Grant Project: Statement of Need Assignment
Instructions
Overview
The Statement of Need or “Problem
Statement” as it is sometimes referred to is a very critical aspect of the
grant proposal. It is critical to the grant proposal because it identifies to
the funder the specific problem you intend to solve and serves as the
foundation upon which you will build your proposal. The problem also needs to
align with the mission of the funding organization. If the problem you intend
to address connects with the interests of the funder/grant maker, then there is
a chance that they may consider investing in your project. This requires some
research on your part in understanding the interests of the funder. The problem
statement should be defined and clarified before moving forward in writing the
proposal. In writing the problem statement you should include who is affected
by the problem, the causes of the problem, current data/statistics to support
the problem and how the organization is able to respond to the need. Some
funders require an extensive need or problem statement, while others may just
require 1-2 pages. It is important to follow all the instructions provided by
the funding organization, so that the organization will not be disqualified or
penalized.
For the Statement
of Need, pick a logical “need” for your organization based on its mission statement
and project/research idea. Don’t create a monstrous, multifaceted “Need” with a
large, involved budget. If you do, it makes the other assignments of the grant proposal
more time consuming to complete. Focus your ideas. The textbook provides a very
good example.
·
Length of
the assignment: No less than 1 page. A title page
and reference section should also be included.
·
Format of
Assignment: Use current APA style when citing
your work.
·
Number of Citations: Use at least 1 supplementary source.
·
Acceptable
Sources: Use current data and references published
within the last 5 years to support your need.
