The cover letter is likely to be the last thing the grant seeker writes, but it will be the first thing the potential grant maker reads. In no more than a page, the letter will introduce the reader to the grant-seeking organization, tell why the organization should support it, and mention the specific amount of money being sought.

The cover letter should be addressed to the appropriate person in the grant making agency. This name can be obtained from the organization's website or from a list found in a printed directory. If neither of these sources lists a contact name, it may be necessary to call the organization directly and ask the name of the person to whom the material should be addressed.

The cover letter should be signed by the head of the organization seeking the grant and by the chairperson of the grant seeker's board of directors.

Appendices

Although appendix material is not considered part of the proposal, it is an important part of the package because the material in the appendix acts as a support for the proposal. The beginning of the appendix section should contain a list of each item in the appendix. If the grant-making organization does not supply a list of the support material that it needs, then the appendix material should probably include:

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service. If the organization has a financial sponsor, there should also be a letter from the fiscal agent.

A roster of the members of the grant-seeking organization's board, their employers or professions, and short biographical profiles of the organization's chief officers.

A brochure describing the grant-seeking organization, and a copy of its most recent newsletter.

The grant-seeking organization's latest budget and a copy of its most recent annual report. If it has a long-range plan, or list of annual goals, these should be included as well.

If there are other organizations receiving requests to fund other parts of the project, there should be a list of these groups and the amount being requested from each organization.

Letters supporting the organization from members of the community or other interested parties.