Getting financial assistance from an organization, company or individual can be difficult to obtain. There are many charities out there competing for grants and you need to be able to convince donors that your mission is the best for their time and money. Follow these steps to create a strategic and persuasive cover letter that will help you raise the funds you need.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Compiling the Introduction
Step 1. Carefully consider who your letter is addressed to
Write letters only to those you feel are in a position to be able to help and understand the purpose of what you are doing. If the person is in a position of being unable to help, writing a letter of application to them is a waste of both you and their time.
Step 2. Make the introduction more intimate
If possible, designate someone as a specific target to receive your letter of application for funds. While "Dear Sir…" is a good greeting, it is not a greeting that creates closeness to you personally and to your mission. Therefore, greet with a formal greeting using "Father" or "Mother" before the recipient's name.
In addition to emailing a specific person, show in the introduction that you know what their job is. The most effective way to do this is to explain the relationship between what you need and why you are writing to them specifically. For example,
Step 3. Grab the recipient's attention
Begin your letter by including an anecdote or question that relates directly to your mission. Try to underline the importance of your mission from the very beginning of the letter so that the recipient feels interested in participating as soon as possible and wants to read more.
Part 2 of 3: Applying for Funds
Step 1. Describe the project you are working on
Clarify how this project will improve a situation or someone else's life.
This project must be a workable project. For example, while ending world hunger is a lofty goal, it does not appear to be an achievable goal for individual projects. On the other hand, ending hunger in the neighborhood you live in will be more realistic so recipients can imagine being an important part of the project
Step 2. Think specifically about how the people or organizations you're asking for funding can help you
Explain to potential funders what their money or donation will be used for and the impact on your project as a whole.
There are differing opinions as to whether you should specify the amount of money they should give. Some experts say that it's not necessary to specify a nominal amount unless there is a specific item or service for which you know exactly how much it will cost. Several other experts said that to give a choice of the amount of donation money, usually the smallest nominal will also be given. This makes it easier for funders because they don't have to think about or discuss the amount of money to be given
Step 3. Tell recipients what will happen if they don't contribute
This is a way where you need to use a little guilt to get them to want to donate. Tell them what the real consequences will be if they don't donate. However, be sure to reassure them that with a simple gift, the risk can be easily avoided.
Part 3 of 3: Writing the Closing
Step 1. Thank the donor in advance
Here, you need to strike a balance between not being presumptuous but still stating that your mission is so important that the recipient of the letter will want to give funds. If you're projecting recipients of the letter who won't say they'll provide funding, they'll probably contribute themselves.
If you want to add a little touch, thank the recipient for their time to consider your mission. This shows them that you know and understand their valuable time
Step 2. Reassure why their donation is so important
You put time and energy into the success of your mission, so be sure to establish why this activity is worth fighting for your time and the time and money of the people you are referring to. This is a way of personally emphasizing why their help is important to your mission.
Step 3. Close with a proper greeting
End your letter of request for funds with a greeting as in a business letter and write your name. It's also a good idea to include a title under your name to provide information about your position in the organization. This way, the recipient of the letter will know your authority to apply for funds.
