A common first step in approaching a foundation for funding is to submit a letter of inquiry. This letter introduces your project and organization to a specific foundation. A letter of this nature clearly and concisely describes the project, its aims, significance, duration, and the amount of funds needed.
 
The purpose of this document is to cover the basic points of a proposal to a private foundation, outlining the topics generally included in a letter of inquiry. Answering the questions below will help you clarify the key components of your research or program and identify areas that need to be more fully developed. Think of this planning guide as a conversation starting point. When you can answer the majority of the questions, Foundation Relations staff will be most able to help you move forward to secure funding for your project.

1. What are you planning to do? Give a very brief description of your project.
2. What specific need will the project address?
3. What are the overall goals of your program or research (for context)?
4. What are the goals of the project for which you are seeking funding?
5. What will the funding outlined in the letter/proposal accomplish (meaning what's the final "product" and how will it be utilized)?
6. What are the key program activities or research components involved in the project?

1. Who will be involved in implementing the project (principal investigators, groups within and outside of OHSU, disciplines, departments, etc.)?
2. Who will benefit from the project and how will they benefit?
3. How will you disseminate what you've learned and to whom?

1. When will the project-related activities be accomplished (timeline for activities)?
2. When will the funding be needed and in what increments?

1. Where will the activities of the project be carried out?
2. Will there be a state- or region-wide component? Will the project involve urban and/or rural areas? At what organizations or institutions will the activities take place?

1. What is the rationale for the approach you're taking in your research or program?
2. Why is your project different from those doing similar work?
3. Why is your project an effective approach to address the problem/issue of concern? Finish the sentence "The beauty of this project is…"
4. How does this project fit into your larger program or research area? How does this project advance program or research goals? What will you be able to do after its completion that you can't do now?

1. How much will it cost to accomplish your project? Note: Please be very specific here.
   
2. Show line item costs and a rationale for the expenses.
3. Show how funding will be needed over the term of the project (Year 1, Year 2, etc.).
4. Unlike NIH or NSF, foundations generally will not fund an entire project. Thus, the budget should provide the entire funding picture. Describe institutional support and any other expenses contributed by or requested from other sources (individuals, corporations, foundations, government).

• Focus on how the project relates to the mission of the potential funder and how it will meet community needs (not ours)
• Show how the project relates to the strategic goals of the school, center, department, or university
• Focus on what is unique or cutting-edge about the project or how you are building upon an existing project
• Acknowledge similar projects at other institutions and how this approach will differ
• If applicable, demonstrate how you are collaborating with other institutions
• Include realistic, achievable and measurable goals and objectives
• Provide a detailed implementation strategy and timetable for achieving the project goals and objectives
• Highlight your qualifications and experience
• Present a detailed evaluation plan
• Include a realistic, detailed budget for the project that ideally reflects an internal institutional commitment to the project
• Discuss how the project and its impact will be sustained after the grant period is complete
• Discuss how you will disseminate the results of the project, if applicable
• Highlight your qualifications to develop, implement and sustain the project

Return to Researcher's Guide to Foundation Funding.

Last modified on 03/16/2007 by rdaweb@ohsu.edu