From Idea to Invitation: Mastering the LOI
A well-crafted Letter of Inquiry (LOI) can open the door to new funding opportunities, but knowing when and how to use one effectively is key.
In this workshop, Ann Madsen and Kirsten Gulbro share practical guidance from their combined experience raising more than $130 million for nonprofits across sectors. Together, they will walk through how to approach LOIs with clarity, align your outreach with funder priorities, and strengthen your overall grants pipeline.
What we’ll cover:
When to use an LOI vs. a full proposal or other outreach
Key components of an effective LOI, including a clear ask, strong alignment, and concise structure
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Insights from program officers and how funders evaluate LOIs
Aligning your message with funder priorities
What to do after submission, including follow-up and relationship-building
Tools and tips to streamline writing and prospecting, including using AI
Audience Q&A
This session is designed for anyone responsible for foundation prospecting and outreach, including grant writers, development managers and directors, executive directors, and board members. It is especially valuable for early- to mid-career fundraising professionals, organizations newer to LOIs, and teams looking to improve response rates or build a stronger grants pipeline.
About the Speakers
Ann Madsen, Senior Advisor
Ann has nearly 15 years of nonprofit experience and has raised over $30 million. She specializes in developing proposals, letters of inquiry, and prospecting strategies, and has cultivated donor relationships across government agencies, international organizations, and foundations. She has worked in humanitarian aid, international development, health, and human services in both international and domestic contexts. Ann holds a BA in Political Science from Tulane University and an MA in Theory and Practice of Human Rights from the University of Essex.
Kirsten Gulbro, Senior Advisor
With more than 20 years of fundraising experience and more than $100 million raised for Minnesota’s nonprofit community, Kirsten is deeply passionate about supporting mission-based work. She’s worked for organizations with a variety of missions, from basic needs assistance to workforce development to environmental conservation. Kirsten holds a Master of Nonprofit Administration Degree from Metropolitan State University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Augsburg University. Her professional experience includes grant writing, corporate sponsorships, major gifts, special events, nonprofit communications, and prospect research.