Customize your grant application. That includes the cover letter. (Note: Some funders specifically ask that you not include a cover letter. If so, don’t!) Try to find out who is the person responsible for initially reviewing grants. Address your letter to that person. Don’t use a form letter, tailor it. We know we are PetSmart Charities, but we got a grant application with a cover letter addressed to Dear Mrs. Smart. As it turns out, that was rather flattering, but… you get the idea.