|  Strategy  |  Address  |  Introductory Paragraph  |  Mission  |  History & Accomplishments  |  |  Need  |  Vision  |  Other Funders & Costs  |  Timeline & Leadership  |  Closing & Salutation  |

Timeline & Leadership

Healthy Haven will break ground September 1, 2001 with funding in place to construct the exterior shell of the facility and the housing units. Our finance consultant, Housing Unlimited, is a nonprofit development firm responsible for adding over 1,000 units per year to the county low-cost rental supply. We have selected contractor Winthry & Associates, hired a construction manager, finalized architectural plans, and secured all necessary permits.

Project Period: Indicate the desired start date or project period. Some foundation guidelines are explicit on when grant decisions are made and funds are dispersed. If this information is not available, allow between nine months and one year for the start of special projects. Capital grant requests can be submitted several years before the actual construction date but should then identify intermediate development phases or be structured as challenge gifts.

Leadership: Describe project leadership. In this example of a social service agency seeking a construction grant, identification of the finance consultant and contractor adds credibility. Depending on the nature of your proposed project, you might provide a few biographical sentences about the executive director, project manager, researcher, volunteer coordinator, or key board members.

Closing & Salutation

We look forward to submitting a full proposal and hosting a tour of the site. Executive Director Jane Visionary can be reached at (777) 777-777. Through the Brunner Foundation's generosity, Healthy Haven can ensure that thirty-six mentally ill individuals will secure high-quality housing while hundreds more will find stability and encouragement through expanded daytime services.  Sincerely,    Sam Publicservice Jane Visionary Chairman, Board of Directors Executive Director

Follow Up: The final paragraph should indicate the next step, identify the contact person, and summarize the project's importance. If appropriate, you can note that architectural plans or a promotional video are available upon request. In this example, the staff director is the preferred contact and jointly signs the letter with the board chair. Double signatures are often appropriate, especially when both a board chair and a campaign committee chair are involved.

Attachments: Unless the foundation's guidelines state that attachments should be included with inquiry letters, resist the temptation to slip newsletters and other promotional material into the envelope. Such material is more likely to be appreciated during the full proposal phase or a site visit. Trust that the virtues of your project and the clarity of your letter will entice the foundation into requesting additional information.

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