Sample FOIA requests and appeals

Re: Freedom of Information Act Appeal

Dear:

   This is an appeal under the Freedom of Information Act.

   On (date), I requested documents under the Freedom of Information Act. My request was assigned the following identification number: ________. On (date), I received a response to my request in a letter signed by (name of official). I appeal the denial of my request. A copy of my FOIA request and the agency determination which is the subject of this appeal is attached for your convenience.

    [Optional] The documents that were withheld must be disclosed under the FOIA because . . . .

    [Optional] I appeal the decision to deny my request for a waiver of fees. I believe that I am entitled to a waiver of fees. Disclosure of the documents I requested is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government and is not primarily in my commercial interest.

    [Optional] I appeal the decision to require me to pay review costs for this request. I am not seeking the documents for a commercial use. (Provide details)

    [Optional] I appeal the decision to require me to pay search and/or review charges for this request. I am a representative of the news media seeking information as part of news gathering and not for commercial use.

    [Optional] I appeal the decision to require me to pay search and/or review charges for this request. I am a representative of an educational institution seeking information for a scholarly purpose.

    [Optional] I appeal the decision to require me to accept the information I seek in a paper or hard copy format. I requested this information, which the agency maintains in an electronic form, in an electronic format, specifically on a personal computer disk [or a CD-ROM].

    [Optional] I also include a telephone number at which I can be contacted during the hours of ________, if necessary, to discuss any aspect of my appeal.

   Thank you for your consideration of this appeal.

Sincerely,

Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Telephone number
[Optional]