the advisory board, promote enrollment to our members].

[APPLICANT ORGANIZATION] has the [capacity / community trust / track record] to deliver this work, and we are pleased to support this application.

Sincerely, [NAME, TITLE, ORGANIZATION]

Reminder from Habit 8: never send this request before your aims exist. The letter can only be specific if the request is.