What to include in a letter of support for a grant
Letters of support can play a critical role in strengthening a grant application, especially when partnerships or collaborations are involved. While they may seem like supplemental documents, funders often view them as evidence of credibility, commitment, and readiness to carry out the proposed work.
Why grant applications ask for letters of support
Some grant applications ask for a letter of support or commitment when there’s a partner organization or multiple stakeholders involved in a project. We find that organizations usually leave these for the last minute and find themselves scrambling to get a third party to write a letter of support.
Funders request these letters to confirm that partnerships described in the proposal are real, active, and agreed upon. In collaborative or multi-agency projects, letters of support help validate roles, shared responsibilities, and alignment among partners. When included early and thoughtfully, these letters strengthen the overall proposal by reinforcing trust in the project’s structure.
What a letter of support actually represents
A letter of support is similar to an MOU in a federal grant application. They’re usually a little less formal, though. This letter is often included as an attachment to a grant application, but you should think of it as an important piece of the argument you’re making in favor of your work.
Rather than standing alone, a strong letter of support should echo the narrative of your proposal. It reinforces the story you are telling by confirming that external partners recognize your organization’s capacity, reliability, and leadership within the project.
Key elements to include in a strong letter of support
- Thoroughly detail the agreement or relationship as it pertains to the grant application
- Include the representative’s signature and organization letterhead
- Add testimonies that prove the grant applicant’s suitability for the project/relationship
- Cite specific successes, metrics, goals, and objectives
- Name specific resources or people involved in the project
These elements help reviewers understand not just that a partnership exists, but how it will function and contribute to the project’s success. Specific details carry more weight than general endorsements, particularly when funders are evaluating capacity and feasibility.
Tips to make gathering letters easier
To save time, you can draft a letter for the signer. Or, give them bullet points to start with. No one likes staring at a blank page! There are plenty of great examples on the internet if you search for “sample letter of support,” or something similar.
Collecting letters early in the grant process helps avoid last-minute delays and allows partners time to review and customize the content. Providing guidance upfront also ensures the letters align with your proposal narrative and funder expectations.
When to ask for help
Letters of support are small documents with a big impact. When they are rushed, vague, or poorly aligned with the proposal, they can weaken an otherwise strong application. Working with experienced grant professionals can help ensure these letters support your case effectively and meet funder requirements.
Learn more about our grant writing services here.
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