20 Letter of Intent (LOI) Templates

A letter of intent, abbreviated LOI, is a written commitment by one party to do business with another. It outlines the fundamental terms of the prospective agreement before a more comprehensive, detailed contract. This document is typically used in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), real estate deals, government grant requests, and job and academic applications. It sets precedence for further negotiation and a more formal agreement. Note that the LOI is nonbinding, and the terms outlined can be countered. 

Letters of intent are used in business and non-business circumstances where two parties must formalize their intent to work together or strike a deal. With this in mind, we have provided letter of intent templates suited for different use cases, including construction project deals, intent to marry, grant applications, promotions, job applications, purchase of a business, intent to hire, real estate transactions, and other scenarios.

The content of the LOI depends on the applicable terms of a transaction and negotiations between the parties involved. Therefore, it is pertinent to understand the different elements you should include in the letter in various scenarios. Most common types of letter of intent templates include the following;

Letter of Intent Construction Project

This template outlines the services and applicable terms in a construction project. This is because construction projects can be complex, and thus, the contractor and client must clarify the services to be provided beforehand. With this template, you can fill in the sender’s and recipient’s details in the header before specifying the client and contractor in the respective placeholders. These are followed by the following; 

Project description

The template prompts you to specify the location, known as the ‘project site,’ and the exact value of its total cost, known as the ‘contract price.’ You should then indicate the commencement and completion dates. While this is not the ultimate schedule, it offers a timeline for planning. You should also define the scope of services to be provided by the contractor. The fundamentals of the agreement should be provided in this section, and the finer details will specified in the final contract.      

Financial terms

A letter of intent is also suited for specifying the financial terms of the agreement, including payment (upon completion, in progress payments, and any other), deposit, and financing. You must clarify the number of days after the completion that payment must be made. If there is a payment schedule for in-progress payments, ensure that it is broken down in this section. The client gives a deposit as a monetary commitment, offering reassurance to the contractor.     

Execution sections

The parties section is meant to provide a statement of declaration that the document is not legally binding, and both parties pledge to negotiate project specifications when creating a definitive construction agreement. Therefore, even though the parties are not bound to the terms of the LOI, they are bound to the negotiation process and uphold confidentiality. The governing law indicates the jurisdiction under which the LOI will be enforced and thus provides a clear direction on which laws and regulations will be used to resolve misunderstandings and negotiate legally mandated clauses. Lastly, the LOI must be signed to confirm that parties consent to the contents of the document. 

Letter of Intent For Grant

This template is suited for organizations such as non-profits that want to send letters of intent to prospective sponsors indicating they want to seek a certain amount for a project. It begins with identifying the organization, its type, mission, intent, grantor’s name, project name, and goals. Other key sections include;

Project Overview – This section defines the objectives of the project, the problem being addressed, the expected impact, the target population, and the geographic location the project will serve. This section is meant to introduce the reader to what the project entails and capture the grantor’s interest.

Objective and goals – Use this section to define the project deliverables and show that the project has a substantial positive impact on the community.
Organization’s qualifications – Grantors want to finance organizations that fit their criteria and are credible in the respective industries. This template section is an opportunity to present information that will serve those two purposes by highlighting experience, awards, recognition, endorsements, and successes.

Funding request and utilization plan – This template section specifies the amount being requested and an overview of how the money will be used. It shows your planning capabilities and readiness to be accountable.

Sustainability and long-term impact – In this section, discuss the project’s long-term impact. You can discuss future funding, partnerships, or revenue-generating activities emanating from the project. This is an excellent way of demonstrating how impactful the project would be.

Finally, the template prompts you to conclude the LOI by reiterating key points to create a long-lasting impression on the grantor’s mind. Also, provide your contact information to facilitate correspondence and communication with the grantor.

Letter of Intent For Residency Template

This template is meant to apply for residency programs. It begins with a strong introduction that indicates the residency program, institution name, year, and any program-specific details. In the body section, you can demonstrate your knowledge of the residency program by discussing items like the faculty members, specialized facilities, and the institution’s philosophy. Also, discuss your real-life experiences that illustrate your qualities, resilience, and accomplishments. Use these paragraphs to make the LOI personal and unique. Personal experiences are often a criterion for the committee; thus, they can increase your chances of success. Other techniques to improve the quality of your LOI include; 

• Display your enthusiasm for the residency program. You can do so by displaying your knowledge of the program and institution specifics. Surface-level information may be monotonous to the reviewer, who has to read multiple applications. 
• Keep up-to-date information, such as accomplishments, and present it chronologically to show continuous improvement.  
• Write a LOI that enhances your application. Provide unique information from your personal experiences, challenges, and qualities that make you a befitting resident to intrigue the reviewing committee. 
• Use a professional tone throughout the LOI. Residency programs are chances to display your hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and professional conduct. Correspondence is key in any medical practice, and displaying your ability to produce formal documents can improve your chances of success.  

Letter of Intent for Grad School Template

This template is used to articulate your interest in a specific graduate school program and present reasons for your suitability for selection. It contains the introduction, body section, and conclusion. The introduction indicates the name of the graduate program, university name, semester details, and experience to set precedence over what the reader should expect in the LOI. In the body section, you are to discuss your academic journey, experience, specifics of the university and program, and professional and academic aspirations. When concluding, reiterate your interest in the graduate program and the school. 

This excellent template will guide you through the fundamental elements of the LOI for graduate school. However, you should aim to personalize the final draft. To gain enough content, reflect on your personal, educational, and career goals and research to identify unique factors that attract you to the program and graduate school. This information helps the admission committee understand who you are beyond your grades. Note that while the template provides an adequate structure, you can adjust the section to suit your narrative. 

Letter of Intent to Homeschool

Before homeschooling a child, you typically have to notify the state or department of your intention not to take your child to a public, private, or boarding school through a letter of intent. The parent or guardian typically writes this letter. The template has entries to identify the child’s name, date of birth, grade level, and parent/guardian information. Also, you must provide details on the homeschool’s name, address, curriculum, and evaluation method. This information is stored in the education department’s registry. Furthermore, clarify anticipated subjects, plans for extracurricular activities, and any special accommodations for the child.   

Note that each state will have different home-schooling guidelines. Therefore, it is important to declare that you will abide by the applicable state laws as directed by the template. However, sending the letter before withdrawing the child from the school is mandatory. Also, you should check the number of days your state requires before withdrawal and confirm the recipient of the LOI, as, in some cases, it can be the Department of Education, the district school principal, or the county school superintendent.     

Letter of Intent (LOI) to Marry Template

This template is used to craft letters of intent to marry for the petitioner (US citizen) and beneficiary (applicant or immigrant) during the K-1 visa application. The USCIS requires such letters to verify the identification of the parties, the nature of the relationship, and the intention to marry. This template has placeholders to input this information in a formal and presentable format. 

Visa applications are sensitive; you must provide details as accurately as possible. Therefore, items like legal names, addresses, and dates must be captured as presented in other official documents. The UCIS official website (https://www.uscis.gov/i-129f) provides the proper addresses to send the LOI to – for standard mail, the address is USCIS, P.O. Box 660151, Dallas, TX 75266, and express mail and courier deliveries use the following; USCIS, Attn: I-129F, 2501 South State, Highway 121 Business, Suite 400, Lewisville, TX 75067. Note that each party (petitioner and beneficiary) should fill out and sign their template and submit it. 

Letter of Intent (LOI) for Promotion Template

You should use this template when writing a letter to show your interest in receiving a promotion. Most employers require their employees to submit the LOI before they can shortlist candidates for a newly vacant position. This template has three (3) sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. It opens with a statement that explicitly declares your interest in a particular position, the company’s name, before mentioning your experience and current position.

The introduction should be attention-grabbing as you want the reader to be intrigued into reading the rest of the letter. The body is the template’s core; you have 4 paragraphs to delineate your experience at the company, your impact, your qualifications, relevant experience throughout your career, and what value you intend to bring to the company after being promoted. In the last section, summarize and reiterate your desire for the position and provide a CTA, such as a request for a meeting.    

Prewriting Considerations You Should Know

An excellent LOI is a tool for informing your employer of your intention/interest, availability for consideration, qualifications, and value to the company. To achieve all these objectives, you can; 

• Be up-to-date with vacant positions so that you can submit your LOI on time. You want to be among the first options available to your employer. However, do not write a subpar LOI to submit it promptly; a high-quality letter that took time to prepare is better than a hastily but timely sent one.  
• This template is a guide on the fundamental content and structure of an LOI for promotion. Therefore, be free to personalize it and incorporate content that reflects your professional journey. It is an efficient approach to standing out from your peers who present generic letters. 
• Discuss why you want the promotion and how you will benefit the company once selected. You can do so by highlighting your achievements and mentioning specific projects you would implement once promoted. Avoid referencing other employees’ pay as justification for your promotion request. 
• Know when to ask for the promotion. The best time for such requests is whenever a senior position is vacated, after a significant amount of time in the company, after you have completed a major project, and just before performance reviews or work anniversaries. You do not want to ask for a promotion when the company has a crisis or financial issues. 

Job Letter of Intent (LOI) Template

This template is designed to assist you in communicating your desire for a position in a particular company. The opening has placeholders for the title, company name, where you learned of the opportunity, and your background. This information immediately lets the employer understand the letter’s purpose and offers them some background on your profession. You can include a highly relevant or valuable skill and/or achievement to capture their interest. 

Use the next paragraph to discuss your previous or current work experience by highlighting your role, employer, key achievements, qualifications, and the connection or value of this experience to the position you are interested in. This section aims to demonstrate your credibility as an employer or expert in a particular field.

In the next 2 paragraphs, you will discuss why you are interested in the company and the position and demonstrate your openness to a mutually beneficial agreement. You can discuss how the company’s culture, mission, leadership, or projects align with your core values, aspirations, or skills. This is an excellent way of personalizing the LOI and demonstrating that you are a suitable candidate. Try to mention one or two things you are open to negotiating, for example, salary and location, to create room for negotiations. Use the last 2 paragraphs to close the LOI by informing the employer that you have attached your resume and are enthusiastic about the opportunity.

A strong closing reminds the employer of key points to take from the letter to create a lasting impression. Also, include a call to action (CTA), such as a request for a meeting, interview, or follow-up. 

Letter of Intent (LOI) to Purchase Business Template

This template is suited for instances where a buyer and seller want to establish non-binding terms for purchasing a business. It begins with a declaration that the terms outlined in the document are proposed and not definitive. After the declaration, the template has the following sections; 

1. Identification of seller and buyer – The parties (seller and buyer) are identified by their names and mailing addresses. Identification information must be accurate to facilitate due diligence background checks and documentation. 
2. Business components – The template allows placeholders to identify the business by name and real estate. However, it does offer you an option of including or excluding real estate from the transaction. Section 10 also allows you to document the bank accounts’ value to be retained by the buyer. Businesses have multiple components you can outline in this LOI; however, the above elements would be sufficient before other aspects can be clarified in a more definitive agreement. 
3. Financial details – The template has entries for various financial details, including purchase price, payment options, deposit terms, and financing contingency. Each financial aspect must be explicitly defined. For example, the percentage ownership being transacted must be specified. Also, if the payment will be via owner financing, aspects like down payment, interest rate, financing duration, and monthly installment due date must be specified. However, remember these are proposed terms and can thus be as flexible as possible. For example, the template offers three options for the deposit: a refundable, non-refundable, or no deposit to create room for negotiations. 
4. Seller and buyer conduct terms – Some clauses in the template indicate the party’s obligations to the transaction. For example, it has sections for recording the timeline to create a formal agreement, the seller’s conduct to protect the buyer’s interests, and the confidentiality clause. Remember, the LOI for a business purchase is simply a framework for a more formal agreement to be created later in the transaction. So, legal obligations and specifics do not have to be clarified in this section. 
5. Due diligence, adjustments, and conditions – These template sections are highly significant as they communicate that the buyer can access the business files to determine if it is a worthwhile investment based on its assets and liabilities. Also, they prevent the buyer from disclosing information to third parties. This is a key step in business purchase transactions as it helps establish the company’s value and protect its proprietary assets.
6. Other execution terms – The template has sections that aid the successful progress of the transaction. These include a termination clause indicating when the LOI is meant to be invalid and the standstill agreement clause that prevents the seller from selling any portion of the business to another party before the termination date. Also, there is a governing law to clarify the jurisdiction under which the LOI was prepared and enforced. However, note that this element does not imply that the letter is legally binding. The governing law is simply meant to provide direction should misunderstandings arise regarding the stipulations of the LOI. 
7. At the end, you can add other terms that you feel must be addressed in the early stages of the transaction before signing off the letter. 

Letter of Intent (LOI) for Business Template

Before setting the final terms of a business transaction, you can use this template to document the first offer and basic terms such as asset description, price, and important dates. Some basic placeholders include the investor, investment, investment amount, transaction value, and percentage ownership. Other important details the template outlines include the structure of the transaction, financing options available, access to information clause, return of materials, investment conditions, closing date, and closing costs. These sections are to guide how the transaction process will be carried out after the intention to invest has been declared. 

Additionally, the template has sections to guide the execution and enforcement of the LOI. You can identify the confidentiality clause to ensure all discussions and information shared are not disclosed to third parties. Confidentiality is mandatory in such transactions as it ensures that they are not interfered with by other parties and the asset retains its value without market manipulation. Also, you have the option to or not to impose the creation of a formal agreement once the terms of the LOI are satisfied. Other clauses such as good faith negotiations, exclusive opportunity, standstill agreement, governing law, intention of the parties, severability, and acceptance are meant to facilitate the enforcement of the LOI. At the end, each party must sign as confirmation that they agree to the letter’s content and are committed to fulfilling their obligations as stipulated. 

Binding or non-binding?

As a general rule, an LOI is non-binding; however, it can be made binding by including clauses that explicitly clarify that the provisions are legally binding. It is up to the parties to determine if certain terms are conclusively binding at this stage of the business transaction and incorporate this enforceability quality in the LOI.  

Letter of Intent (LOI) to Sue Template

Use this template to notify a party that you intend to file a lawsuit against them. This template allows you to describe comprehensively the circumstances at hand, including the plaintiff and defendant, the nature of the dispute, the statement of demand, and a deadline for resolution before legal action can be taken. You should use language that expressly indicates the actions and ensuing consequences. The template has provided placeholders to specify the compensation requested, facts to support your claim, and governing law. There are entries to provide contact details where any correspondence should be directed. Circumstances that would necessitate a letter of intent to sue include; 

• Any dispute that you have attempted to resolve through multiple non-legal approaches, such as mediation, arbitration, and warning letters. 
• To resolve breach of contract
• When a former landlord refuses to refund your security deposit without any justifiable causes
• In cases where a client has refused to pay outstanding debts without any commitment or openness to negotiate and find a solution

Lastly, since this letter may be part of the paper trail, should the defendant fail to honor your requests, it is advisable to send it via certified mail to obtain a delivery notice. This notice can be used as evidence of refusal to settle out of court. 

Letter of Intent for Medical School Template

This template is meant for you to explicitly declare your intention to accept admission to a specific medical school if selected. To do so, there are certain components we have incorporated in the template, including; 

• Express declaration of your intent – The template begins with a strong introduction stating your interest in the specific medical school. Also, it allows you to specify the aspect you are drawn to, whether it is the facilities, faculty, or credibility. You can also reference specific interactions and experiences that appealed to you during the interview in the appropriate placeholders. 
• Experiences and skills – This template has a paragraph section for you to discuss any experiences and skills you have gained since you submitted your application. Also, mention how this improves your suitability for admission. This updates the reviewers and displays your commitment to continued development. 
• Your pursuits in medical school – As the template directs, indicate the specific programs, projects, research areas, or opportunities you are interested in. Also, specify the value you intend to bring to the school. Reviewers have a preference for applicants with aspirations and who plan on having a significant impact on the community. 

The template then concludes by reiterating your commitment to accepting the school’s offer and thanking the board for considering your application before signing off. This LOI is a formal document, and as a result, you must write it in a formal tone and include a formal complimentary close as directed. Include your full name as it appears on your application’s documents. 

Important Points You Should Know…

Here are several things to keep in mind when preparing your letter of intent to attend medical school. 

• You should consider sending the letter a month after the interview, regardless of whether you have been added to the waitlist or not. 
• Review the medical school’s instructions on submitting letters of intent, if applicable. The LOI is only valuable if the appropriate recipient receives it and considers it when evaluating your application.  
• Avoid regurgitating the content of your application documents, such as your resume. Let the LOI focus on the medical school, your intention to accept their offer, and reasons for your choice to commit.  
• Note that medical schools often want to determine their yield rates – how many applicants are willing to attend the school once admitted, hence the recommendation to send an LOI. However, this letter is not a guarantee of admission; it is simply to increase your chances of selection. 

Letter of Intent to Hire Template

Employers can use this template to contact prospective employees and let them know of their interest in offering them a job they had previously applied for. Such a letter of intent is needed because the job applicant’s response to the LOI lets the employer know of their availability in case they had initially applied to different companies. This template outlines the employer’s offer by providing sections for employment specifics such as commitment (part-time or full-time), employment period (fixed or at-will), responsibilities, start date, and time off. It also has a section for payment, including salary amount, duration, frequency, and benefits.

These sections provide incentives for the prospective to increase their interest. Other key sections of this template include probation period, notice period, non-compete clause, and binding effect provision. Use these sections to outline the timeframe for the prospective to be assimilated into the company and inform them of terms that will be applicable once the offer has been accepted, such as notice issuing guidelines and non-compete policy. Note that in the binding effect section, you can record the provisions of the LOI that are legally binding since the letter, in practice, is non-binding. Both parties must sign the letter at the end to indicate a commitment to pursue potential employment.

Real Estate Letter of Intent (LOI) Template

A real estate letter of intent is used to declare one party’s intention to complete a transaction regarding property, whether it is buy, sell, or lease. As such, it can be utilized in multiple residential and commercial transaction scenarios. We have provided different templates to guide you to illustrate the different use cases of letters of intent in real estate.

This generic template has been designed to suit multiple real estate transactions, including purchases and leasing. The first 4 sections are meant to identify the parties and property involved. So, do not use aliases. These details must captured accurately to prevent misidentification of the parties and the property being purchased or leased. Also, these details must match with those provided in other legal documents. The financial terms must then be defined, including the purchase or lease amount and its justification. For purchase, justification includes professional valuations or appraisal, while for lease, it can be market conditions, lease terms, or negotiations. 

The next three sections are flexible and filled based on the specific transaction requirements.

• For purchase use case – If the LOI is for the purchase of property, fill in sections 6 and 7. Here, you can specify multiple aspects, such as whether the purchase is contingent on securing financing or not. Other terms include closing date, closing costs, possession transfer, inspection, applicable disclosure, and a standstill clause. You can add more conditions applicable to the situation at hand. Also, these conditions must align with the jurisdiction’s guidelines; in some states, some clauses, such as disclosures, must be part of property sales. 
• For lease use case – Use section 8 to define lease terms. Document all the applicable lease terms, including late fees, security deposit, subletting, and key house policies. Some of these terms, such as late fees and security deposit, are typically predetermined by the state’s guidelines and landlord, and such may not be as flexible for the tenant. 

The template has also incorporated other clauses such as confidentiality, binding effect, governing law, and additional terms and conditions sections to make the LOI more detailed and streamline the purchase or lease process. The LOI guides both parties in negotiating conclusively at a later date before a legally binding contract can be crafted. The main purpose of this letter is to confirm the parties’ good faith in their intentions and commitment to reaching a more comprehensive agreement. 

Letter of Intent to Lease Residential Property Template

This template outlines all the fundamental components for preparing a letter communicating the intent to lease a residential building. It has placeholders for a lease’s basics, including parties involved, description of premises, lease term details, payment of rent, responsibility for expenses, late rent, and security deposit. Beyond these elements, the template has sections that cover house policies such as subletting, furnishing and appliances, parking, and pet policy.

We have also included execution clauses to determine if you would like the terms of the LOI to be binding or non-binding. This must, however, be discussed and agreed upon beforehand. If the LOI is to be binding, it is advisable to modify the template, make it more comprehensive, and include state-mandated provisions. Also, state guidelines on residential leases should be reviewed to ensure compliance with conditions such as late fees and security deposit. 

Letter of Intent (LOI) to Lease Commercial Property Template

This template is suited for declaring one party’s intention to lease a commercial property for business use. It provides a framework for discussions and negotiations by incorporating components such as the lessee, lessor, address of premises, lease term, permitted use, and financial terms. Other lease-specific sections, such as options for renewal, rent adjustment, subletting, and assignment, have been included. You can modify these sections to define key details such as space configuration, improvement allowance, common area maintenance (CAM) fees, and early termination. This letter can be written by a commercial real estate broker or landlord’s agent representing their parties. 

Letter of Intent (LOI) to Purchase Commercial Property Template

A letter of intent to purchase commercial property indicates the buyers’ intention and commitment to buying the property. This template helps identify the parties involved, the property, and the offer. Information provided in these sections serves as a starting point for negotiations in preparation for drafting a formal purchase agreement. While the template provides a basic structure, you are to align your offer to your capabilities and be applicable as per the landlord’s and state’s guidelines.

The purchase of commercial property can be an expensive ordeal due to activities such as inspection, title searches, and filing fees. As a result, closing costs must be declared before the process begins. Use the standstill agreement clause to limit the seller from negotiating with other potential buyers before the closing date of your offer. 

Letter of Intent (LOI) to Purchase Residential Property Template

This template is to be used to buy and sell residential property. It begins by introducing the buyer, seller, and property information, followed by financial terms. Then, it provides sections to specify the closing date, closing costs responsibility, possession date, and property inspection procedure. Property inspections determine the house’s condition, which consequently decides the property’s value. Therefore, the purchase price indicated in section 3 of the LOI might not be similar to that in the final agreement.

You have also been provided with sections to indicate if the LOI will be binding or non-binding, as well as a standstill agreement to prevent the property owner from engaging other potential buyers of the house. Ensure to indicate the governing law and sign the letter. These two sections are critical for a binding LOI because they confirm that both parties agree to the document’s content and will pursue any violations of the provisions through the guidelines stipulated by the jurisdiction. 

The templates have been provided in MS Word, Word templates, OpenDocument Text, and Google Docs formats. Different formats offer different capabilities. So, use one that suits your needs in a particular situation. 

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