What makes this cover letter great
This cover letter is a great example because it clearly aligns the candidate’s experience and skills with the requirements of the Funding Manager role. It provides specific, quantifiable achievements, such as securing over $2 million in funding, which demonstrates impact. The letter highlights relevant technical skills (financial analysis, CRM software) and soft skills (communication, relationship-building). It is concise, well-structured, and shows genuine enthusiasm for the position. The candidate also connects their personal motivation to the organization’s mission, making the application feel authentic and purposeful.
Cover letter example for Funding Manager
Strong cover letter
I am excited to apply for the Funding Manager position, as my background in finance, grant management, and strategic fundraising aligns closely with the requirements of this role. With over seven years of experience in the nonprofit and financial sectors, I have developed a strong expertise in identifying funding opportunities, building relationships with donors and stakeholders, and managing complex funding portfolios.
In my previous role as Senior Grants Officer at Community Impact Network, I successfully secured over $2 million in funding through a combination of grant writing, donor engagement, and partnership development. I have a proven track record of developing and implementing funding strategies that align with organizational goals, ensuring sustainable growth and impact. My experience includes managing the full grant lifecycle, from prospect research and proposal development to compliance, reporting, and stewardship.
I am highly skilled in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting, which enables me to assess funding needs and allocate resources effectively. My strong communication and negotiation skills have allowed me to cultivate long-term relationships with foundations, government agencies, and corporate partners. I am also proficient in using CRM and grant management software to track funding pipelines and report on key performance indicators.
I am passionate about leveraging my skills to help organizations achieve their missions and maximize their impact. I am confident that my experience, strategic mindset, and commitment to excellence make me a strong candidate for the Funding Manager position.
Weak cover letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the Funding Manager job. I have worked in finance and nonprofits for a while and think I could do well in this role. I have written grants and talked to donors before. I am good with numbers and can use some software. I hope to help your organization with funding.
Thank you for considering my application.
Cover letter best practices
Tailor Each Cover Letter to being a Funding Manager
Avoid generic letters. Customize your content to reflect the specific job description, company values, and how your experience aligns with their needs.
Use a Professional Format
Stick to a clean, business-like layout with consistent fonts, spacing, and margins. Match the formatting of your resume for a cohesive application package.
Address the Right Person
Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific individual (e.g., “Dear Ms. Johnson”). Use LinkedIn or the company website to find the hiring manager’s name.
Start with a Strong Opening
Capture attention in the first paragraph by stating the position, expressing genuine interest, and previewing the value you’ll bring to the role.
Highlight Relevant Achievements
Focus on 1–2 specific accomplishments that relate directly to the job. Use metrics, outcomes, or project details to demonstrate impact.
Show You Understand the Company
Demonstrate knowledge of the company’s mission, recent news, or culture. This shows you’ve done your homework and care about where you work.
Explain Career Transitions Briefly
If you’re changing industries, roles, or returning to work, provide context for your move and highlight transferable skills.
Keep It Concise and Focused
Limit your letter to one page and avoid repeating your resume. Aim for clarity and brevity—ideally 3–4 paragraphs.
Use a Confident, Professional Tone
Write assertively without arrogance. Avoid overused buzzwords unless supported by real examples.
Close with a Clear Call to Action
End with a confident statement of interest, and invite the employer to connect or schedule an interview.
Proofread Carefully
Typos and grammatical errors can ruin a strong letter. Review it multiple times, and consider reading it out loud or asking someone else to check it.