Your first assignment is to identify a need and document it. In a grant proposal, the needs statement is usually the first major section and follows a brief contextual introduction.
Using the Kipling quote above, you will probably wish to answer the following questions:
- Who will be served? Who is the client group?
- What is the problem area addressed by proposal?
- Why is it important?
- What is the gap between what is and what ought to be?
- Why try to solve the problem now?
- What happens if the problem is solved?
Establish Credibility
The proposal writer should assume that the funding source will closely scrutinize this section. Make every effort to insure that the need or problem is presented accurately and credibly. In the eyes of the reader, it must be believable.
And you must be believable. Demonstrate your familiarity with the problem. Show that you recognize its complexity. Establish your credibility by showing your understanding of the problem. Do this by summarizing:
- what has been accomplished,
- what has been tried before,
- what are the potential hazards, impediments, challenges to be overcome,
- what options and alternatives exist and the advantages/disadvantages of each.
The need also must be defined. It is not enough to say that a certain activity or service does not exist; a need must be shown. The need should be specific and limited to an identifiable entity [use numbers, if at all possible]. What is the present situation? How should it be changed? Why? The answers to these questions will help to articulate the need.
Document the Need
Documentation from authoritative sources will add strength. Use quotes from experts and prominent figures in the news media. Cite government surveys and research studies. Compare U.S. progress to other countries. Use a combination of the six basic needs assessment approaches (listed in your assignment description):
- Studies -- Literature review of published documents
- Statistics -- Data from census, government studies, research reports
- Key informants -- Recognized authorities
- Community forum -- Public testimony, Statements from grassroots groups
- Case Studies -- Example of a "typical" (not composite) needy client
- Survey -- Random selection of population to answer targeted question.
The question often arises as to why the organization itself cannot finance the project; one should be prepared to address that issue. If requesting operating support, it should be shown that increases have occurred in services/costs or that previous funding has been reduced or withdrawn.
Show Potential Impact
Successful past performance in the proposed activity should be emphasized. When appropriate, the project's impact on the community should be shown, e.g., higher employment, reduced numbers of homeless people, etc.
In summary, the need/problem statement should:
- -- Clearly define need
- -- Identify the target group
- -- Demonstrate your credibility
- -- Document the need
- -- Cite project impact