Writing a powerful statement of need
Abstract
A statement of need is typically crafted during the proposal writing stage in the fundraising process. It presents the facts and evidence that support the need for the project and indicates that the organization understands how to address the need. This effective practice provides guidelines for writing a powerful statement of need from The Foundation Center.
Issue
Preparing a statement of need is a critical part of a project proposal, since funders must agree with the organization that the project will address an important problem.
Action
According to the Foundation Center, the statement of need enables the reader to learn more about the issues already outlined in the executive summary of the proposal.
The statement of need presents the facts and evidence that support the need for the project and establishes that a nonprofit understands the problems and therefore can reasonably address them. The information used to support the case can come from authorities in the field, as well as from an agency's own experience. The statement of need does not have to be long and involved. Short, concise information captures the reader's attention. (Two pages is usually sufficient.)
Follow these six steps when writing the statement of need:
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- Decide which facts or statistics best support the project.
- Give the reader hope.
- Decide if you want to put your project forward as a model.
- Determine whether it is reasonable to portray the need as acute.
- Decide whether you can demonstrate that your program addresses the need differently or better than other projects that preceded it.
- Avoid circular reasoning. For a more detailed explanation of the steps above, visit the Foundation Center's Proposal Writing Short Course.
Context
Service organizations seeking funding and/or preparing communications materials to promote their program or projects will write a statement of need. The Foundation Center's mission is to support and improve philanthropy by promoting public understanding of the field and helping grantseekers succeed. Founded in 1956, the Center is a leading authority on philanthropy and is dedicated to serving grantseekers, grantmakers, researchers, policymakers, the media, and the general public.
Citation
Geever, Jane C. The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing (3rd ed.). New York: The Foundation Center, 2001.
(Jane C. Geever is the chairman of the development consulting firm, J. C. Geever, Inc.)
Outcome
After funding has been awarded, organizations can adapt the statement of need for use in promotional materials to communicate the reason for the program or project.
Posted On
February 8, 2000For More Information
Resources
From The Resource Center library:
The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing
Item number: R0316
Winning Grants Step by Step
Item number: W0044
