Before beginning the letter of inquiry process, applicants must read the Rules and Guidelines.

Please also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions if further clarification is needed.

Please follow these instructions carefully when submitting a letter of inquiry (LOI) to The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Note: Due to tax, legal and reporting issues, we require that all letters of inquiry be submitted in English.

Step 1:  Download and Review the LOI Instructions

The LOI instructions explain the content behind the questions in the LOI Application Form. It includes a description of how we would like you to describe your proposed project; general information regarding our perspective on Global Access, data sharing and publication; and a link to our indirect cost policy.

• LOI Instructions

Step 2: Download and Complete the LOI Application Form

The LOI Application includes questions regarding the purpose, framework, approach, assumptions, and budget of your project.

• LOI Application

Step 3: Submit your LOI Online

You must complete the online LOI submission form and attach your completed LOI application form in order for the foundation to process your request. You will need an account to access the foundation LOI submission portal. Please do not mail a duplicate hard copy after submitting your LOI online or send any additional attachments or information (videos, books, program materials, etc.).

• LOI Submission Form

Review Process

Once you've submitted your LOI, you will receive a confirmation that we have received it. Your LOI will be evaluated, and those applicants who are eligible and have projects of further interest to the foundation will be contacted directly and invited to submit a full proposal. Note that:

• Due to expected high volumes, we will not provide individual critiques or feedback on why LOIs were not selected;
• We will use external reviewers for recommendations, but final decisions are made by the foundation.

Following are some tips for grant seekers wishing to submit letters of inquiry:

• You must read the entire Rules and Guidelines;
• You must review the LOI instructions as they are intended to help guide the applicant in crafting a complete LOI response;
• You must clearly indicate how the technology you propose is a significant advancement over current capabilities;
• You must clearly define the proof-of-concept experiment that will demonstrate success;
• You must demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with the other participants in this grant initiative.

Key dates and deadlines for this grant program include:

December 1, 2009: Letters of inquiry accepted

February 16, 2010:  Application deadline for letters of inquiry at 11:59 pm Pacific Time

April 2010:  Invitation for submission of full proposals

June 2010:  Application deadline for full proposals