Supporting Your Grant with Strong Letters of Support

When you're crafting a winning grant proposal, the narrative, data, and plan must come together seamlessly. However, one crucial component often overlooked is the letter of support. These letters can make or break your grant application by validating your project and adding credibility to your cause. Whether it's from community partners, stakeholders, or local leaders, a well-crafted letter of support can reinforce the impact your project will have.

At Thrive Community Partners, we’ve seen firsthand how strong letters of support can bolster an organization’s chances of securing funding. By demonstrating community buy-in and stakeholder commitment, these letters show funders that your project is not just a good idea on paper but has the backing of those who will help see it through.

Why Letters of Support Matter

1. They Build Credibility:
   A letter of support from a key partner can provide external validation that your project is well thought out and necessary. It reassures funders that you’ve already done the groundwork by involving critical community members who are invested in the outcome.
2. They Demonstrate Collaboration:
   Many funders look for projects that foster collaboration across organizations and sectors. Letters of support from partners such as local businesses, non-profits, or government agencies highlight these connections and your ability to work with others towards a common goal.
3. They Highlight Resources and Support:
   Stakeholders can speak to their commitment to providing resources, whether it be financial, in-kind services, or programmatic assistance. This demonstrates to funders that your project has the necessary backing and capacity for success.

Tips for Securing Strong Letters of Support

Securing powerful letters of support doesn’t happen by chance. It requires careful planning and clear communication with your potential supporters. Here are a few tips:

1. Start Early:
   Building relationships and requesting letters should happen early in the grant writing process. Don’t wait until the last minute! Reach out to partners well in advance and give them ample time to draft their letters.
2. Be Clear About What You Need:
   When approaching potential supporters, provide them with a clear outline of your project, the grant you’re applying for, and why their support matters. Offering a letter template or key points they can include ensures they hit the right tone and focus on what funders are looking for.
3. Request Letters from Key Players:
   Letters from individuals or organizations who will be directly impacted by the project or who have significant influence in the community carry more weight. For example, if your project supports local youth, a letter from the school district, youth organizations, or a community leader involved in youth services would be invaluable.
4. Highlight Specific Contributions:
   Encourage your partners to be specific in their letters. Rather than general statements of support, they should outline how they will contribute to the project, what resources they’re providing, or how their involvement will help ensure the project’s success.
5. Follow Up and Show Gratitude:
   Once you receive the letter, follow up with a thank you and let them know how their support will be used in your application. Maintaining these relationships is key for future collaborations.

Thrive Community Partners Can Help

At Thrive Community Partners, we specialize in building community-based collaborations that can strengthen your grant proposals. From helping you identify key stakeholders to crafting compelling letters of support, we’re here to ensure you put your best foot forward in every grant application.

Remember, strong letters of support not only back up your claims but also show that your project is already well on its way to making a tangible impact. Funders want to know that their investment will be supported by a network of committed community partners—and that starts with securing the right letters of support.

~ Renee & Sarah