Grant Writer Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Grant Writer position for Disaster Services at the American Red Cross. With five years of grant writing experience securing $8+ million in funding for nonprofit organizations and a deep commitment to humanitarian service, I am excited to help Red Cross secure resources to support disaster preparedness and response efforts. My grant writing accomplishments include: • Secured $3.2 million in federal grants from FEMA and HUD for disaster recovery and preparedness programs • Written successful proposals to major foundations including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and MacArthur Foundation • Achieved 75% success rate on federal grant applications and 60% on foundation proposals • Developed compelling narratives that connect organizational mission to funder priorities • Created logic models, evaluation plans, and budget narratives for complex multi-year projects • Collaborated with program staff to gather data, testimonials, and impact stories • Managed grant portfolio tracking deadlines, deliverables, and reporting requirements • Researched and identified new funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities I am proficient in federal grant systems (Grants.gov, SAM.gov), grant management software, and data visualization tools. My ability to translate program impact into compelling narratives positions me to secure critical funding for Red Cross disaster services. The American Red Cross's mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering and its vital role in disaster response deeply resonate with me. I am particularly impressed by your disaster preparedness initiatives and emergency response capabilities. My combination of proven grant writing success, understanding of disaster services, and commitment to humanitarian work positions me to excel in this role. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to securing funding for Red Cross disaster programs. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Rebecca Anderson Certified Grant Writer (GPC)

Dear Selection Committee, I am excited to apply for the Grant Writer position supporting biomedical research at Stanford University School of Medicine. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and three years of experience writing successful NIH grant proposals, I am well-prepared to help Stanford researchers secure funding for cutting-edge biomedical research. My grant writing experience includes: • Drafted and edited NIH R01, R21, and R03 proposals that secured $4.5 million in research funding • Written successful foundation proposals to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and private foundations • Collaborated with faculty researchers to develop compelling specific aims and research strategies • Translated complex scientific concepts into clear, persuasive narratives for diverse reviewer audiences • Prepared detailed budget justifications, biosketches, and all required NIH forms and documents • Managed submission through NIH systems (eRA Commons, ASSIST) ensuring timely, compliant applications • Provided strategic feedback on research plans to strengthen scientific merit and innovation • Tracked funding opportunities and matched researchers with appropriate mechanisms My scientific background enables me to quickly understand research projects and communicate their significance effectively. I am proficient in NIH formatting requirements, review criteria, and funding mechanisms across institutes. Stanford's world-class biomedical research and its commitment to advancing human health make this my ideal opportunity. I am excited to support faculty in securing funding for transformative research. My combination of scientific expertise, grant writing success, and understanding of NIH processes positions me to contribute immediately to Stanford's research enterprise. I look forward to discussing how I can support Stanford researchers in securing funding. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Dr. Jennifer Park Ph.D., Molecular Biology

Dear Hiring Committee, I am writing to apply for the Grant Writer position supporting conservation programs at The Nature Conservancy. With four years of grant writing experience in environmental nonprofits and a Master's in Environmental Science, I am prepared to secure funding for TNC's critical conservation work protecting lands and waters worldwide. My grant writing accomplishments include: • Secured $2.8 million from government agencies and foundations for conservation land acquisition and restoration projects • Written successful proposals to major environmental funders including the Walton Family Foundation, Packard Foundation, and NFWF • Developed proposals for complex conservation projects involving multiple partners and geographic areas • Created compelling narratives highlighting conservation impact using science, data, and beneficiary stories • Prepared detailed project budgets, timelines, and evaluation frameworks • Collaborated with conservation scientists to communicate research findings and conservation strategies • Managed relationships with program officers at foundations and government agencies • Tracked conservation funding landscape and identified strategic opportunities I have strong technical knowledge of conservation science, ecology, and environmental policy, enabling me to effectively communicate complex conservation concepts. My writing has secured funding for habitat restoration, species protection, and land conservation projects. The Nature Conservancy's science-based conservation approach and its global impact make this my ideal opportunity. Your work protecting critical ecosystems and addressing climate change aligns with my professional passion. My combination of grant writing success, conservation knowledge, and commitment to environmental protection positions me to excel in this role. I would be delighted to discuss how I can help secure funding for TNC's conservation priorities. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Sarah Mitchell M.S., Environmental Science

Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Senior Grant Writer position at United Way. With seven years of grant writing experience securing funding for human services organizations and a track record of building successful funder relationships, I am prepared to lead grant development efforts supporting United Way's mission to improve lives and strengthen communities. My grant writing leadership experience includes: • Secured $12+ million in grants from foundations, corporations, and government sources over seven years • Led grant writing team of three staff members, providing training and quality oversight • Built strategic relationships with program officers at major foundations resulting in multi-year funding commitments • Developed grant strategies aligned with organizational priorities and funder interests • Written successful proposals for comprehensive community initiatives addressing education, income, and health • Created compelling data visualizations and impact reports demonstrating community outcomes • Managed grant compliance and reporting for 50+ active grants annually • Identified and cultivated new funding sources, expanding organization's funder base by 40% I have deep expertise in writing for diverse funding sources including foundations, government agencies, and corporate funders. My strategic approach to grant development has consistently secured resources to advance organizational mission. United Way's community impact model and its leadership in addressing complex social issues make this an ideal opportunity. Your work mobilizing communities to improve education, income, and health outcomes inspires me. My combination of grant writing expertise, relationship management skills, and commitment to community impact positions me to provide leadership as Senior Grant Writer. I look forward to discussing how I can advance United Way's fundraising goals. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Michael Thompson Certified Grant Writer (GPC)

Dear Selection Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the Grant Writer position supporting clinical research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). With a Master's in Public Health, five years of grant writing experience in academic medical centers, and expertise in pediatric health research, I am prepared to help CHOP clinician-scientists secure funding for innovative pediatric research. My clinical research grant writing experience includes: • Written successful grant applications to NIH, PCORI, and foundations supporting pediatric clinical research • Secured $6 million in funding for clinical trials, comparative effectiveness research, and health services research • Collaborated with physician-scientists to develop patient-oriented research proposals • Drafted study protocols, statistical analysis plans, and data management plans for clinical studies • Prepared IRB applications and ensured compliance with human subjects research regulations • Created budget justifications for clinical research studies including personnel, participant costs, and equipment • Managed submissions through institutional systems and federal grant portals • Provided strategic guidance on study design, outcome measures, and dissemination plans My public health background and understanding of clinical research methodology enable me to effectively communicate research significance and innovation. I am knowledgeable about NIH review criteria, clinical research funding mechanisms, and pediatric research priorities. CHOP's reputation as a leader in pediatric medicine and research makes this my ideal opportunity. I am inspired by your commitment to advancing children's health through innovative research. My combination of grant writing expertise, clinical research knowledge, and passion for children's health positions me to excel in this role. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can support CHOP researchers in securing funding. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Laura Chen M.P.H., Epidemiology

Dear Hiring Committee, I am excited to apply for the Grant Writer position supporting housing programs at Habitat for Humanity International. With four years of grant writing experience securing funding for affordable housing initiatives and a commitment to Habitat's mission of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter, I am prepared to secure resources for your critical housing work. My relevant grant writing experience includes: • Secured $3.5 million from HUD, FHLB, and foundations for affordable housing construction and rehabilitation • Written successful applications for HOME Investment Partnerships Program and Community Development Block Grant funds • Developed proposals for housing counseling, homeownership, and neighborhood revitalization programs • Created compelling narratives highlighting housing impact through beneficiary stories and community data • Prepared detailed construction budgets, project timelines, and environmental review documentation • Collaborated with housing developers, construction staff, and community partners on proposal development • Managed federal grant reporting requirements and ensured compliance with HUD regulations • Researched housing policy and funding trends to identify strategic opportunities I have strong knowledge of affordable housing finance, federal housing programs, and community development. My ability to articulate housing need and program impact has consistently secured funding for housing organizations. Habitat's unique model of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope deeply resonates with me. Your global impact and commitment to affordable housing inspire my professional work. My combination of grant writing success, housing expertise, and alignment with Habitat's mission positions me to excel in this role. I look forward to discussing how I can help secure funding for Habitat's housing programs. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, James Rodriguez Grant Professional Certified (GPC)

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Grant Writer position supporting cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. With a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology and two years of experience writing NIH and foundation grants, I am well-prepared to help MSK researchers secure funding for groundbreaking cancer research. My grant writing accomplishments include: • Drafted successful NIH R01 proposals for basic science cancer research totaling $2.8 million • Written foundation proposals to the American Cancer Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and private foundations • Collaborated with principal investigators to develop innovative research proposals with strong scientific rationale • Prepared specific aims pages that clearly articulate research significance, innovation, and impact • Drafted research strategies including preliminary data, experimental approach, and expected outcomes • Managed NIH applications from concept through submission including all required forms and attachments • Provided scientific editing and strategic feedback to strengthen proposals • Tracked funding opportunities and deadlines across cancer-focused institutes and foundations My cancer biology background enables me to understand complex research projects and communicate their potential to transform cancer treatment. I am knowledgeable about NCI funding mechanisms, review criteria, and strategic priorities. MSK's world leadership in cancer research and patient care makes this an extraordinary opportunity. I am inspired by your commitment to better understanding, diagnosing, and treating cancer. My combination of scientific expertise, grant writing skills, and passion for cancer research positions me to contribute meaningfully to MSK's research enterprise. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can support MSK investigators in securing research funding. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Dr. Amanda Foster Ph.D., Cancer Biology

Dear Selection Committee, I am excited to apply for the Grant Writer position supporting climate and energy programs at the Environmental Defense Fund. With five years of grant writing experience in environmental organizations and expertise in climate policy, I am prepared to secure funding for EDF's critical work on climate solutions. My grant writing experience includes: • Secured $4.2 million from foundations and government sources for climate mitigation and clean energy programs • Written successful proposals to major environmental funders including the Rockefeller Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, and ClimateWorks • Developed proposals for policy advocacy, research, and market-based solutions to environmental challenges • Created compelling narratives connecting environmental science to policy solutions and community impact • Prepared proposals for complex initiatives involving multiple program areas and geographic regions • Collaborated with program staff, scientists, and economists to develop evidence-based proposals • Managed foundation relationships and stewardship reporting demonstrating program outcomes • Tracked climate philanthropy trends and identified strategic funding opportunities I have strong knowledge of climate science, energy systems, and environmental policy. My ability to communicate technical information accessibly and persuasively has consistently secured funding for climate programs. EDF's pragmatic, science-based approach to solving environmental challenges and its track record of achieving policy wins make this my ideal opportunity. Your work on climate solutions inspires me professionally. My combination of grant writing success, climate expertise, and commitment to environmental protection positions me to excel in this role. I look forward to discussing how I can help secure funding for EDF's climate and energy priorities. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Daniel Green M.S., Environmental Policy