IFMSA Leadership Training Program

Full Proposal

Cover Letter The cover letter serves as the organization's visit card and should always accompany a proposal. It is the single most important document in attracting the attention of the potential donors to read further in your documents and consider your proposal. With a bad cover letter, the chances are you will end up with one of the printed replies stating that the funds are earmarked for other projects. The cover letter should be short, illustrating the project and what is annexed about it, telling why it is important, what you want, and what you offer in return. It should not exceed two A4 size papers, preferably should be a single page. Shortness is essential, as potential donors usually get many letters appealing for funds, and usually have a limited time to read through them. The letter should follow a formal layout and style. If you do not know about letter layouts, you should better learn about them, as the executives who will read your letter will most probably recognize a bad layout and style. A cover letter should meet the following criteria: Includes funder's name, title, and address Is directed at the individual responsible for the funding program (is not addressed "To Whom It May Concern", "Dear Sirs", etc.) Provides a brief overview of the organization and its purpose Includes the reason for the funding request Includes the amount requested (if required by funder) Does not exceed two pages (one page is recommended) Includes name and phone number of contact at the organization Is signed by the person who can speak with authority on behalf of the organization Finally, do not send a form letter! Especially photocopies. Personalize the letter by the name of the addressee, with correct spelling... You are asking for money, and therefore, you should bother to send a "personal" letter!