Detailed information on a foundation's interests is likely to help you address your appeal. It can be found in the foundation's annual reports or derived from the list of projects the foundation has supported. Such reports should be studied carefully before deciding which foundation to approach. If you do not have a personal contact, you may initiate dialogue with a private foundation through a brief letter. A letter not only permits an investigator to make inquiries of several foundations within a reasonably short period, but also gives an interested foundation the chance to offer suggestions for shaping the final program.
Foundations enjoy the opportunity to work with the principal investigator in developing the project.
The letter of inquiry should never be more than two pages long. Since it may be your single opportunity to get a foot in the door, it should be carefully crafted to demonstrate that you are acquainted with the work and purposes of the foundation, and that you see a clear connection between these and your own proposed project. An effective letter will discuss the significance or uniqueness of the project, who will benefit, who cares about the results, what difference it will make if the project is funded, and the unique role the proposed foundation could play. It will demonstrate your grasp of the subject and your credentials to undertake the project. It will emphasize at the same time that the inquiry is preliminary, not formal, and that you will send further details if the foundation wishes, or better yet, will visit the foundation to discuss the project in depth.