Problem Statement or Needs Assessment
3-4 Pages
When seeking funds, a specific problem area or need should be addressed. This is a
critically important section of the proposal. Information based on objective research,
not subjective impressions, should be provided to justify the need or problem. This data,
however, should not be voluminous, but sufficient to demonstrate that a problem or need
exists.
A problem statement or needs assessment should meet the following criteria:
- Describes the target population to be served
- Defines the community problem to be addressed and the need in the geographical
area where the organization operates
- Is related to the purposes and goals of the applicant agency
- Is of reasonable dimensions - not trying to solve all the problems of the world
- Is supported by relevant statistical evidence
- Is supported by relevant anecdotal evidence
- Is supported by statements from authorities
- Is stated in terms of clients' needs and problems - not the applicant's
- Is developed with input from clients and beneficiaries
- Is not the "lack of a program", unless the program always works
- Makes no unsupported assumptions
- Is as brief as possible
- Is interesting to read
- Is free of jargon
- Makes a compelling case
