How to Write an Eye-Catching Letter of Interest (LOI)

Before you dive into writing a full grant proposal, many funders require a Letter of Interest (LOI)—a brief document outlining who you are, what you do, and why your organization is a fit for their funding priorities.

LOIs serve as a helpful filter for both nonprofits and funders. Instead of spending hours on a full proposal only to discover you’re not aligned, the LOI allows funders to quickly screen for eligibility and fit. In return, you get the opportunity to make a great first impression without overextending your team’s time and resources.

If you want your LOI to open the door to funding opportunities, it needs to be clear, concise, and tailored to the funder’s interests. Here's how to get started:

What Is an LOI and Why It Matters

An LOI is a preliminary document—similar in spirit to a cover letter—that introduces your nonprofit and the work you’re doing. It summarizes your organization’s mission, outlines the program or project you want to fund, and briefly explains how your goals align with the funder’s priorities.

Most LOIs are 1–3 pages in length, though some funders request as little as a few paragraphs or as much as a detailed concept paper. Always check the funder’s website or grant guidelines first. If there’s no specific template, follow the best practices below to make sure your letter stands out for the right reasons.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Strong LOI

1. Follow the Formatting Instructions

Start with your organization’s letterhead and proper formatting. Include your contact information, the funder’s address, and a personalized salutation—avoid “To Whom It May Concern” whenever possible. A little research goes a long way; addressing the letter to a specific program officer shows attention to detail.

If there are no explicit instructions from the funder, keep your LOI between one and three pages and submit it as a PDF.

2. Open with a Strong Summary

In your opening paragraph, briefly introduce your organization, the amount you’re requesting (if appropriate), and the program or project you’re proposing. Be sure to include your mission and a sentence or two that connects your work to the funder’s focus areas. Think of this as your “elevator pitch.”

Example:
[Organization Name] is a community-based nonprofit that provides trauma-informed arts education to underserved youth in Los Angeles. We are seeking a $25,000 grant from [Funder Name] to expand our bilingual after-school program, which aligns with your commitment to equitable youth development.

3. Tell Your Story with Data and Purpose

Use the body of your letter to tell a compelling story about your organization’s background, the community you serve, and the need you're addressing. Include key data or statistics that support your case and help the funder understand why your work is necessary. Then, connect the dots between your mission and your current funding request.

Example: Over the past year, we served 850 youth, 92% of whom identify as Latinx or Black. Despite the growing need for accessible creative programs, only one in five students in our school district has access to arts education. Our program fills this critical gap by offering free, trauma-informed workshops in music, visual art, and storytelling.

4. Explain What the Funding Will Support

Clearly outline how you plan to use the funds if awarded. Will it support a specific program, pilot a new initiative, or scale an existing one? Funders want to know their investment will be used wisely—and that your organization is capable of executing the work.

Avoid vague descriptions like “general programming support” unless it’s specifically allowed. Instead, describe measurable outcomes and what success looks like.

5. Close with Gratitude and a Call to Action

Wrap up by thanking the funder for their time and consideration. Reiterate your alignment with their mission and invite them to follow up if they’d like more information. Include your best contact information and sign off professionally.

Example: Thank you for considering this request and for your commitment to community-based arts education. We would be honored to partner with [Funder Name] and are happy to provide any additional information you need to support your decision.

Final Tips for a Great LOI

• Be concise: Stick to the essentials. If the funder wants more detail, they’ll ask for a full proposal.

• Use plain language: Avoid jargon. Make your mission and impact clear to someone outside your field.

• Tailor each letter: Don’t reuse the same LOI for every funder. Customize each letter to reflect the funder’s values, language, and giving priorities.

• Proofread: Typos, incorrect names, or formatting mistakes can reflect poorly on your organization’s readiness.

Need Support? Let’s Talk.

At Mockingbird Analytics, we help nonprofits write grant materials that get noticed. Whether you're just starting with LOIs or refining your long-term grant strategy, we offer grant writing, prospect research, and strategy development tailored to your organization's goals.

Want to make sure your LOI stands out? Contact us to learn more about how we can support your fundraising efforts.