Putting the Package Together 93 · Your organization's IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status determination letter or fiscal agent's letter, if there is a sponsor, to establish nonprofit status · Your organization's most recent audited financial statement · A list of your organization's board members, their work and school affiliations, and any other applicable information · Your organization's overall budget for the current fiscal year · Your organization's latest annual report (if it prepares an annual report) · A list of all other funders who have received or are receiving propos- als for the program, the amounts of these requests, and the current status of each request In addition to these items, a foundation might request profiles of the key staff members who will be implementing or overseeing the proposed proj- ect and a list of current funders. Corporations are typically less likely to want attachments. That said, a copy of your organization's marketing plan and copies of your organization's appearances in the media might be use- ful to them, as corporations tend to have an interest in receiving public rela- tions exposure for their support. Many foundations--especially those that raise money to fund their grantmaking--increasingly look for information about a nonprofit's marketing and communications capacity, which may influence favorable consideration. Some funders may also require an attachment section for a letter proposal. Many of the items in the previous list are generally included with these shorter proposals. Letters of intent, however, will most likely require a much reduced appendixes section that includes only the IRS determination letter and possi- bly a list of members of the board of directors and your organization's budget. Packaging the Proposal A simple, clutter-free, and neatly packaged proposal creates the perception of a well-organized, successful organization. Conversely, an envelope full of unorganized pieces of paper does just the opposite. You get only one chance to make a good first impression! Give your proposal and all appendixes a good "once over" and make sure that · They are nicely copied on fresh paper. · The pages are numbered and appropriately identified. · The proposal is nicely formatted, with no typos (don't rely on spellcheck but run it anyway). · The name of the foundation, staff person, and address information are correct (and don't hand address the envelope or label).