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

Statement of Need

West Brunnerville has one of the largest concentrations of homeless people in Los Angeles County, second only to Skid Row. Our community also has proportionately more mentally ill homeless than 28 other cities surveyed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Fully 50% of Brunnerville's estimated 4,500 homeless persons have psychiatric disabilities. Due to their severe disabilities and limited incomes, mentally ill adults have an extremely difficult time securing permanent housing in the competitive market.

Statistics: Provide a few statistics to indicate the need for grant services. Particularly with foundations that fund projects throughout the United States, focus on how local statistics compare to national statistics. In this example, the organization shows why their city should be a priority for homeless funding. Note that one statistic credits an external source, while earlier quantification of service provision relies on internal recordkeeping. Evidence that your organization gathers data and performs self-evaluation is useful.

Vision for the Grant Program

If an outline for the inquiry letter has not been provided by the foundation, the following structure provides a starting place: summary, mission, history, accomplishments, need, specific project, fundraising strategy, timeline, and leadership profile. Since this sample letter is written for a charity with excellent credentials, the organization is described before the project. Then a statement of need transitions smoothly into the project description. However, for organizations that are relatively young, this sequence can be reversed, with the first page building enthusiasm for an innovative project.

Healthy Haven believes the most effective, long-term solution is permanent housing within the context of comprehensive, continuing support services. The program's expansion will create a four story structure incorporating daytime programs and permanent housing. Healthy Haven envisions a spacious and comfortable facility where members receive services in a dignified setting, where the volume of participants does not feel overwhelming, and where the broad selection of activities stimulates personal growth. Expanded classroom space will allow participants at different levels of functioning to choose appropriate structured educational programs, creativity workshops, support groups, and recreational activities. Permanent housing above the day center will provide affordable apartments for 36 mentally ill adults. Each unit will measure 245 square feet with a private bathroom and an efficiency kitchen.

Benefits: Briefly summarize the proposed use of grant monies. Because of space constraints, focus on how human beings will benefit, rather than on construction, staff, or institutional issues. Use isolated details to indicate that the project has been fully developed. For example, the sentence about square footage reflects the fact that full architectural plans are completed. Choose adjectives carefully. The use of effective, permanent, comprehensive, dignified, private, and affordable convey the organization's values and philosophy.

Potential Sources of Funding and Cost of Project

The total cost of the building project is $4,076,689. Healthy Haven has secured 72% of this amount. Funds remain to be raised to pay off site acquisition and build out program space. Healthy Haven received $1,160,144 in tax credit allocations from the State of California in 1999. The City of Brunnersville committed $950,000 from municipal housing funds; after 50 years, if the units remain low-income, repayment is deferred. Board efforts have raised over $250,000 from individual donors, with each Board member making a personal pledge. The Omega Foundation has contributed $30,000; the Lynch Foundation, $25,000; and the Donna Aiken Family Foundation, $19,000.  Healthy Haven submitted an application to the federal Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Shelter Plus program in May. Proposals are pending with several local grantmakers, including the Burlingham Foundation, Westside Bank, and the Harold F. Powell Trust Fund.

Fiscal Responsibility: Although audited financial statements and project budgets will be submitted during the full proposal stage, use the inquiry letter to demonstrate fiscal responsibility. Be explicit about committed funding and pending proposals. Remember that foundation staff sometimes consult other philanthropic entities before making grant decisions. Show partnerships between government funding, private grants, individual donors, and the organizational commitment. Involvement of your Board of Directors is crucial during capital campaigns and other major fundraising efforts.

Timing: Carefully review your targeted foundation's guidelines and look for patterns in their grantmaking. Does the funding source prefer making lead gifts, matching gifts, challenge grants, capital grants, equipment grants, or general operating grants? In this example, the campaign is three-quarters finished -- perfect timing for many of the large foundations that will only contribute at the end of a campaign when construction is imminent.

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