Where can I find examples of proposal cover letters?

Sample proposal cover letters are usually difficult to find, via print or the Internet, because they are typically very specific to the organization requesting funding as well as the donor's mission, and they work only within that context. We try to present a number of different types so you can choose the style that best meets your needs. However, you will likely need to adopt them to your organization/situation.

• The Foundation Center's Guide to Winning Proposals, Guide to Winning Proposals II. and Grantseeker's Guide to Winning Proposals. Includes actual cover letters, letters of inquiry, budgets, and vital supplementary documents needed to develop a complete proposal. Features grant proposals that have been funded by some of today’s most influential grantmakers. Each proposal – reprinted in its entirety – includes commentary by the program officer, executive director, or other funding decision maker who awarded that grant. Proposals are included from large and small, local and national organizations, and for many different support purposes, including basic budgetary support, special projects, construction, staff positions, and more.

• Nonprofit Guides (http://www.npguides.org/guide/cover_letter.htm) has a sample proposal cover letter, letter of inquiry, proposal, budget, and other items that may be of use to you.

• Tucson-Pima Public Library (http://www.lib.ci.tucson.az.us/research/guides/grantscoverletter.cfm) has a short sample proposal cover letter template available on its site.

• You can also try a number of Internet search engines such as Google using the keywords "sample nonprofit proposal cover letter".