The Importance of Letters of Support

Letters of support (LOS) are among the most valuable components of your grant application. They offer credibility, backing, and an extra layer of trust in your proposal. To maximize their impact, it’s essential to follow a structured approach.

Once your grant project is approved internally, prioritize asking for your letters of support. Identify who within your organization will send the request—it may be the president or executive director —but plan to follow up with reminders.

Start by giving at least two weeks' request. Provide a draft template that includes the correct salutations, the specific funding program name, and, if possible, the requested amount. I think it's key to customize this template to the person or entity you are seeking support from. Many elected officials require letters to be submitted through their official website, so checking and following their submission guidelines is essential. Keep a running list of top potential supporters, including their contact information, so you can quickly reach out when needed.

It’s crucial not to reuse letters of support across different funders. Each letter should be tailored specifically to the grantor, ensuring that each recipient understands how their support directly contributes to your goals. Confirm receipt of every letter and remember: this step can significantly strengthen your application and show funders that you’ve worked collaboratively to gather community support for your initiative.

Don’t take this opportunity lightly – letters of support can truly be a game-changer in helping secure funding for your project.

Feb 2025