Last paragraph + signature block for institutional proposal cover letters. Multiple variants depending on the relationship history with the funder.
Signature defaults
| Proposal type | Default signatory |
|---|---|
| Major institutional ask ($250K+) | CEO (Brad Lips) |
| Mid-range institutional ask | CAO (Michael Harden) |
| Renewal proposals to existing funders | The relationship owner (varies) |
| Smaller / project-specific | Director of Development (Kameron Griffin) |
The skill should ask the user to confirm signatory rather than infer one.
Final paragraph — new funder
[FILL: 2–3 sentences. Should: invite a conversation, name the contact person (usually Kameron Griffin or the assigned officer with email + phone), and express appreciation for the funder's time. Avoid self-congratulatory language. No "we look forward to partnering with you" — that presumes the partnership.]
Final paragraph — existing funder (renewal or new ask)
[FILL: 2–3 sentences. Reference the existing relationship explicitly ("Our partnership with [Foundation] since [year] has supported X"). Acknowledge the impact their prior support has had — concretely. Invite the next conversation.]
Final paragraph — declining renewal / hard pivot
[FILL: 2–3 sentences for situations where the relationship has cooled or the funder declined recently. Acknowledge the gap, articulate what has changed in Atlas's work that warrants reconsideration, leave the door open without pressure.]
Signature block format
Sincerely,
[Signatory Name]
[Signatory Title]
Atlas Network
[Direct phone]
[Direct email]
Don'ts
- Don't sign off with "Best" or "Warm regards" in institutional proposals — too casual.
- Don't include cell numbers unless the signatory normally publishes one.
- Don't repeat the ask amount in the signoff — it's redundant and reads as nervous.
Last reviewed
FILL: Michael Harden, date