The Power of Support Letters when Grant Writing

As a grant writer, you know that crafting a compelling application is crucial to securing funding for your community organisation. However, one often overlooked but immensely valuable tool in your arsenal is the support letter. When obtained from the right sources and with the right content, support letters can significantly strengthen your grant application. In this article, we will explore why support letters are essential for grant writers, who you should seek them from, what letters should include, and how to effectively request support letters.

Why Support Letters Matter:

Support letters serve as powerful endorsements in grant writing to provide evidence of community backing and engagement. Most grants are oversubscribed, which means that when evaluators are choosing the winners, they will place strong emphasis on the projects which will maximise the impact from the funds given. Support letters provide evaluators with an insight into that impact and demonstrate that your organisation is well-respected and supported by various stakeholders. By securing support letters, you can enhance your credibility, demonstrate community need and impact, and increase your chances of receiving funding. Therefore, you should seek to gather these letters from as many and diverse sources as possible.

Who to Seek Support Letters From:

When seeking support letters, grant writers should consider reaching out to individuals and organisations who

· have a vested interest in your community organisation’s mission and goals;

· benefit from your existence (as recipients of support you provide, as a supplier, or as a partner);

· will benefit from the project that you are seeking to fund.

This can include local government officials, community leaders, partner organisations, volunteers, clients, or individuals who can authentically speak to the positive impact your organisation has had on the community. Let’s examine each of these groups and why their written support is essential for your grant writing endeavour:

Community Leaders and Local Officials: Community leaders, local government officials, and influential figures within your area often have a deep understanding of the community’s needs and are in a position to advocate for the importance of your organisation’s work. A support letter from a mayor, city council member, or influential community leader can carry significant weight in grant applications.

Partner Organisations and Collaborators: If your community organisation collaborates with other nonprofits or community groups, seeking support letters from these organisations can be highly beneficial as they emphasise the collective impact achieved through collaboration. Such collaborations showcase your organisation’s ability to work cohesively within the community and amplifies the importance of your grant proposal.

Beneficiaries and Program Participants: Directly involving beneficiaries and program participants in your support letters can add a personal touch and authentic voice to your grant application. Reach out to individuals who have directly benefited from your organisation’s services and ask them to share their experiences. Hearing directly from those whose lives have been positively impacted by your programs can profoundly demonstrate the effectiveness and significance of your work.

Volunteers and Donors: Don’t forget about the individuals who contribute their time and resources to your organisation’s mission. Volunteers and donors can provide unique perspectives on the value of your work and the positive change they have witnessed the community, highlighting your organisation’s ability to engage and mobilise community members toward a common goal.

Peak Bodies or State/National Head Offices: Peak bodies and State/National Offices are influential organisations that represent and advocate for specific industries or sectors. Support letters gathered from these entities can significantly enhance the credibility of your community organisation’s grant application. These endorsements validate the importance and impact of your work in a wider context of a shared vision that reaches beyond your organisation alone. This serves to reinforce trust with grant organisations. By demonstrating alignment with industry objectives, you showcase the relevance and significance of your initiatives. Furthermore, peak bodies may offer advocacy, amplifying the impact of your application and increasing its likelihood of success.

Experts and Industry Professionals: Consider approaching experts or professionals in your field who can vouch for the importance and effectiveness of your organisation’s work. Letters of support from experts can lend credibility to your initiatives and demonstrate that your approach aligns with industry best practices. Additionally, access to expert insights and resources strengthens the evidence-based approach in your proposal, emphasising your organisation’s well-informed practices.

Obtaining support letters to demonstrate endorsement and backing from the groups outlined above can significantly strengthen your grant writing efforts. Don’t hesitate to reach out to these valuable sources to showcase the collective impact of your organisation’s efforts.

What to Include:

Grant writers can ensure that support letters are effective by requesting that support letter writers include specific information that highlights why your organisation and/or project are important. Here are some vital inclusions to consider:

Relationship: Begin the letter by clearly stating the relationship between the writer and your organisation. This establishes credibility and contextualises their support.

Personal Experience: Encourage the writer to share personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight the positive impact of your organisation. Specific examples can paint a vivid picture of how your work has improved lives or addressed community needs.

Expertise and Reputation: If the support letter comes from a well-respected individual or organisation within your community, emphasise their reputation and expertise. This adds weight to the endorsement and strengthens your case.

Alignment of goals: Highlight the alignment between your organisation’s mission and the writer’s goals, needs or interests. This demonstrates a shared vision and emphasises the importance of supporting your cause.

Contact Information: Ensure that the support letter includes the writer’s contact information for verification purposes. Grant organisations may reach out to confirm the authenticity of the endorsement.

How to Request Support Letters:

When requesting support letters, grant writers should approach potential writers with a personalised and well-written request, allowing sufficient time for thoughtful responses before the grant application deadline. Clearly communicating the purpose of the support letter, emphasising its impact on securing funding, and a template plus guidance on vital inclusions will also ensure consistency. Politely following up with writers and offering assistance helps to ensure timely submissions and maximises the influence of support letters in boosting the grant application.

The Wrap:

Support letters can be a game-changer when applying for grants, as they provide tangible evidence of community support and strengthen your organisation’s credibility. Good grant writers always tap into the power of community endorsement to shine a light on the organisation’s impact. Good luck with your support letters and on your grant writing journey!