Submit Letter Of Inquiry - Service Family Foundation

Letter of Inquiry Requirements

The Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is the first step in our grantmaking process. It is designed to provide a concise, high-level overview of your organization, the proposed project, and the community need it addresses.

The LOI is not intended to be a full proposal. Rather, it should serve as a clear and compelling snapshot that allows the Service Family Foundation (SFF) to quickly assess alignment with our funding priorities and determine whether to invite a full application.

Letter Of Inquiry Format & Length

-Maximum of three pages, not including supporting documentation

-Submitted as a single document

-Clear, concise, and written for a general audience

What to Include in Your Letter Of Inquiry

Your LOI should address the following three core areas:

1. Organization Overview

– Mission and core programs

– Years of operation and organizational history

– Confirmation of 501(c)(3) status

– Overview of current scale (staff size, annual budget, population served)

– Description of your role in the community and how you function as a community hub (if applicable)

2. Project Overview

Describe the specific project for which you are seeking funding:

– Project name and type (e.g., expansion, capital project, new program)

– Total project budget from all funders (must exceed $300,000)

– Amount requested from The Service Family Foundation (minimum $50,000)

– Project timeline and current stage (planning, early implementation, expansion, etc.)

– Key components of the project (facilities, programs, infrastructure, etc.)

– How the project strengthens your organization’s long-term capacity

3. Community Need & Impact

Explain the need and the difference your project will make:

– Description of the community need being addressed, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest

– Who will benefit (priority populations, geographic reach, scale)

– How the project strengthens community connection, access to shared spaces, or overall well-being

– Evidence of community demand (participation, waitlists, partnerships, etc.)

– Expected outcomes and what success looks like in 3–5 years

4. Supporting documentation

If available, please include any of the following as appendices:

– Annual reports from previous years

– Photos or testimonials related to the project or organization (compiled into a single document)

– A summary statement of operations for current year and project pro-forma

Additional Considerations

Strong LOIs will also demonstrate:

– Alignment with the Foundation’s focus on inclusive community-building

– A clear path to long-term sustainability beyond Foundation funding

– Evidence of organizational readiness and leadership capacity

– Active and engaged board support (time, treasure, and talent)

– A diversified funding strategy (including committed or prospective funding partners)

What to Avoid

LOIs should not include:

-Requests for general operating support (unless you are a returning grantee)

-Projects that are short-term, event-based, or not aligned with community-building priorities

If you have any questions, please
email us at: grants@servicefamily.org