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We are no longer reviewing unsolicited letters of inquiry for 2008; however, we continue to accept new letters of inquiry for possible funding in 2009. Because of end-of-year planning activities, we may delay responding to new inquiries until the first quarter of 2009.
Lumina Foundation welcomes letters of inquiry year-round from eligible organizations that seek funds for work that fits within our mission and guidelines. Organizations are not prohibited from submitting more than one inquiry at any one time.
A letter of inquiry should describe the proposed work and respond to the following questions in three to five pages:
- What is the goal of this work?
- How does the work support Lumina's overarching goal (by 2025, 60 percent of the population in the United States will hold a postsecondary degree or credential)?
- What is the sponsoring organization?
- What special qualifications does the organization bring to this effort?
- What other organizations are involved, if any? How will they contribute to the work?
- How does the proposed work relate to the applicant organization's mission?
- Whom will this effort serve?
- What are the intended outcomes, and how will the work achieve them?
- What is the geographic scope of the proposed work?
- Why is this work important to pursue at this time?
- What is the total cost of the effort? What amount do you seek from Lumina Foundation and for what period of time? What resources will others provide?
The Foundation considers only those inquiries that:
- Include a completed cover sheet, not to exceed one page.
- Include the applicant's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determination letter.
- Are submitted on the letterhead of the sponsoring organization or institution.
Where to send letters of inquiry
Applicants are encouraged to submit letters of inquiry electronically. Please send the letter of inquiry, completed cover sheet and IRS determination letter as attachments to newinquiry@luminafoundation.org. Please do not send any additional materials (binders, media, etc.) Applicants are welcome to submit inquiries by mail at the address below. Please do not submit a letter both electronically and by mail.
Send grant inquiries via mail to:
Program Office—"New Inquiry"
Lumina Foundation for Education
P.O. Box 1806
Indianapolis, IN 46206-1806
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