The need statement, popularly known as problem statement, or needs assessment, is so pivotal to the grant proposal writing process that no grant proposal can be considered without it. While the same fate would befall proposals that are not accompanied by Letters of Inquiry, solicitation, or any other document that may be requested, the needs statement outlines the problem or the motivation underlying the funding request. As a result, an impressive need statement should focus on the community’s needs to validate your grant proposal request as a community document rather than the applicant’s property.

The effectiveness of your statement can also be shown by the way you define your beneficiaries. As one of the critical constituents of the grant proposal, the need statement should provide incontrovertible highlights of the problem. It should outline the geographic area in which the project is to be implemented, the scope of the issue to be addressed, and a persuasive statement on the potency of the need. The problem may be expressed more effectively using statistical evidence (data, graphics, and models) in addition to quotations from previous research and official documents from government agencies. Your writing style and word choice should highlight the gravity of the problem, as well as a call for expeditious interventions to remedy the situation. Chances are that you are not the only applicant from your area, so the more effectively you define the problem, the better your chances of success.  Note that statistical evidence is a sure way to convince your potential donor of the seriousness of the problem. However, remember to maintain objectivity by striking an equilibrium between the figures you quote and the sentiments of the people in the project location.

Always endeavor to relate your needs statement with a current problem affecting the community, demonstrate in-depth knowledge of these problems, and prove that you have the institutional capacity to analyze the problems and solve them. Be mindful of the community’s needs (and funder’s interests) rather than deficiencies in your organization. As such, you should align your objectives with the strategic needs of your donor.

The Need statement, otherwise known as a problem statement or need assessment, is the soul of your grant proposal. A strong needs statement sets the tone and direction of your grant proposal or program. It is defined as a short and articulate declaration on the need to fund the project, accompanied by relevant evidence. Without a persuasive need assessment, it is unlikely that you will write a captivating project. Remember that this is a section that potential donors take seriously. You should too the rest of the discussions in the proposal hinge on it.

A good Needs Statements should include the following:

Brief Account of the Problem

Define the issue by structuring your responses to the following questions: Who are the intended beneficiaries? What are their needs? Where is the project location? When do you intend to complete the project? Why should you address the problem? Needs assessment is your chance to prove your level of knowledge of the problem.

Acknowledgment of the Problem

Outline reasons for categorizing it as a problem.  Do members of the community view the same way? Is there evidence from credible sources that support this view? State whether notable members of the community perceive the issue as a problem.

Possible Consequences of the Problem

This section outlines how the community will be affected if the problem is not addressed. The implications can be addressed effectively by quantifying the costs of inaction to the community.

Impediments to Program Execution

This is a concise presentation of the setbacks you are likely to run into during the program execution. It is prudent to begin your analysis with an account of the difference between the current state of the community and the new state after the intervention.  It is a journey through the real situation and the ideal situation, and the factors that have impeded past attempts to resolve the issue.

The need for Immediate Action

This highlights the need for expeditious intervention. You should focus on questions related to the seriousness of the problem:

Why should you intervene now?

What is being done presently to mitigate the problem?

Significance of the Solution

The implication of funding to the problem can be captured in the following ways:

Explanation of the appropriateness of donor funding to the project. Specifically, you should highlight reasons why you believe external financing is necessary.

State the activities within the project that can be completed within the stipulated period of the grant. Is the execution plan quantifiable and realistic?

Human interest Story

You can make your need statement more compelling if you include brief explanations on how the problem impacts the quality of life. Confessions of people residing in the study area may be impactful. The use of statistical evidence is discouraged as it is detached from everyday sentiments in the community.

You could go a step further by recording the sentiments of people who have been impacted positively under the same circumstances.

The Purpose Needs Statement

Needs assessment is sanctioned to identify underlying circumstances, issues, or challenges that inform the need for intervention. Most grant applicants misrepresent this section by describing a strategy for resolving the problem when in essence, they are expected to provide a solid basis for requesting funds. 

With this in mind, your needs assessment should be guided by four imperatives:

• Use of irrefutable evidence to prove the existence of the problem, and its impact on the community.
• Highlights of the dynamics that cause or aggravate the problem.
• Pinpoint the gaps that your project will fill if funded.
• If necessary, outline the necessity of relaying the best approaches to the community to consolidate the gains from the funding. Moreover, you should identify priority areas to prevent deterioration of the same, state the cause of the problem, interventions that have worked in other settings and are adapted to the current situation, and a clear demarcation of communities that are affected by the problem directly or indirectly.

If you are going to write a need assessment paper, you got to do a top-notch one.