Grant Application Recommendation Letter

What a good one includes

• A clear statement of endorsement explicitly naming the specific grant program and the proposed project.
• Credibility markers of the recommender, establishing their professional authority and relationship to your organization.
• Concrete examples of your organization’s past successes and proven track record in managing similar projects or funds.
• Direct alignment between your project's goals and the specific funding priorities or mission of the granting agency.
• Evidence of community trust, demonstrating how your work directly benefits the target demographic or civic sector.
• An explicit statement of confidence in your organization's administrative capacity and financial stewardship to execute the grant.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a generic, one-size-fits-all template that fails to mention the specific grant name or the funder’s unique goals.
• Focusing too much on praise for the individual writer rather than centering the capacity and community impact of the applicant organization.
• Relying on vague buzzwords like 'innovative' or 'impactful' without providing measurable data or specific anecdotes to back up those claims.
• Asking for recommendations from individuals who lack relevant sector authority or direct knowledge of your organization's work.

Frequently asked questions