Grant Proposal
The Problem Statement or The Needs Statement
The Needs Statement Should be Compelling
This sets the framework for the entire proposal
You want to introduce the issue or problem to the funder
You want to document that it is a serious issue or problem
You want to convince the funder that some kind of response is needed
You want to document your claim that the issue is critical with current and reliable data
This statement is key to moving the proposal forward
Basic Rules for the Needs Statement
The need being addressed in the statement should have a clear relationship to an organization’s mission
Basic Rules for the Needs Statement
The needs statement should focus squarely on those the organization serves and their specific needs, rather than the organization’s needs, unless an organizational capacity-building grant is being sought
Basic Rules for the Needs Statement
Any assertions about the problem should be well supported with evidence (statistics, facts, expert views, trends found in the experience of doing the work, etc.)
Basic Rules for the Needs Statement
The organization must be able to directly connect – and substantiate the need described in the proposal with the organization’s ability to successfully respond to the need (that ability will be described in another section of the proposal, but has to be considered when stating the need)
Basic Rules for the Needs Statement
The need statement must be easily digestible. Avoid using jargon, and do not make the reader have to work to understand the point. Graphs and charts with data to support the case are often good additions to the proposal, as they present the data in the most compelling way
Basic Rules for the Needs Statement
Individual case stories also can add a compelling effect to the proposal