Requirements for a Letter of Support
A Letter of Support is a document required by some funders or grant-making processes, to demonstrate that the project requesting funds has the support of the Indianapolis Continuum of Care. Funders typically provide guidelines for the content of these letters, and in addition to their requirements we ask that an agency requesting a letter complete the following steps:
Email your request and a copy of your template letter for CoC endorsement to info@chipindy.org.
- At least 10 business days before the due date for the letter, submit a request via email to info@chipindy.org with a draft of the Letter of Support attached. The CoC cannot guarantee that requests submitted without sufficient time will be reviewed or approved.
- The email request should include the due date for the letter and where the signed copy should be sent.
- The Letter of Support draft should include a place for the CoC (Blueprint Council chair) to sign and place their information. It is best to send a Word document, not a PDF.
- The Letter of Support should be compliant with what is requested in the funding application, and it should also include:
- A brief description of the project the CoC would support and how the project aligns with the goals of the Indianapolis Community Plan to End Homelessness.
- A description of the impact of the project, including: where the project will serve (ex: Marion County), how many people will be served, and if this is a renewal of an existing project how many people it has served in the past and any outcomes from the project.
- A description of the agency’s involvement with the CoC, such as: participation in work groups, case conferencing, etc.
- The letter should be written as if it is coming from the CoC to your funder. Please review it carefully prior to sending it in for review.
Email your request and a copy of your template letter for CoC endorsement to info@chipindy.org.
When should I submit a request for a Letter of Support?
At least 10 business days before you need the letter for your funding application, but please note if the letter you submit does not meet the above requirements, then you will be asked to update the letter before it is submitted for review. This will decrease the time you have in the 10 day countdown and may result in your letter not being reviewed in time for your submission.
When is a Letter of Support required?
If an agency or entity is applying for funding that requests a support letter or statement from the Continuum of Care (CoC) or the Governing Board of the CoC, then the agency should follow the process outlined above to request support. Letters of support are not typically required for the CoC Program, Emergency Solutions Grant, or Housing Trust Fund applications, but the agency will want to thoroughly review their grant application to ensure application requirements are met.
How do I submit a request for a Letter of Support?
Please create an email outlining your request, in accordance with the guidelines listed above and attach a copy of your support letter. The letter of support will be for signature by the Blueprint Council chair. You must email this information to info@chipindy.org. Requests must be given AT LEAST 10 business days. The earlier your request is submitted, the easier it is for you to meet your application deadline without delay. The CoC cannot guarantee that requests submitted without sufficient time will be reviewed or approved.