Which of the following is NOT a major component of a letter of inquiry?

The correct choice highlights that a historical background of the organization is not considered a major component of a letter of inquiry. In the context of writing such a letter, the primary purpose is to succinctly communicate essential information about a proposed project to a potential funder. Components like a brief introduction outlining the goals, a detailed description of the project, and an overview of the budget and time frame are crucial because they focus on the specific proposal being made and provide the funder with a clear understanding of what is being requested and why it matters.

Including a historical background may provide context, but it is not as critical to the immediate aims of the inquiry. The funders are generally most interested in what the project entails, how it will be executed, and the potential impact, rather than the organization's history. Thus, while some background may be useful, it is not a core element in the typical structure of a letter of inquiry.