Community-based organizations and other non-profit institutions located in the 16th Congressional District may at times require letters of support (LOS) for funding proposals they are submitting to city, state, and federal agencies. The internal review process for these requests may take up to 14 days. Here are some simple guidelines for groups seeking letters of support:

1. To request a letter of support from Congressman Serrano, officers at non-profit organizations should e-mail District Director Cheryl Simmons-Oliver (Cheryl.Simmons-Oliver@mail.house.gov) or fax their request on agency letterhead to (718) 620-0658 . All requests should be signed by an officer of the requesting organization.
2. The request letter should have a description of the proposal, the proper name of the funding agency, and the deadline for the actual proposal. Capital project request letters should include precise addresses for project locations. If the project description is not clear, the District Director reserves the right to view the proposal or portions thereof as part of the internal review process.
3. If the requesting group has never approached the office before for assistance, that organization must include in the text of their request some background information about their activities and organizational history. The District Director reserves the right to request additional information about a new group and make a site visit to the group before considering their request.
4. If approved, letters of support will generally be addressed to the CEO/President of the community-based organization requesting the letter. In certain cases, letters of support may be sent directly to the funding agency at the discretion of the Congressman.
5. A letter of support will not be written if the community-based organization is seeking support for an item which would be in violation of either office policy or procedure or raises any ethical questions. Further, letters of support may not be furnished to all groups that request them."