Question: How Do I Request Money From a Corporate Foundation?
Answer:
Generally, to request funds from a corporate foundation, it is wise to be brief.
In the Nonprofit Kit for Dummies, authors Stan Hutton and Frances Phillips suggest that you write a two-page proposal letter that covers these eight points:
- Ask for a specific contribution at the beginning of the letter. Mention whether or not your nonprofit has had experience with the funder before.
- Decribe briefly the need or the problem you wish to address with the funder's contribution.
- Explain what your noprofit will do should the grant be given.
- Inform the funder about your organization, including its strenths and accomplishments.
- Explain the budget for the project you propose. Make this short. If it runs more than a half-page, make it an attachment.
- Describe how your project will be financed in the future.
- Describe how your nonprofit will acknowledge the funder's gift publicly, providing visibiity to the corporation.
- Close with a compelling statement that summarizes what you are requesting and what the results will be.
The Nonprofit Kit for Dummies (Wiley, 3rd Edition, 2009) is a recommended resource. It covers the basics of starting and managing a nonprofit. It also comes with a CD which provides many forms and samples, including an example of a grant request letter to a corporation.
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